A few disclaimers before I start.

1. This is my testimony

2. I’ll be speaking for only the Karens that I have met.

Here’s my testimony in two questions, “What I got from God through the Karens, and what they took away from me.”

Who knew, I’d be a part of this missions trip? Who knew I’d even have a heart for missions, a heart for people not of my own, a heart for refugees, a heart to live for a greater cause? Who knew that God would use the suffering of these people to touch my heart? I didn’t, but God did!

Before I go deeper, let me share a little background of the Karens. They are an ethnic group that settled within Burma close to the Thai border. They are peaceful people and not to mention very easy to love. Ever since then, there were already maltreated, abused, taxed heavily, oppressed and persecuted by the Burmese. These were observed by the pioneer Baptist missionaries in the 1800’s who went into Burma. Long before the missionaries came to them, they believed in one Eternal Almighty God, and this made them not to worship any idols unlike many cultures. Another, because they don’t have writings, there is an interesting old story that says they came from Noah’s son, Shem. They believed that their forefathers had the Word of God — a book that has been stolen from them and they are waiting for someone to come with that book.

And so when Adoniram Judson and the other missionaries that later followed him came in contact with them, they openly and with joy accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many Karens came down from different regions of the mountains to hear the good news! And do you know that one of the first Karen pastors in early 1800’s was tortured and killed by the Burmese by hanging on the cross! This fact encouraged me that with the few and simple words that the first Karen Christians learned, they took the Gospel as simple as it is, to spread it to the other Karens! That is primarily one reason that most of them are Christians. And soon after the World War 2, they have been facing genocide until now.

What I got from God through the Karens:

1. Suffering as part of God’s design.

On a pedestal in the camp inscribes, “True ‘till death – Rev. 2:10Rev. 2:10
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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.  

WP-Bible plugin”, A verse that is addressed to the church of Smyrna which is known for its myrrh. A spice used in perfumes and in incense that is highly prized in the ancient times and often more worth than gold by weight. You can only get its worth when it is pressed, squeezed, crushed. As Peter says, “These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold may be proved genuine..”. I got to an understanding why suffering is one of God’s design for His glory, to bring about good. They are a living testimony to show God’s sovereignty through persecution and suffering as how Paul writes in his letters (2 Thess 1:42 Thess 1:4
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4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:  

WP-Bible plugin) saying, persevering (abiding under pressure) and keeping the faith in all persecutions and trials they are enduring. Through them, my faith IS being strengthened, to praise God in all circumstances. And have received the promise of Jesus, as the final authority, that “He will be with me until the end of age (Matt 28:20Matt 28:20
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20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  

WP-Bible plugin).” I say, WHAT MORE CAN I ASK FOR?

2. Passion for God’s word.

My job description there was to simply teach conversational English, but I thought would it be fun if I incorporate IBS (Inductive Bible Study) in the lesson plan! A simple desire to help them, who have very limited vocabulary understand what they are reading. For the reason that, they would not be persuaded by anybody that is preaching a gospel other than what they’ve accepted (Gal 1:9Gal 1:9
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9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.  

WP-Bible plugin). As I’ve noticed that there has already been an infiltration of Catholicism within the community. In reference to Nehemiah 8:8Nehemiah 8:8
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8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.  

WP-Bible plugin, My desire is that they’ll learn how the Word be made clear, and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. Imagine, with what little I know about IBS and the Bible, by grace, it was being used by God to teach them how to observe, interpret and apply the Word to their lives. I thought that teaching them this would go a long way. In my class alone, there are about 4 that wanted to be missionaries after they graduate, to mention K’neh Mee Wah and Ly’Dia.

They hunger for God’s word! They have daily 5 AM devotions, daily 7:30 AM service and evening Bible studies. It was hard to walk up and down through the slippery mud at the darkness of the night to do Bible studies, even though tired “I prayed, Lord, You have brought me this far. This is what you want me to do. Grant me grace Father.” And on Sundays, 4 services in the morning and 1 in the afternoon! Such a blessing to be used by God to share His Word! Through them, I got a deep passion for God’s Word! And this convicts me every time that we are in a church gathering, and if we are not looking into God’s Word and in prayer, then we are missing something big time! These people wanted it every time! That makes me ask myself, what am I doing and how am I responding to God’s grace?

3. JOY in all circumstances.

I’ve learned that many of them have sleeping disorders resulting from the horrors that they’ve seen. The uneasiness of thought that what if the soldiers come suddenly. Many lost their families and loved ones. One evening, I shed tears when I was listening to Saw Hsa K’pru Htoo’s testimony, hearing a girl being raped on the nearby village and he was completely powerless as a boy. I prayed, Lord, have mercy! On another occasion, I asked Phu’ Dhe if she’s angry/bitter with the SPDC (Social Peace and Development Council, Burmese soldiers for short), she said, Jesus says in the Bible to forgive, to love our enemies and bless them who persecutes us. Those words convicted me! How can these people forgive? How can they sing hymns and praise God after all they have been through? How then, that they are still hopeful for things that are unseen? How then they have JOY inspite of? The peace in their faces through those little smiles? Then, it must be God, no one and nothing else! The peace they have WITH God, and OF God, and that peace that transcends all understanding has been giving them that JOY!

4. Awakening.

At the age of 30, I always thought that I’m too late for anything. I admire those whom God called early on. But then, the Lord proved me wrong, He awakened me to a reality that I haven’t seen before. An awakening not to waste my life chasing after things that pagans do. An awakening for a greater calling, counting the cost of being a follower. A deeper understanding and deeper perspective. And most of all I just entered into that place of SATISFACTION and COMPLETENESS with God.

In closing,

The one thing that the Karens took away from me is…

My heart… They will always be a part of me…

“Return to your 1967 borders…” says US President Barak Obama to the nation Israel, which means, return some lands to the Palestinians, which actually do not belong to them but to Israel.  This prompted Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu to strongly reject Obama’s call. Netanyahu was able to give his speech concerning the issue to the US Congress, pledging to make “painful compromises” to achieve peace with Palestine.

