It was an interesting week. Interesting in a sense that, within a week, there were a number of deaths that occurred to loved ones of whom we’re directly or indirectly connected to. Now, I know deaths are occurring every day, it’s just that it reoccurred to my mind that we’re indeed dying; how life is so fragile and short. And the thing is – life is fragile and short and so many people are not living their lives to the full. And when they leave the earth, with wasted lives, directionless and meaningless, no joy nor bliss nor glory await them but ultimate suffering.

That is what God has decreed upon men – for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The only way to have life and live life to the fullest is surrendering one’s life to Jesus Christ, who is the Resurrection and the Life. But for us who have been born-again, who have this hope of eternal life, what kind of life should we be living here and now? How can we live the life to the fullest? When we live for the glory of God (1 Cor.10:31). “So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it (2 Cor.5:9).”

This world is not our home…

There is no other way. And be reminded that we are strangers and aliens in this world (1 Pet.2:11). This world is not our home. All the great blessings of life would not necessarily be found in this present time but we’re waiting for them in glory. Therefore we do not need to be distressed if we do not have everything that those around us are trying to get in this life. That is the truth that will deliver us from the pressures of the times. We must hold things lightly. We must not think that houses, cars, money and material gain is all that important. Even if we lack these things, the great treasures of our life remain untouched. To strive constantly to gain what everyone else has is a mistake. God teaches us to hold these things lightly. We must never forget that we are in the world but not of it. We are never to settle down here for good. C.S.Lewis has put it: “Our kind heavenly Father has provided many wonderful inns for us along our journey, but He takes special care to see that we never mistake any of them for home.”

We are pilgrims and strangers, passing through this world…

We are pilgrims and strangers, passing through this world. We are involved in it, deeply sometimes, but we are never to see ourselves as a part of it. And one day, we’ll be home just as He promised! “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Cor.4:18). “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory (Col.3:2-4).”



Artwork from peterolsenart.com





Revelation 2:18-29Revelation 2:18-29
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; ¹⁹ I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. ²⁰ Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. ²¹ And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. ²² Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. ²³ And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ²⁴ But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. ²⁵ But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. ²⁶ And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: ²⁷ And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. ²⁸ And I will give him the morning star. ²⁹ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.  

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To the Church in Thyatira
18″To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 20Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. 24Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): 25Only hold on to what you have until I come. 26To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—
27′He will rule them with an iron scepter;
he will dash them to pieces like pottery’[a]— just as I have received authority from my Father. 28I will also give him the morning star. 29He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.





Vision:

To encourage church members especially the new ones to be involved in the ushering ministry as a stepping stone to other ministries thereby helping them grow in their commitment to the Lord.

Mission:

To greet and welcome people with our Christ-like love as they come to the House of God, thereby representing the Lord at the Door of His House.

1. To greet and welcome every person who comes to the church with the love of Jesus.
2. To provide a seat for everyone.
3. To let everyone feel that they belong to the church family.
4. To try to minimize distraction during service.




Our Quarterly Fellowship








Congratulations to the Graduates! To the College students (and to the parents’ wallet also!) there’s always that feeling of relief and release! All the time, energy and money spent will culminate in graduation day. Alas! Whew! They’re not a waste after all. Praise God! Another chapter of their lives is done and another chapter will be written.

Following Jesus is not a one hundred meter-dash run but it’s a marathon…

“What’s next?” is the big question. Some might have the idea already but many may still be standing on the crossroads of life wondering which way to take. May our Lord Jesus give them wisdom and guidance as look to His guidance. The Christian life is like that. Following Jesus is not a one hundred meter-dash run but it’s a marathon. It’s a lifelong assignment. Empowered by His Spirit and guided by His gracious hand, we go from chapter to chapter, phase after phase, change after change, from faith to faith until we reach the finish line. And there at the finish line, is our graduation day. We graduate from this life either by translation (via rapture airlines) or by physical death. The Bible calls our “graduation day” the “Bema Seat of Christ.” It’s a judgment not unto condemnation but unto rewards or lost of rewards (1 Cor.3:12-15).” For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done in the body, whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:102 Cor. 5:10
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.  

