Are you eating your daily portions?

July 9, 2009 - Leave a Response

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TODAY’S VERSE: Proverbs 24:13-14

“Honey is good for you, my children, and it tastes sweet. Wisdom is like honey for your life– if you find it, your future is bright.”
[Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society]

TODAY’S MESSAGE
Did you know that honey is one of those special created and amazing natural elements with so many health benefits and amazing facts around it? If you’d like to learn more facts about honey and honeybees, I invite you to visit the following educational webpage which I found with plenty of facts and history on honey:

http://www.goldenblossomhoney.com/education_facts.php

According to the writer of Proverbs, godly wisdom is just like honey: sweet, delightful and very healthy. And when we take the time to sit down and “eat” it on a daily basis, our strength is renewed and our faith increased in amazing ways. Moreover, our light shines even brighter and the world around us can see Jesus.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing of Your Word and all the benefits in it. Help me each day to take the time to “eat” it and delight in Your amazing love, so that my faith becomes stronger and my light brighter. In Jesus’ precious name I pray and give thanks, amen.

God is telling you (and me) something

July 8, 2009 - Leave a Response

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TODAY’S VERSE: Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.”
[The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

TODAY’S MESSAGE
Some time ago I was rushing to take my daughter to school. I was running late, and did not realize that I was driving at 40mph (roughly 64 km/h) in a 25mph (around 38 km/h) zone. Suddenly, I saw a police officer turn his red-and-blue lights on and point at me.  Oh no!!

I immediately apologized to the officer and confessed that I was indeed rushing. After a few minutes researching my driving record, he gave me a break and let me go. No ticket. However, I was still ashamed of what happened, and somehow felt God’s voice: “My son, there’s no need to rush in life. Better time management, you know…”

A few Sundays later we had a guest pastor preach to us at church about living in peace, and abiding in God’s peace.  Again, it was like God was telling me, “My son, you have too much in your mind; it’s time to rest in me.”

God is always speaking to us in so many ways, and even uses circumstances like these to give us a wake-up call. But we’re the ones who need to listen more. God’s small, still voice is always providing wisdom and understanding; we’re the ones who need to lean on Him and rely 100% on His perspective –which sees the whole picture, even all those details we cannot figure out from our limited viewpoint.

We all wish we knew everything, but only God does. Our position is to stand in faith, acknowledge that He is The Wise and Faithful, and listen. Then, live and share with others the results.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always finding ways to call my attention to listen to Your wisdom. Forgive me for all those times I have tried to lean on my own understanding –which never work. Teach me to listen and obey Your voice, and distinguish it from other voices. Thank You for Your power working in me to make awesome things happen for good! In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

A very important reminder

July 7, 2009 - Leave a Response

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TODAY’S VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
[New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society]

“Thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.”
[The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

“Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].”
[Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

“Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.”
[Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society]

TODAY’S MESSAGE
The following anonymous message received some time ago is an excellent reminder of our need to give thanks at all times despite our present circumstances:

Dear Father,

I want to thank you for what you have already done.
I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards, I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better, I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me, I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears, I am thanking You right now.
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves, I am going to thank You right now.
I am not going to wait until my children are asleep and the house is quiet, I am going to thank You right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get a job; I am going to thank You right now.
I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking You right now.
I am thanking You because I am alive.
I am thanking You because I made it through the yesterday’s difficulties.
I am thanking You because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I am thanking You because You have not given up on me.

**************************
Have you given thanks today?

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, THANK YOU for providing me health, family, friends, and so many blessings I sometimes take for granted. Remind me to always be appreciative and grateful regardless of my circumstances, for You truly love me and care for me like nobody else. In Jesus’ precious name I rejoice and give thanks, amen.

Learn to have an attitude of contentment no matter what

July 6, 2009 - Leave a Response

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TODAY’S VERSE: Philippians 4:12b-13a

“I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”
[The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

TODAY’S MESSAGE
Every single day there is at least one thing you and I need or want. Every day it seems like, no matter how hard we work or strive to live a well-balanced life, something is always missing. And this one thing can very easily steal our joy and peace if we choose to focus on it instead of thanking our Heavenly Father for how blessed we really are.

Think about it… Can you and I count how many people on this earth have no means to enjoy a warm and cozy house, or drive a well-heated car during winter, or even be able to sit down and give grace for a hot meal? Do you and I know how many of our own fellow countrypeople still live way below poverty levels and struggle each day to make ends meet?