You may be wondering why I’m writing about this update on Israel. For 2 simple reasons: 1) As Christians we are to pray for Israel (Psa.122:6-9). 2) Israel is the divine time-clock of world history. By watching what is happening to the Jewish people, it’s possible to determine what stage has been reached in the Last Days program of God.  When Jerusalem was destroyed in AD 70 the Jews were dispersed and scattered worldwide. A century ago there was no Israel. The world and even many of the Bible scholars during that time would never thought nor imagine that Israel would become a nation again.  Yet God is true to His promise. On May 14, 1948 the world witness the re-birth of the nation Israel. As soon as the state of Israel was proclaimed in 1948, Jews from the 4 corners of the earth – north, east, south, and west went home. After almost 2,000st 2,000
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Štetje svetopisemskih vrstic se začne z ¹! Vrstica ⁰ ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin years the Jews again had a national homeland. It was a restoration unique in human history. Today the nation Israel is a fact of history with her own Prime minister, her own leaders, her own government and her own well-trained army, air force and navy.

No other nation has a history like the history of Israel: Twice she has been exiled and twice she had been re-gathered. The 2nd exile lasting 1900 years and being a worldwide dispersal; twice she has lost her land and twice she has regained it. No other nation has been dispersed among the nations for at least 2,000st 2,000
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Štetje svetopisemskih vrstic se začne z ¹! Vrstica ⁰ ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin years and was restored to their homeland and still remain an identifiable ethnic unit. They never lost their identity and nor their language. Hebrew is now the language spoken by the Jews of Israel. It’s the only dead language in history that has been restored. The existence of the nation Israel today is an undeniable evidence of God’s sure word of prophecy!

Have you ever wondered why there is so much media attention given to a country, as far as land size is concern, smaller than Luzon? The question is, “Why so much media attention given to Israel?” It is because God said thousands of years ago during the end times there would be a nation of Israel and they would play a prominent role in world events. I’m not Harold Camping who falsely predicted the rapture of the church last May 21, 2011. But the fact is Jesus is returning very soon. The signs are undeniably clear. The question is are you ready?

“And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Rom.13:11)

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Please start praying for our 2011 Thailand Mission this coming July.

TO EASE OUR TRAFFIC EACH SUNDAY, WE NEED EVERYBODY’S COOPERATION:

• Please no parking, no waiting, no loading in front of the blue gate.
• Please load or unload passengers where you have parked your car and not in front of our blue gate.
• As much as possible, only small vehicles may park in the parking area in front of the church.
• Please do not block any of our neighbor’s driveway.
• We parked only on one side of the street (church’s side). Please be guided accordingly through our traffic personnel.

If you’re reading this and you’re still here on earth this day, then Jesus had not come yesterday. Wrong again, that false prophet who proclaimed that Saturday, May 21, 2011 is the day the Lord will rapture the church! His name is Harold Camping and he is a false prophet! He once proclaimed the Lord’s return would be in 1994 and never happened. And some believed him! When will people learn? Jesus is clear…no one knows the day or the hour (Mk.13:32)! Whoever claims that is a false prophet by the standard of God’s Word!

Now as much as we do not believe such false claims, it did bring to mind again of the fact of Jesus’ return anytime. And in the light of that He said, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap (Luke 21:34Luke 21:34
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34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.  

WP-Bible plugin).” Jesus mentions three things that can crush your heart.

First, DISSIPATION – Dissipation means “excess.” Is there anything in your life you are doing “in excess?” For instance, eating is fine, overeating is dangerous; using the internet is okay, but being addicted to it is dangerous.  Being hardworking in a job is good but becoming too busy with it makes your life imbalanced. Having a business is good, but business replacing God has spiritual consequences.  Is there anything excess in your life today? Whatever that is, it’s weighing you down! The only thing you and I should be doing in excess is loving, praying, and serving God!

2^nd, Jesus mentions the danger of DRUNKENNESS as well. Dissipation or excess, leads to drunkenness which leads to dissipation. It’s a vicious circle of cause and effect. Drunkenness represents the desire to dull ones senses by artificial means. Sometimes, life gets so tough many people try to escape from reality by drugging themselves with alcohol or drugs.

A third danger Jesus lists is ANXIETY or WORRY. Some people who would never get drunk or live an excessive lifestyle are eaten up with the cancer of worry and anxiety. Drunkenness can destroy you physically, but worry will destroy you emotionally and mentally. Why did Jesus tell us not to be weighed down by these things? “…And that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap (vs.34b) – In other words, when Jesus returns you don’t want to be found to be unfaithful and lazy servant – busy building your own kingdom but lazy in building God’s kingdom!

Instead, He wants us to KEEP WATCHING AND PRAYING (Luke 21:36Luke 21:36
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36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.  

WP-Bible plugin) – God is up to something very important in the world right now, and if we don’t see it, we won’t know how to pray. Like the disciples, many of the followers of Christ are asleep in the light right now, and while we slumber, God is working.  We need to wake up and start watching and praying. If you aren’t watching, you won’t know how to pray. If you aren’t praying it doesn’t matter what you see.  It doesn’t mean we’re literally and constantly looking up at the sky…but it means always expect that Jesus is going to come any time, any day, so we want to be ready and be found faithful! As Paul wrote to Timothy, we should be “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13Titus 2:13
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13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; glorious...: Gr. the appearance of the glory of the great God, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ  

WP-Bible plugin). Are you looking?

ANNOUNCEMENT:

• The Lord surely has blessed the young people!  Thank you CHURCH, for those who helped out, supported in any way, and prayed for the YOUTH CAMP!
• THAILAND TEAM 2011 will start their Mission Training this Monday, May 23 at 7:00 pm, here at CCD.
• COLLEGE CORE will resume this Friday, May 27.
• The Sunday School Ministry will be holding a KIDS OUTREACH SEMINAR this Saturday, May 28, 2011 here at CCD, from 8:30rom 8:30
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  30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  
  
  WP-Bible plugin am to 3:30 pm. It is a seminar/workshop on the different creative gospel presentation methods. This is open to all CCD ministries, fellowships, and outreaches. Lunch and training materials are free. Please sign up at the back after the service.