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Until that day, like the apostle Paul, by the grace of God we must FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, FINISH THE RACE AND KEEP THE FAITH (2 Tim.4:7).” If we do there is in store for us the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to us on that day – to all who have longed for His appearing (2 Tim.4:8).”

Crossroads…

For those who are on the crossroads, let me share this with you:



“Sometimes, when I look back and think of all the “could-have-beens” in my life,

I often wonder: did I make the right choice? Did I miss a road sign?…

Am I on the right track?… CROSSROADS…

They happen all the time — saying goodbye to some, choosing only one.

Letting go, holding on… settling for now, but facing what must come…

Yes, in life we all reach a crossroad sometime.

We make painful decisions and take some risks as we pursue our dreams.

But one should not stay at the CROSSROADS too long.

For even the birds have to leave their nests sometime and learn how to fly.

Life’s road is long and rough, and there are stretches when one has to do it all alone.

And should you meet the cross at the road, be consoled.

Yes, more often than not, the road less traveled will surely bring you home.

Face the light and the shadow falls behind you.

Turn your back and the shadow stays in front of you.

Indeed the truth hurts, but it will surely set you free.

The bitter pangs of parting will give birth to another moment called growing.

So grow on… until it’s time for you to move on…and face the crossroads again,

knowing that God loves you and is in control of everything. Be strong at the crossroads.” 




“I am feeling lost before God and fear that I will never get to heaven and am on my way to hell. Please can you help me?”

“I am a Christian, but the past 6 months I have been feeling so lost in my relationship with God.”

“We left our church due to a lot of problems and …”

“Why doesn’t God help when He knows I’m hurting?”

“My God : I am so tired of hurting and being sad…”

Is this you? Are you asking these kinds of questions? Or do you know someone who is hurting and at a loss for the right words to say?

We invite you to visit the topics below and read about God’s promises amidst times when it seems He doesn’t exist and nobody cares enough to help…

*The articles found here are from Pastor Jo’s archive of Pastor’s Notes that he has compiled over the years. Some notes reflect the period they were written in, but the message remains timeless, as each article always directs you to the truth as found written in the Bible.

Some helpful words

Prayer is Powerful	Temptation	Tragedy
End times	Faith,Hope…	Discouraged
Reaching Out	Anxiety	Thankfulness
Forgiveness	Money Woes	Special Occasions
Godly Life	God’s Love	God’s Nature





A friendly reminder from all of us here at CCD…You are loved!



This video is from CentralChristian.com

In keeping with the

CCD VISION:
of desiring…”to see each Calvary Chapel family members being equipped, prepared and empowered for works of service towards Jesus Christ for the glory of God.” And the


CCD MISSION:
“a Family of Believers in the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, worshipping, discipling and mobilizing people towards Christ in love, equipping them for unity and maturity, encouraging and sending them out to serve.”






The WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP Mission Statement is:

“To equip women in the Ministry for their responsibilities as a Christian in the home through Worship, Fellowship and the study of the Word; to be the woman that God desires us to be.” (Titus 2: 1,3-5; 1Titus 2: 1,3-5; 1
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
2 ¹ But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: ³ The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; holiness: or, holy women false...: or, one who foments strife ⁴ That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, sober: or, wise ⁵ To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. The Epistle of Paul to Titus ^{1 1} Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; ² In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; In: or, For ³ But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; ⁴ To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. ⁵ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: wanting: or, left undone ⁶ If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. ⁷ For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; ⁸ But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; men: or, things ⁹ Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. as...: or, in teaching ¹⁰ For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: ¹¹ Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. ¹² One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. ¹³ This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; ¹⁴ Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. ¹⁵ Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. ¹⁶ They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. reprobate: or, void of judgment  

WP-Bible pluginPeter 3:1-4r 3:1-4
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
3 ¹ What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? ² Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. ³ For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? ⁴ God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.  