We do need to be thankful to our God every single minute for everything we have. Above all, we need to learn to live with an attitude of contentment no matter our circumstances, and not take for granted what we think will be permanently ours. For if we focus our attention and attitude on doing this, we will position ourselves, not only to continue to be blessed, but have more than enough to assist other people’s needs around us.

Today, despite how we feel, or how bad things look, let us glorify God by having an attitude of contentment. And above everything, *rejoice!!* The best is yet to come.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for so much provision You gracefully pour into my life every single day. Help me not to take Your grace for granted, but instead rejoice and be content in every circumstance I face, trusting that Your loving faithfulness will supply all of my needs and the needs of those around me. In the precious name of Jesus I commit to have a content attitude and give thanks always, amen.

Forget shortcuts. Trust God. Relax.

July 2, 2009 - Leave a Response

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TODAY’S VERSE: Luke 22:42

“Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?”
[The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

TODAY’S MESSAGE
Throughout our life journey, we humans have a tendency to search for shortcuts. Can I go this shorter route? Is there a faster way for doing this? How can I do this or that more comfortably? Do I really need to go that far?

The plain truth is that, in real life, shortcuts don’t work. Especially when it comes to our personal and spiritual growth and development, or fulfilling our God-given mission, there’s no substitution to life itself. For it is the *process* of living that has been ordained and designed by God to polish us and make us the person we really need to be. And in this process, patience is key!

The plain truth is that you and I do not need shortcuts in life. All we need is genuine confidence in God’s power and ability to take us through whatever we’re facing. With God’s grace, love and supernatural strength we *will* have enough energy to keep on walking our journey, no matter how long and difficult it may seem.

When in doubt, ask Jesus. He knows exactly how it feels. And He also knows how glorious the end result!

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being so faithful and loving –even in the midst of my doubts and search for shortcuts in life. Teach me to rely on You at all times, despite my unwanted circumstances, for You truly care for me. I praise You for Your awesome work in my inner being, and for the blessing of living a life worthy of Your gospel. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

Regardless of circumstances YOU CAN be successful!

July 1, 2009 - Leave a Response

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TODAY’S VERSE: Mark 9:23b

“Everything is possible for him who believes.”

[New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

You and I do not have to possess a million-dollar fortune or live in the very best conditions to be successful in life. In fact, most successful people –including biblical characters of old like Joseph– faced adversities, rejection, and even poverty and imprisonment. Despite all these realities, their faith in God and confidence in their God-given abilities helped them overcome those circumstances and become historical successes.

The testimony of human beings like Joseph should serve as vivid examples of what you and I can also accomplish regardless of our present situation. We might be struggling to make ends meet today, but that does not mean that we will live broke forever. We might be having serious relational difficulties today, but that does not mean we cannot expect and hope for a restored relationship tomorrow. We might be facing a serious illness or a negative medical report, but that does not mean God’s power isn’t able to perform the miraculous for His glory.

Remember: “Everything is possible for him [and her] who believes!” So, regardless of where you stand today, proclaim your success! Don’t allow negative thoughts to discourage and darken your life. Keep your faith strong in your God –your Supreme Creator– and believe that you are here for a purpose. Rejoice in what God is already doing, and praise His name. Later, share your results!

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing me the keys to a successful life, and for the privilege of Your daily guidance. Help me to stay strong on my faith in You, with the confidence that You are already working on my behalf and that very soon I will reap the benefits of my faithfulness. In Jesus’ name I rejoice and give thanks, amen!

Refuse to doubt!!

June 29, 2009 - Leave a Response

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TODAY’S VERSE: Luke 8:24b-25a

“Getting to his feet, he told the wind, “Silence!” and the waves, “Quiet down!” They did it. The lake became smooth as glass. Then he said to his disciples, “Why can’t you trust me?”

[The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Sometimes life’s storms have a unique way of emerging out of nowhere. When we think everything is working out and we’re just in “happyland,” storms suddenly strike –and just the thought of losing everything we have can very easily transform into a giant fear that just makes circumstances worse.

I personally recall many times when I was in the midst of one of life’s storms. But as I meditated in God’s endless love and proven faithfulness, I have never found a compelling reason to surrender to fear and doubt. Why would I… after experiencing first hand God’s grace and favor in so many ways throughout all these years… after seeing with my own eyes God’s goodness and mercy manifested in me and so many other people… after tasting God’s presence and enjoying His blessings?