Those people will never be the same again. H4U Siquijor is once again a victory we all share! Thank you church for partnering with us in this battle that was already won by Christ 2,000st 2,000
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Štetje svetopisemskih vrstic se začne z ¹! Vrstica ⁰ ne obstaja!

WP-Bible plugin years ago. It will continue to rage until the end of time, but we are always assured of victory. “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” (Rev.12:11)

1) THE BLOOD OF JESUS – When Satan comes sneaking up to you and starts whispering in your ear and starts accusing and telling you how dirty, rotten, sinful you are you just turn to him and you tell him, “Satan, my sins have been placed under the blood of Jesus Christ.” That’s how you overcome him according to the word Calvary.

The victory is NOT in ourselves but faith in the blood of Jesus! It’s not how loud we shout nor whatever religious calisthenics we do or how many catechisms we attend – it’s only through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ! When we confront Satan with the blood of Jesus, he remembers the cross – the sacrifice of Jesus that ultimately disarmed, dethroned and defeated him!

2) THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY – This is the 2nd weapon we believers have for defeating Satan’s attacks – the mouth that testifies of God’s goodness! You see the devil will use every clever devise to keep us from being willing to share our faith with others. He’ll say, “You’re inadequate!” “You don’t know the Bible!” “You’re too young,” “You’re too old!” etc… So many excuses! But beloved, you don’t have to know everything in the Bible to be able to witness. Do you have a testimony? How did you become a Christian? Start there! Every Christian has a testimony. What is a testimony? Acts 4:20Acts 4:20
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20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.  

WP-Bible plugin – “For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

3) THEY DID NOT LOVE THEIR LIVES SO MUCH –When the Roman Empire was expanding and sent out legions of soldiers to conquer new lands, every piece of property within sailing distance, they sent two or three ships to these remote countries and remote islands and they would bring their ships up on the shore. Then all the soldiers would get out with all of their weapons and all of their horses and all of their supplies. Then they would set their ships on fire and push them out into the water and watch as their ships would burn. The natives of those countries and those islands laid down their weapons and surrendered in the face of such commitment. The Roman soldiers said, “We did not come to retreat. We came to conquer or to die!” That’s commitment.

When you start burning your boats and start burning your bridges, you start discovering the kind of commitment that really does overcome the devil! This is what offends many people. We like Christ’s invitation, “Come and dine with me,” but when He says, “Come and DIE for me,” we think twice! But this is the cost! Because Jesus gave His life for us, “To live is Christ, to die is gain!” You live for yourself, you lose in the end; you live for Christ today, you gain even more in the end!

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” (Prov. 31: 28-29Prov. 31: 28-29
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28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. ²⁹ Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. have...: or, have gotten riches  

WP-Bible plugin) Husbands, Dad, Kids, you need to tell your wife and mom what a blessing they are. You need to tell them that what she does for you really matters, not because it’s Mother’s Day, but because they really do matter! You need to express appreciation for everything she’s given you through the years. Everything she does for you is because she loves you. They say that a woman’s work is never done and that’s especially true of a woman’s work at home. Do you know what the most demanding job in the world is? Being a mother and a wife.

Think about it. A mother has to be a nurse, a teacher, a dietician, a housekeeper, and a cook. It takes hard work to build and maintain a family! Rise up and call her blessed! It’s in the ten commandments: ’Honor your father AND your mother. Teenagers and children, God forbid this to happen, but suppose your mom was killed in a car accident this afternoon and you had to go to her funeral Tuesday. What would you wish on Tuesday you had told her today? Tell her before today is up.

And what about you husbands? Would you say these words if you lost your wife this week: “Why did I get upset over such stupid little things? Why didn’t I encourage her more? Why didn’t I build her up and let her know how much I love and appreciate her?” O how we need to live in the light of our dying! Death puts everything in perspective! Husbands, teenagers, and children, praise her while you have her.

For you ladies: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised (Prov.31:30).” It is interesting that there’s very little emphasis in the Bible about the woman’s sexuality. That’s because it’s not the woman’s sex appeal that makes her attractive. It’s her character that makes her attractive! It’s what’s on the inside! How do I know that? Because 1 Peter 3:31 Peter 3:3
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3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;  

WP-Bible plugin says that “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should come from your INNER SELF, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Peter is not saying that you can’t ever wear nice clothes or make up. But he’s saying that true beauty is deeper than that.

As you know, every physical body has an enemy that will ultimately win—AGE! Physical beauty will pass away with the years no matter how many creams or treatments we use to try to prevent it. The good news is that the fear of the Lord brings lasting beauty to a woman’s soul. Without this inner attractiveness, physical beauty is merely superficial and temporary.

Precious Women of God, seek to be truly beautiful by honoring God above all else in your life. And as a parent, purpose to pass on a spiritual legacy that values true feminine beauty: the love of the Lord.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

1. H4U Siquijor Committee Head Debriefing next Sunday, May 15 at 7 pm here at CCD.

2. YOUTH CAMP 2011 is fast approaching!

• THEME: DISCIPLES OF JESUS 2 Timothy 2:22 Timothy 2:2
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  2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. among: or, by  
  
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• DATE: May 15—20
• VENUE: Calinawagan Beach Resort
• COST: P1,600 (food, lodging, & camp t-shirt) Today is the last day to register.
• This is open to all high school and college students.
• We are opening it also to our Youth leaders of our outreaches. If the Lord touches your heart to sponsor any youth from our outreaches please approach the Youth table at the back.
• SNACKS DONATION is highly appreciated.
• Transportation is needed on May 15th and May 20th. Please approach Luke for information.

3. The Sunday School Ministry will be holding an Outreach Seminar on May 28, 2011 here at CCD, from 8:30rom 8:30
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30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.  

WP-Bible plugin am to 3:30 pm. It is a seminar/workshop on the different creative gospel presentation methods. This is open to all CCD ministries, fellowships, and outreaches. Lunch and training materials are free. Please sign up at the back after the service.