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Verse:

“You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine… Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God.” (Titus 2: 1, 3-5Titus 2: 1, 3-5
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
2 ¹ But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: ³ The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; holiness: or, holy women false...: or, one who foments strife ⁴ That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, sober: or, wise ⁵ To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.  

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Packing gift bags, foodstuffs for Missionaries in Thailand

To that end, the CCWF meet every Monday for Prayer, Study in the Word; learning crafts and sharing with the women in our outreaches.

EVERY FIRST MONDAY:

Worship time; Sharing praise reports, testimonies and prayer concerns. Prayer Hour.

EVERY SECOND and THIRD MONDAY:

Worship time; Study in the Word, Fellowship and prayer.

.
EVERY FOURTH MONDAY:

Prayer and Crafts: Cooking, Sharing tips on home, family and health; learning new crafts.



ONCE EVERY TWO or THREE MONTHS:

OUTREACH TO THE DIFFERENT Women’s Group (CC Valencia, CC Pamplona, Calo, Maningkaw, Amlan) where we lead Worship, Share Testimonies, Share God’s Word, Teach Crafts (like making gift bags, jewelries, etc that would help the women augment their income), Share meals or snacks, and Pray with them in groups.

We also help out with the PTA (Pastoral Training of Asia) and CCD Medical Mission Outreaches and few days before each Medical Outreach, the CCWF help sort out and pack medicines.
AT ALL TIMES: To be available whenever we are asked by the CCD Admin to help out in preparing and/or serving meals or snacks during church functions or outreaches.



November…

We went to visit with the Women’s group at CC Samboan, Cebu. We worshipped together, shared our testimony, encouraged them in the Word, taught them crafts, served them lunch and snacks. About 50 women attended.



April 21…CALO

Ten of the CCD-WF went to Calo with Pastor Jeff and Jamie Martin of PTA. We had our testimony time, sharing the Word after which we had some Q and A time with the women. Then we taught them some crafts which they could use to augment their income. They were delighted with what they themselves were able to make. Before we left, prayed with them and served them snacks. About 40 women attended.

MAY 05…PAMPLONA

A few of the women joined wp with the CC Men’s Fellowship and PTA for the Pamplona Medical Mission. We were assigned to take the vital signs. We also brought some snacks for the volunteers. Jane Barbajo invited the CCD-WF to have a Women’s Outreach the following month.



MAY 19…..SCANDINAVIAN VILLAGE

We were invited by Mila Carreon to teach crafts to the women. After testimonies and Sharing of the Word, we taught them how to make gift bags from old calendars and how to make earrings and bracelets. We prayed with them and served them snacks. About 40 attended and 8 ladies received Jesus as Savior and Lord.

JUNE 19…CC PAMPLONA

As promised, we went back for a Women’s Outreach. We ministered to the women’s group there as we worshipped the Lord together. After testimonies by two of the women and sharing of the Word, we invited the women to say the sinner’s prayer. We then taught them some crafts, served them snacks and distributed some used clothes and bags which we brought to share with them.





CRAFTS WE TAUGHT:

JEWELRY MAKING: how to make fancy earrings, bracelets and necklace out of beads, colored stones, etc.



MAKING GIFT BAGS: out of old calendars and recycled gift papers, with handles and how to decorate them.






We do not have a set list of officers and members because the women are free to come and attend the Monday fellowship or help us during our outreaches or church outreaches.



The Regular Attendees/Officers are:

Asha Chandiramani, Ministry Leader (ML)
Eva Longa, Asst ML and Treasurer
Dory Moncal, Asst ML and Secretary
Nida Ragay, a Home Eco teacher; teaches crafts, cooking
Irene Wells, leads worship and study; cooking and baking
Leslie Basilan, leads worship; crafts
CyBeny Concepcion, leads worship; crafts
Ninotchka Roz, teaches crafts
Hannah Faye Abenes, teaches crafts.