I have determined myself to firmly declare: **I REFUSE TO DOUBT!!** and I will continue to declare it while trusting The God Who designed me with a divine purpose… The God Who has everything under earth in His hands… The God Who promised not to leave nor forsake His children… The God Who is Just and True!

Brother and sister, **REFUSE TO DOUBT!!** and instead join me in celebrating God’s goodness today and every single day!! For what we see today –the pain, the uncertainty, the negative reports– will not last forever. But God’s failthfulness and love will!”

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for being such an awesome God! I praise You today for what You’ve already done, are doing, and will continue to do for the sake of Your loved children and Who You are. I refuse to doubt Your goodness and instead celebrate my victory today and every day! In Jesus’ Almighty name I pray and rejoice, amen!

Don’t worry… be prayerful

June 26, 2009 - Leave a Response

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TODAY’S VERSE: Philippians 4:6

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God.”

[Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Every day brings plenty of opportunities to pray and give thanks, as well as plenty of obstacles and stressful situations which provoke us to judge and worry. How you and I choose to act (or react) is exactly that, a choice. We can decide to maintain a healthy perspective on life no matter what by simply placing all our concerns and worries before our Heavenly Father. Or, we can decide to complain and rationally judge every circumstance we face, adding a negative note to it. The choice is entirely ours.

Philippians 4:6 is God’s answer to any human situation we may be facing. Once we choose His way, our journey will become smoother and easier to walk.

Choose right, and you’ll experience the difference…

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of coming before You each day through prayer and thanksgiving. Help me to focus on Your goodness in such a way that I may see my problems and stressful circumstances the way you see them: new opportunities to pray and be thankful. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

Remember that promises follow principles

June 25, 2009 - Leave a Response

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TODAY’S VERSE: 2 Corinthians 7:1

“With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.”
[The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

TODAY’S MESSAGE
When am I going to receive this blessing?? When is this storm going to stop?? When will I finally see the deliverance I’ve prayed for so long?? When am I going to see the fulfillment of God’s promise in my life?? Will it ever happen??

I’m sure all of us have made these questions sometime in our Christian journey. We pray very hard. We fast several times.  We confess God’s Word and declare it true. We believe with all our hearts. Yet, the answer seems so far away…

The truth is that our Almighty Heavenly Father knows everything about our life and our needs, and He has *all* the power in the entire universe to fulfill His promises unto us. However, God has also established Biblical principles that serve as guidelines to ensure our safety and success –and provide great opportunities to build patience and strength along the way. So, while God is able to perform a miracle in our life anytime and anywhere, most of the time He will prefer to work through the principles He has already established. Our part is then to believe the promise and seek wisdom to follow the principle.

So, my friend, don’t get discouraged if you haven’t seen your answer yet. God is already working on your behalf, and the answer is closer than you think. Just exercise your patience and keep seeking godly wisdom. You will soon reach the other end and celebrate God’s goodness.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always being faithful to Your promises. Help me to continue being faithful in seeking Your face and Your will. As I become more and more like You, I trust that You will provide the answer to every one of my needs. In Jesus’ name I pray and rejoice, amen.

Simply pray!

June 24, 2009 - Leave a Response

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TODAY’S VERSE: Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
[New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society]

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
[The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

TODAY’S MESSAGE
For those of you who were raised in legalistic religion just like me, prayer was seen as a duty, an obligation. You had to pray on your knees (no sitting down or standing up) at mealtime, waketime, sleeptime, fasttime, everytime –sometimes for hours (no “5-minute prayers” allowed). No wonder there were practically no results. It was pure religion with no substance.

But now –having experienced the grace of God through freedom in Christ– everything is different. Prayer is no longer a duty, but a privilege to approach our loving Heavenly Father, Who so anxiously awaits for us to speak to His heart. Wherever we are, however our position, we can always direct our heart, mind, and words to directly connect with our Source of love, strength and mercy, and, through Jesus, make our requests known unto God. And not only do we receive answers –sometimes immediate ones– but God’s peace becomes alive in us, as a way to let us know that we are truly cared for.

Need more power in your life? Need answers? Need to increase your faith? Simply pray! Then allow God to work miracles in and through you. That’s the key to everything good in life!

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of prayer, and for allowing me to listen to Your heart as You listen to mine. Help me to develop a steady prayer life so that Your love, compassion and mercy may be alive in me and flow toward others in desperate need of You. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.