Saying goodbyes are not necessarily what I’m looking forward to. There’s always that feeling of “death” inside of you, the prick in the heart, that sense of emptiness or void. This is how I felt when we sent off Pastor Jerry, Marisa, Dani and Jessica at the airport last Tuesday. 12 years of faithful and dedicated service. 12 years of God’s faithfulness in their lives that result in lives challenged and changed for the glory of Christ! Now the Lord moved them on to continue to do God’s work in a different place.

Pastor Jerry, Marisa and the kids

And yes, no matter where we are, we are His instruments – His hands and feet, mouths and ears. The location is not the question but our obedience to the call is. And all of us are called to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8Acts 1:8
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8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. power...: or, the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you  

WP-Bible plugin). But before you think of getting a passport, flying on a plane and learning a foreign language, there’s your neighbor, your classmates, your officemates even you’re family members to share God’s love to!

Especially during this Christmas season when many people’s attention are upon the birth of Christ, it’s a great opportunity to tell them the reason behind the season – that Christ was born to die for our sins. That those soft little hands fashioned in Mary’s womb were formed so that nails might be driven through them. Those cute little baby feet would one day walk up a dusty hill carrying a cross. That tender head would one day bear a crown of thorns.

That tender head would one day bear a crown of thorns.

Yes the baby grew up, died on a cross, was buried for three days, and rose again so that anyone can have a personal, intimate relationship with Him. God gave the most precious gift He had so that we could have a precious relationship with Him. There’s no greater news than that and there’s no better gift than to give them Jesus! And yes, the greatest gift one can receive is not found under the Christmas tree, but the One who was hung on a tree – called the cross!

So beloved, wherever you find yourself this Christmas, whoever you’re with, whatever you do, with gifts or no gifts, with much food on the table or no food at all, be a witness of Christ, and let Jesus and His gift of salvation be the center and focus of your celebration. For the truth is, there’s no other way and no other reason why we do what we do.

A CHRIST-CENTERED AND LOVE-FILLED CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

ANNOUNCEMENT:

• Our 25th Anniversary and H4U Concert are now available in DVD. One DVD for the Morning Anniversary Service, and one DVD for the Concert. Each DVD cost P80 pesos. If you want a set, that is P160. You may order with Sara after the service. Please pay as you order.

• For those who already ordered last week, you may get your DVDs at the back table after the service.

• CHRISTMAS GIFT-GIVING FOR OUTREACHES – everything is already covered. Thank you for your quick response. The Women’s Fellowship will be packing the goods this Monday, Dec. 20 at 9:00 am. If you want to help out, you are most welcome

PLEASE TAKE NOTE on the following schedule:
• CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE on Dec. 24, Friday at 6 pm. (There will be no Thursday Bible Study on Dec.23.)
• YEAR-END SERVICE on Dec. 30, Thursday at 6 pm.

• No PRAYER MEETINGS on Dec. 21 and Dec. 28. Resumes on Jan. 4, 2011Jan. 4, 2011
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• BEREAN “GETTING DEEPER” CLASS resumes on Jan. 18, 2010Jan. 18, 2010
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It was a great 25th anniversary celebration we had that culminated in the Hope For You (H4U) concert. It was indeed a display of His greater works! And that only is a preview of the greater things to come, of the greater works He will do in our midst for the coming years. Praise be to Jesus Christ the miracle-worker, the life-changer!

It was a blessing to worship the Lord together as one big family. Not only to worship together but to serve together. Seeing the pictures, hearing the testimonies during the preparations, I couldn’t help but thank the Lord for you church. Everyone did their part, every gift exercised, every precious time given. It was indeed a display of unity and cooperation for one purpose and goal – for God’s greater glory!

So, as your pastor, along with my wife and kids, thank you so much for the partnership in the gospel through the years. “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6Philippians 1:3-6
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3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, remembrance: or, mention ⁴ Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, ⁵ For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; ⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: perform: or, finish  

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Yes, He’s not yet done with us. God never starts a work and leaves it unfinished, that would be a contradiction of His character. God is not like man. We start things but we do not finish them. Thank God that my hope in Christ does not rest upon my will power. It rests upon the fact that God would never have started the work in me if He had not decided to finish it. Paul says the same thing in Romans 5:10Romans 5:10
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10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  

WP-Bible plugin: “If, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, how much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” In other words, if Christ died for you when you were an enemy and a rebel and hated Him; how much more, then, will God keep and sustain you and finish the work He began now that you are His child?! The character of God guarantees the completion of the work.

Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We don’t just do good works as a result of the work of grace in our hearts, we are a good work ourselves—God’s own good work. The word in the greek is “poeima” where we get the word POEM. But it’s more than a poem, it’s a work of art.

We are like a beautiful work of art, painstakingly designed and crafted by the Master Craftsman himself. We don’t yet see the final result, but God does.

You see, beloved, you are a work of art. If the work depended on us, we would fail. But it doesn’t. We are like a beautiful work of art, painstakingly designed and crafted by the Master Craftsman himself. We don’t yet see the final result, but God does. So we can trust Him when He gives us the promise, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

So, with one heart, one mind, one purpose – let Him continue to work in us and as we do, we shall see greater works done, for His greater glory!

ANNOUNCEMENT:



• H4U NIGHT OF TESTIMONY & THANKSGIVING on Dec. 9, Thursday at 5:30 pm, CCD! It’s a special night of testimony for the H4U Concert! Everyone is welcome, especially those who took part in the working committees:

- H4U Band & CCD Choir -H4U Counseling Team
- Physical Set-up & Aftercare - Security
- Transportation - Documentation
- Techical Team - Food
- Stage Crew/Stage Décor - Freaks Drama Team
- H4U Ushering Team - First Aiders

This is a lovefeast affair, so bring some simple snacks to be shared by everyone!

• ATTN: H4U Committee Heads Debriefing tomorrow night, Monday, at 7 pm here at CCD.

• Since we no longer have the parking area across the street, PLEASE COOPERATE WITH OUR PARKING PERSONNEL. Please park properly, no double parking; park on the west side and don’t block any driveways. If possible, share a ride, car pool, or ride a pedicab.