E-Mail addresses:

Asha Chandiramani…ashachandiramani@yahoo.com

Eva Long…eva_longa@yahoo.com

Irene Wells…rennienreenie@aol.com

Leslie Basilan…lespb@yahoo.com

Ninotchka Roz…judee_roz@yahoo.com

CyBeny Concepcion…cy_b75@yahoo.com

Hannah Abenes…zhane1_abenes@yahoo.com

Ministry Leader

Name: Asha Ramesh Chandiramani
Birthdate: August 25th, 1950
Civil Status: Widow
Address: Dumaguete Apartelle, Bantayan, Dumaguete City
Email Address: ashachandiramani@yahoo.com

Three children:

1. Jitender, lawyer, married to Ma. Dulce Flores, nurse. One son: Moses, 6 yrs old
2. Aruna (Manju), office manager, Calvary Chapel Training Center (CCTC), Candau-y, married to Pastor Randy Nellas, Bible College Teacher, CCTC. One son: Aaron J., 3 yrs old
3. Deepak Kumar, Youth Pastor, Maranatha Church, Dumaguete City; married to Milbe Grace Ampong, Worship Leader, Marantha Church.

Ministry Involvement:

CCD Women’s Fellowship, Ministry leader, 1989-2008
Praise and Worship
CCD Choir
Ushering Ministry

Favorite Verses: (Personal)

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians1:6).

“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you to will and to act accordibg to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12Philippians 2:12
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  

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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13Romans 15:13
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  

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Artwork from peterolsenart.com






Revelation 2:12-17Revelation 2:12-17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; ¹³ I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. ¹⁴ But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. ¹⁵ So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. ¹⁶ Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. ¹⁷ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.  

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To the Church in Pergamum
12″To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 14Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. 15Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.




In this fellowship, women can grow spiritually through Bible study, prayer and fellowship and use their gifts and resources for service in the church and the community.

Here we are in Lunga ministering and having fellowship with the local community.








No. This is not about the boxing match between Manny Pacquaio and Joshua Clottey dubbed as “The Event.” It is about the next great event that will take place in the world – the rapture of the church! Just to remind us as His people of that blessed hope that will soon come – lest we are caught sleeping when He comes. What is the rapture? It’s the church being “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air –1 Thess.4:15-17 – “According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

…we who are still alive and are left will be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

Now that word “caught up” is the Greek word harpadzo. We got the word “rapture” from the Latin word, ”rapare” which means “to take away” or “snatched out”, which is the literal meaning of the word, “caught up.” It’s a snatching away with force – by the collar, like what the angels did to Lot. Beloved, there’ll be a great snatching away that will occur anytime! And it’s going to be quick! 1 Corinthians 15 describes it like the twinkling of an eye. That’s how fast it’s going to happen. Blinking and twinkling are not the same. See how fast you can blink your eye. It’s not that. That’s about one four hundredth of a second. The twinkling of an eye is the time it takes your eye to see someone you are looking for and recognize them–that’s the twinkling of an eye.

Some people think when Jesus comes to rapture the church, they are going to have time to get on their knees and repent. They think He’s going to come floating down on a parachute. “Hello, Lord. I want to get saved!” No it’ll be so sudden. 1 Thess.5:9 – “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” What an awesome truth! The word “appoint” means “a destiny, an appointed end.” You know we all plan for the future. Most of you have already planned where you will eat lunch after church today. Our plans don’t always work out the way we intend, but God’s plan for us is so certain that we can call it a destiny, or an “appointment.” And if you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, we have nothing to fear because God didn’t save us from our sin and call us to follow Jesus only to pour out His wrath on us. No. He died to save us not only from hell but from the God’s judgement that will upon the earth! Rom.5:9 – “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come!

Beloved, the coming of Jesus for His bride is indeed our blessed hope! With all what’s going on in the world today, there is hope for us who believe in Jesus. It may look bleak and black but the brightness of His coming will change all that! Nobody knows the day nor the hour of His coming for His bride, but we know it is coming soon and very soon! Don’t fall asleep. Be watchful. Be faithful. Be light and salt. Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus come!