• We are now accepting donations in cash or in kind for our yearly CHRISTMAS GIFT-GIVING for our dear brothers and sisters from our outreaches. More details to be announced later.

• Berean Getting Deeper Class resumes this Tuesday, Dec. 7.

• We are now forming the team for next year’s THAILAND TRIP. Please be praying. There will be a sign-up sheet at the back.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE on the following schedule:

• CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE on Dec. 24, Friday. (There will be no Thursday Bible Study on Dec.23.)
• YEAR-END SERVICE on Dec. 30, Thursday.

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest...

Two weeks from now we get to witness again God’s power and grace through our Hope For You concert. What a privilege that the Lord counted us worthy to be part of His harvest. I remember what Jesus said in John 4:35John 4:35
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.  

WP-Bible plugin. He said, “Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

The soul-harvest is a matter of immediate urgency. There are many who still need to be saved. It’s easy to lose the burden for the lost or think that the work is done! The truth is there’s a lot of work yet to be done! Jesus said the harvest is before us. The lesson for us is: The Time is NOW! The time is now to do God’s will. The time is now to reach out to the lost; the time is now to share the love of God.

“Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.”

What are we waiting for? To hear a voice from heaven? Don’t you know that thousands die and slip into eternal fire without Christ? I’m not saying that we could save the whole world but I’m saying that God has called us to participate in the harvest. And you know what’s God’s number one priority is? His glory in the saving of souls! We need to pray toward that end, we need to give toward that end, we need to serve toward that end.

Jesus continued in vs.36 of John 4, “Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.” Notice the idea of rejoicing there. What great joy there is in serving God, in doing His will, in finishing His work – and hearing those words, “Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter in to the joy of the Lord!” There will be rewards for faithful service.

Now is the day of salvation! There is no day that God stops from reaching out to somebody needing His salvation!

In John 4:37-38John 4:37-38
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. ³⁸ I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.  

WP-Bible plugin, Jesus followed up, “Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” In other words, this is the work of everyone! Your prayer, your witnessing, your giving, support in anyway contribute to the work of spreading the gospel! One sows another reaps. And there’s joy, there are rewards for everyone!

The Bible says, “Now is the day of salvation! There is no day that God stops from reaching out to somebody needing His salvation! There’s a harvest out there – what is needed are faithful witnesses, faithful workers who will bring in the harvest to God’s kingdom! What is your priority? What is most important to you? Is your priority in line with God’s priority? Do you seek to know God’s will for your life, do it and continuing in it? This is God’s best for you, for us all. This is the secret of satisfaction!

You could hear it coming. My wife Lolit went to our room’s window wondering what she was hearing. I heard it too. It sounded like an old air-condition engine, according to her. Coming from afar slowly approaching, my wife standing in front of the window, feels the coolness of the air, until it fell…and it fell hard! The rain came down hard! Yes, at the time of this writing it was raining. And I heard from the news that some parts of our country are experiencing a storm.

“Storms have a way of revealing what is real and lasting…”

I remember watching many great storms that hit Metro Manila. I watched those storms peel shingles from roofs and send them flying through the air like feathers, I thought, storms have a way of revealing what is real and lasting. In times of our deepest crisis, we gain wisdom that enables us to discover who we really are, of what we are truly made, and what life is seriously about. I’ve seen storms uproot trees and wondered how deeply rooted am I in the Lord. It is not the storm without, but the enemy within that poses our greatest threat.

There’s a story of a ship that was caught in a storm. The frightened crew hears a terrible crashing sound below. Immediately the men know what it is: a cannon has broken loose and is crashing into the ship’s side with every smashing blow of the sea! Two men, at the risk of their lives, manage to fasten it down again, for they know that the unfastened cannon is more dangerous than the raging storm.

“How does one weather the storms of life?”

Many people are like that ship—their greatest danger areas lie within their own lives. How does one weather the storms of life? An old seaman said, “In fierce storms we can do but one thing. There is only one way to survive; we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there.”

Beloved, this is what we must do. Sometimes, like Paul, you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you. Reason cannot help you. Past experiences give you no light. Only a single course is left. You must put your soul in one position and keep it there. You must stay upon the Lord, fix your eyes on Him and, come what may— winds, waves, seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers—no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm and hold fast your confidence in God’s faithfulness and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus!

“Fix your eyes on Him… come what may… no matter what… hold fast your confidence in God’s faithfulness and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus!”

“Who shall separate us from the love of God? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?…..No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us…nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom.8:35-39)!” That’s the best position you can be most secure – in His love! The rain may fall down hard but His love is your everlasting shelter from the storm.

This is the topic based on 2 Cor. 1:3-4; 5:5-72 Cor. 1:3-4; 5:5-7
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; ⁴ Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. ⁵ Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. ⁶ Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: ⁷  

WP-Bible plugin, I had the privilege to share during the first CC Missionaries Fellowship held last week at CCTC. How timely, how fitting and how relevant the topic not only for missionaries who experienced difficulties in the field but to all of us who are all subject to weakness, pain and trouble.

“Seeking God in our trouble should be our first response…”

Let me just share with you an excerpt from my notes: Have you ever known someone who was ill, and the doctors have done all they can do, so they say, “the only thing you can do now is PRAY.” When a sick person hears that, they sometimes frown and say, “Oh no! Has it come to that?” In other words, they act as if prayer is the last resort. But seeking God in our trouble shouldn’t be our last resort; it should be our first response!

He is the One “who comforts us in all our troubles.” My favorite word from that verse is “in.” Where is God? Well, He’s everywhere, of course. But the Bible says He is with us IN all our troubles to comfort us. Now, our modern use of the “comfort” has robbed it of some of its strength. To us, it’s a soft, sentimental, soothing feeling. We even use it to described a soft, fluffy covering for a bed, a comforter. But in the Bible, “comfort” is an action word. It’s the Greek word “parakaleo”, which literally means, “one who comes alongside to help.” It’s the same word Jesus used in John 14-16 to describe the Holy Spirit. Our English word “comfort” comes from a combination of two words that means “with strength.” The “fort” in comfort reminds us of the word fortify, or fortitude. So, to comfort means “to come along someone and to give them your strength.”

“God comforts us IN all our troubles…”

Let me give you a visual definition of “comfort.” Imagine an elderly man or woman is standing at the bottom of a steep set of stairs. They look up and wonder if they can make it. If you see their need and then come alongside them help them up the stairs, you are giving them comfort according to the Bible meaning of the word. If you see their need and just yell, “Use the handrail!”—that’s not comfort. Or if you yell, “Go use the elevator around the corner!” That’s not comfort. In order to comfort them, you must come alongside them and physically give them your strength to help them.

Got that picture? Because that’s what God does when He comforts us IN our troubles. He doesn’t just call out from heaven, “Hey use the handrail!” He comes alongside to help you. How? Through His Word as the Spirit gently reminds us of His promises. Through His presence and the spiritual strength He provides. And also, through fellow believers! That’s why we need to stay connected to the church!

Psalm 46:1Psalm 46:1
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46 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. for: or, of ¹ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  

WP-Bible plugin – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” God doesn’t want to be your 911 number, He wants to be your 24/7/365 number—your EVER-PRESENT HELP—right now. So turn to Him first, not just when things get really bad and you’ve run out of all your other options. And when you do, He comes alongside you to hold you and strengthen you!

Yes they still go at it. They’re still pointing fingers on who’s to blame. Yes, those responsible for the failure of the hostage-taking crisis should answer to the law. But it seems that all they do is play the blame game. Someone has said, “If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.” The first people on earth, Adam and Eve, first played it so it’s not surprising that the children would follow. The Lord God asked, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten the fruit I commanded you not to eat?” Yes,” Adam admitted, “but it was the woman you gave me who brought me the fruit, and I ate it.”

“Often we seek to blame others for our behavior and our failures…”

Adam both blamed the woman and God who gave him the woman! Then the Lord God asked the woman, “How could you do such a thing?” “The serpent tricked me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.” It was the classic “The Devil made me do it,” defense! Yes the Devil will tempt us to do wrong, yes he wants you to fail as a Christian. But you don’t have to. One of the greatest promises in the bible is found in 1 Corinthians 10:131 Corinthians 10:13
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. common...: or, moderate  

WP-Bible plugin, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”The bible never says that we won’t be tempted, but it does say we don’t have to give in to temptation.

Now, how often in our lives do we seek to blame others for our behavior and our failures on others? ‘It was because of my parents, or my teachers, or my friends. They led me astray.’ Beloved, when you blame others, you give up your power to change. And so you don’t need to change if it was someone else’s fault that you sinned. Very seldom do you hear someone say “I sinned, it was my choice, nobody forced me, tempted me or enticed me, I did it because I wanted to.” And there’s no forgiveness for that.

Many suffer for years with a guilty conscience because they are not willing to come to the place where they acknowledge their sin. They will not call it what God calls it. We all tend to cover up sin and make it sound nicer than it is. “No this is not sin, it’s a weakness!” “No, this is not gossip, it’s just telling you this so you can pray.” We use pleasant names to describe it. Thus, we try to cover over our sins. But we can never be forgiven while we do this, for the first step in the process of forgiveness is an acknowledgement of sin. Not trying to cover it up, blame others for it, justify, rationalize or make excuses for it! But when we stop protecting our sins, and confess them, then we receive forgiveness and the process of restoration begins. And we not only regain a better relationship with God – a peace with God, but we also feel His peace within and at peace about ourselves!

“So, confess, admit, open up… and you shall be free!”

It’s been in the news, talk programs and social networks all over the world with mix reactions and comments, good and bad. No. I’m not referring to the Miss Universe Pageant that landed our own Miss Venus Raj to the Fourth runner-up position. I’m referring to a more serious and tragic event – the Hostage massacre that killed eight tourists last Monday. It was a sad day indeed.

“The wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart”

Now, Scripture tells us that there is a terrorist out there lying in wait to take you hostage. He is a spiritual terrorist, but he is very real. One of his tactics is to keep you away from the truth. Jesus said, “The wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart” (Matthew 13:19Matthew 13:19
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.  

WP-Bible plugin). Don’t fall prey to this adversary by failing to listen to and obey God’s Word. Maintain a steady schedule of Bible study so that you can stay safe from the devil’s wiles.

Scripture calls Satan “the tempter” (1 Thessalonians 3:51 Thessalonians 3:5
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5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.  

WP-Bible plugin). Another of his tactics is to lead you into temptation so that you’ll walk away from God and into the enemy camp. When temptation comes your way, know that it’s a scheme to lure you from the God you love. Trust that “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:131 Corinthians 10:13
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. common...: or, moderate  

WP-Bible plugin). God is stronger than the tempter, so rely on Him for strength to fight the temptation. Remember, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:41 John 4:4
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4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.  

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...true freedom—spiritual freedom—is found only in knowing Jesus Christ.

We’re thankful for those who have been freed by the hostage-taker. And true freedom—spiritual freedom—is found only in knowing Jesus Christ. This freedom can never be taken away; this freedom is not limited by race, nationality, or social status; this freedom is available to all who choose to follow Christ. Are you bound today by something? Are you being held as a hostage today – unforgiveness, alcoholism, pornography, bitterness, any other addiction? Admit it before God and ask Jesus to break the chains that bind you. For whom the Son has set free is free indeed (John 8:36John 8:36
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36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.  

WP-Bible plugin)! If you already have found freedom in Christ, take a moment this morning to thank Him for liberating you from the bondage of sin and your past.

Stay in God’s Word so that you can be strengthened within...

Beloved, the world is an ugly place and “your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:81 Peter 5:8
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8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  

WP-Bible plugin). But you can “resist him, steadfast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:91 Peter 5:9
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9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  

WP-Bible plugin). Stay in God’s Word so that you can be strengthened within. Stay in fellowship with other believers because there truly is strength in numbers. And stay in prayer so that you are walking strong in obedience to God’s will for your life. You can overcome the ultimate terrorist by faithfully following your great God. And hey, let me remind you, he’s already a defeated foe!

“The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.” (1 Samuel 10:61 Samuel 10:6
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
6 And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.  