Revelation 2:12-17Revelation 2:12-17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; ¹³ I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. ¹⁴ But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. ¹⁵ So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. ¹⁶ Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. ¹⁷ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.  

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To the Church in Pergamum
12″To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 14Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. 15Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.




---

With all that’s happening in the world today (earthquakes, El Nino, political instability, moral downward spiral, etc), this is a timely reminder. Our text says, “Be still….” Other versions translate it as, “Cease striving…” It literally means “relax”, “to let go, to let your arms down to your side.” What? Is it possible to relax when you are in trouble? Yes! God’s Word says so! Of course this is not our normal response to troubles; so this advice doesn’t seem to make much sense. Any time I have been involved in a struggle I have wanted to do something.

Is it possible to relax when you are in trouble?

Think how vulnerable you feel when you drop your arms, let go, cease striving, and relax! Yet, this is what God instructs us to do in this Psalm. But God doesn’t just tell us what to do here….He doesn’t just tell us to “relax”….He also tells us how to relax. He says “Be still………AND KNOW that I am God.” In other words, there is something we can KNOW to help us cease our striving in the midst of the battles of life. There is something we can KNOW that will help us to relax when things get rough. Often we respond to problems in life emotionally…based on feelings of fear and insecurity and panic….but here, God challenges us to respond…not emotionally but on the basis of something we KNOW….instead of something we feel. So what? What is that we can know in the midst of our battles?

KNOW THAT HE IS GOD! That He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble(Psa.46:1); that He is the River of Life, the Fountain within us, the source of everything that we need (vs. 4-5); that He is the Lord Almighty (vs.7); the Victorious One who defeats His enemies (vs.8&9); He is the Ever-present One, who never leaves us nor forsakes us (vs.11 – The Lord Almighty is WITH us)! Know that God is sovereign and absolutely perfect in His dealings with us. It means that there is nothing which escapes His notice, and there is nothing which is beyond His ability!

He is the River of Life, the Fountain within us, the source of everything that we need…

Another thing that we can KNOW when we face the battles of life – We know that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28Rom. 8:28
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  

WP-Bible plugin).” There is a story about a fisherman who, with his two sons, went out fishing. The catch was good; but by mid-afternoon a sudden storm blotted out the shoreline, leaving the men groping for the direction home. Meanwhile, a fire broke out in the kitchen of their cottage. Before it could be extinguished, the fire had destroyed the family’s earthly possessions.

Finally, the father and sons were able to row their boat ashore. The man’s wife was waiting to tell him the tragic news of the fire. “Honey, fire has destroyed everything,” she said tearfully. “We have nothing left.” But the husband was unmoved by the news. Didn’t you hear me?” she asked. “The house is gone!” “Yes, I hear you,” he replied. “But a few hours ago were lost at sea. For hours I thought we would perish. Then something happened: I saw a yellow dim glow in the distance. It grew larger and larger. We turned our boat toward the light. The same blaze which destroyed our home was the light that saved our lives!”

The same blaze which destroyed our home was the light that saved our lives!

So when we face the struggles and battles of life we may not KNOW how things are going to work out presently, but we can be still…we can cease striving…we can relax….because even though we don’t know how things are going to work out, we do know Who is going to work things out – and when He does things, He does it for our good! Life is not always good, often the battle turns against us…we do WIN some and LOSE SOME….life is fickle…good for some and bad for others…but God is always good! And beloved, this God is for us, not against us!

Hope For You (H4U) of Calvary Chapel Dumaguete held a Worship Seminar and a Night of Psalms at CC Cebu, Talamban, Cebu City.












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Revelation 2:8-11Revelation 2:8-11
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; ⁹ I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. ¹¹ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.  

WP-Bible plugin (New International Version)



To the Church in Smyrna
8″To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.




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