WP-Bible plugin). The past week was one of those times when my mind’s running 100 kilometers per hour! It was so far my tightest, most hectic week so far since we had our H4U Ozamiz outreach. No. I’m not complaining. The truth is I enjoy what I do. It’s always an honor and a privilege. But sometimes you get tired too, physically, mentally and emotionally. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

“How did I make it through. How did I accomplish those things needed to be accomplished?”

So looking back to that week I pondered, “How did I make it through. How did I accomplish those things that needed to be accomplished?” And the answer is clear – the ministry of the Holy Spirit! Have you ever looked at ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things in the kingdom of God and wonder how they do it? Our mistake is that we look only at the person rather than at the power behind the person – the Holy Spirit.

The subject of the Holy Spirit evokes uneasiness among some. Excesses they’ve seen in the past come to mind and, as a result, they want nothing to do with Him. Then there are the thrill seekers who think there must be emotional drama manifested or the Holy Spirit wasn’t present, so they feel disappointed. Both are extreme positions that require balance. The Holy Spirit is our divine Helper – that’s how Jesus described Him. He’s not just an observer but an active participant in the believer’s life: strengthening, advocating, interceding, and helping. (I say we can use all the help we can get!) In our own strength, the Christian life is impossible. The Holy Spirit gives us the help to pull it off.

Let Him fill you today, let Him pour His life in you, and then let Him flow through you!

So what does the Holy Spirit do? Jesus said, “He will glorify Me” (John 16:14John 16:14
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14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.  

WP-Bible plugin). That’s the Spirit’s primary task – to point people to the Savior and in doing so bringing Him glory. Everything else He does is built upon that. When He gives gifts, when He heals, when He manifests Himself in any way, it is for the sole purpose of glorifying Jesus. And how does He glorify Jesus? One way is through us, His people. He empowers us to do that which we cannot do on our own strength! Yes, there’s power available for living and for service!

Beloved, the Holy Spirit wants to take your ordinary life and help you to do extraordinary things for His glory. Let Him fill you today, let Him pour His life in you, and then let Him flow through you!

Amazing how in our modern time still there are people who are superstitious about Friday the 13th! Many believe it is bad luck, seriously or jokingly. But sad that there are those who base their lives on luck. Bad news! You certainly can’t count on luck. If you believe in luck, you may think you’re having great luck one moment, only for it to turn into rotten luck the next moment.

The winning number for the lottery had just been announced...

There’s a true story of a couple Woodrow and his wife Lois. They were thrilled. The winning number for the lottery had just been announced, and that exact number was on their ticket. The grand prize was $12 million. Woodrow and Lois were jubilant—at least for a few hours. Then lottery officials found that there had been a proofreading error when the winning number was published. The ticket wasn’t worth $12 million after all; it was worth nothing. It had all been a mistake. The next day Woodrow died of a heart attack.

When you hear that true story, you may say, “What rotten luck!” But I think all luck is rotten. I think it’s disastrous to trust in luck. Every story where luck is the main theme will eventually have a sad ending. You may disagree and think luck is important. You may like lotteries or casinos or some other kind of gambling. You may use good luck charms or lucky numbers to improve your chances, and you may avoid certain things that might bring you bad luck. Then again, you may not believe in charms or omens, and you may think it’s dumb to throw money away on gambling. But you still might believe that life is just a series of random events. That life is a lottery, a matter of luck.

The trouble with luck is that you can’t really trust it. You never know whether luck is going to be for you or against you. You can be praising your good luck one moment, only to find out the next moment that your luck has gone bad. If you’re like Woodrow, your faith in luck can give you $12 million dollars one day and then take it away and kill you the next day. In this life I couldn’t bear to think that everything that’s going to happen is just a random jumble of chance events. I couldn’t handle the wondering and worrying. I couldn’t feel safe or secure. But I don’t believe in luck. I believe something better than luck. I believe in the unchanging faithfulness of Jesus Christ.

The good news is that, amid so many changes, there is one unchanging reality you can always count on. The fact is, your health can change, your finances can change, weather patterns can change, economies can change, technology can change, governments and national boundaries can change, but “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Changing times don’t change the Lord. All other things, even the very earth and sky, are changing. The Bible says earth and sky are like clothes that eventually wear out and must be changed. “But,” says the Bible of Jesus, “you remain the same, and your years will never end” (Hebrews 1:11-12Hebrews 1:11-12
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11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; ¹² And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.  

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So, beloved, don’t look to the stars to guide your life, instead entrust your life to the One who created the stars!

Russia has wildfires, Pakistan has flooding, bomb attack in Zamboanga City airport and a murder committed in our neighborhood. Just some of the bad news from last week. In times like these, how can we remain steady and secure? Psalms 21:7Psalms 21:7
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7 For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.  

WP-Bible plugin – For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.”This is where our victory and security lies, – trust in God’s unfailing love! Isa. 54:10Isa. 54:10
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10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.  

WP-Bible plugin – “Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.”

Beloved, in a time when all of man’s programs and systems are failing…

Beloved, in a time when all of man’s programs and systems are failing, when the foundations of the world are crumbling, when uncertainties have left nations and households with a sense of apprehension, there is one thing that is sure, that is certain — which we can trust – God’s unfailing love! What does it mean to trust in His unfailing love? First, trusting in His unfailing love means knowing that God is aware of every situation. Isn’t that comforting – that He is aware of every situation? “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies. Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed the very hairs of your head are numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Lk. 12:6-7Lk. 12:6-7
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6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? ⁷ But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.  

WP-Bible plugin).” Our Father in heaven knows your tears and your fears. You are not alone in your situation.

…trusting in HIS unfailing Love…

2nd, to trust in His unfailing love means to know that God is in control. The Lord’s sovereign rule extends over everyone and everything. This includes both the situations that He directly causes to occur, as well as the ones He indirectly allows to take place. And in the end, His purposes and will, will be fulfilled. 3rd, to trust in His unfailing love is to know that He is Wise and Understanding. From the very beginning, the Lord has always exercised His sovereignty with wisdom and understanding (Prov.3:19). In our troubled times, it is good to know that God knows what He’s doing and what He’s allowing. It may not be clear to us, we may not understand everything, but we can trust in a loving God whose ways are just and pure, working behind the scenes to a glorious end! 4rt, to trust in His unfailing love means to know that God is able to bring good out of bad situations (read Rom. 8:28Rom. 8:28
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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). He can use global uncertainties to focus lives once again upon Him as the only “hiding place” in a dangerous world!

He Himself will become the place where we find refuge and safety in the storms of life...

Beloved, when times change like shifting sand, when events unfold that leave us overwhelmed within, how wonderful it is to know that God is our Rock and stability and strength. When we don’t know what to say or what to do, we can quietly look to God alone to work. When our hope seems to diminish, we can put our expectations upon the Lord. He will be our stability. He will be our defender. He will keep us from being blown away by impossible circumstances. He will bring His glorious grace to bear upon our situation. He Himself will become the place where we find refuge and safety in the storms of life.

As believers, many of us understand intellectually what it means to be forgiven. We know that Christ’s death atones for our sins. By placing our faith in Him, we are saved into an eternal relationship with our Lord that never changes. Even though we may still sin after becoming a Christian, we know that when we turn to the Lord with a repentant heart, confessing our sin to Him, He washes our sin away. First John tells us that when we confess our sin, God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:91 John 1:9
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9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  

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“It may seem like our sins are beyond God’s forgiveness…”

Yet sometimes, people discover that they are unable to find that feeling of reconciliation with God. No matter how often they confess and after doing all that they can to make reparation for their sin, they still feel as if they cannot be forgiven. It may seem like their sins—things like pornography, drunkenness, abortion, or adultery—are beyond God’s forgiveness. They continue to carry the burden of their guilt along with them each day, weighed down by a feeling of permanent distance in their relationship with the Lord.

Perhaps the waters of guilt have washed over you, and you feel like you are sinking in sorrow and regret. What could be preventing you from moving beyond your past and feeling forgiven? I have observed a number of mistaken ways of thinking that are common among those who struggle with past sins. I’ll only share one (but the most common) due to lack of space. Crossing over these thought “barrier” is a major step on the road to feeling forgiven . . . and free.

“We have made our particular sin out to be uniquely bad and Christ’s payment to be inadequate…”

“What I have done is too bad. I know that God is forgiving, but I cannot be forgiven for this.” This barrier ensnares many sincere believers because it gives such a strong appearance of sadness over sin. It feels like a righteous response; we don’t want to downplay the gravity of our sin. Yet an honest look at the above statement shows that it is not really humble nor is it true. In effect, it implies that Christ’s death was not enough to pay for all sin. It is as though we are saying, “Maybe His atonement covers the sins of the rest of the world. But Jesus’ death cannot cover this.” We have made our particular sin out to be uniquely bad and Christ’s payment to be inadequate.

What a far cry this is from the truth! If our sin is an exception to God’s forgiveness, then Scripture lies because it declares, “Everyone who calls upon the name of the LORD will be saved” (Acts 2:21Acts 2:21
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.  

WP-Bible plugin). No exceptions! The truth is that our sin is no worse (and no better) than the rest of humanity’s. All sin is evil in the Lord’s sight. Yet Christ’s death is sufficient(see Colossians 1:20-21Colossians 1:20-21
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. having...: or, making ²¹ And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in...: or, by your mind in  

WP-Bible plugin; Hebrews 7:24-25Hebrews 7:24-25
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. an...: or, which passeth not from one to another ²⁵ Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. to the...: or, evermore  

WP-Bible plugin). It is more than enough—many, many times over—to cover all the wrong we’ve ever done and will ever do. No sin is beyond God’s forgiveness. Hallelujah!

As we remember the Lord today at the Communion table, rejoice in that truth and give Him thanks!

A tree fell and it caught our TV cable that made it snap and resulted in a 2-day cable-less existence. That was ok. No big deal. But when our internet connection, for whatever reason it was cut off, that’s another story. It affected me, my work and the kids…their assignments and all! Now that’s a big deal! One day without it…it was okay. 2nd day, it’s still kind of ok, but when it was 3rd day, we all started squirming, feeling restless, incomplete that we can’t connect. Yes, Globelines took a long time coming to fix it. But then, I realized something. Those times without TV cable and internet connection were actually a good thing. We had more time together as a family, more time with the Lord in prayer and His Word, more time with just thinking, meditating, just there being still before the Lord. And I really began to like it.

“Our modern age suffers from a great lack of depth in our walk with the Lord…”

I think of the early church that had not much distractions like we do today. What we have in this present time produces shallow relationship with God. Our modern age suffers from a great lack of depth in our walk with the Lord. Many distractions work against a deep, substantial relationship. Jesus said that in the last days, the love of most would grow cold (Matt. 24:12Matt. 24:12
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  

WP-Bible plugin). He warned about the traps that would hinder a deep relationship with Himself. He mentioned the cares of this life: the pressures of making a living, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for more and more things (see Matt. 13:3-23Matt. 13:3-23
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; ⁴ And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: ⁵ Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: ⁶ And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. ⁷ And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: ⁸ But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. ⁹ Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. ¹⁰ And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? ¹¹ He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. ¹² For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. ¹³ Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. ¹⁴ And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: ¹⁵ For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. ¹⁶ But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. ¹⁷ For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. ¹⁸ Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. ¹⁹ When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. ²⁰ But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; ²¹ Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. offended: he relapseth, or, falleth into sin ²² He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. ²³ But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.  

WP-Bible plugin).

"We know a little about everything, but not much about anything..."

Our electronic age brings further distractions. Television, telephones, cellphones, the world wide web and computer games constantly flood our minds with all kinds of stimuli and ideas, gobbling up time we might have spent in meditation upon God. We are living in an age when man has become very, very broad, but not very deep. Through the mass media we can now bring up many subjects. We know a little about everything, but not much about anything. And our relationship with God has suffered as a result. In many ways, the days of the apostles were far better to our own. More readily than today, they were able to have the kind of communion and fellowship with God that creates character God can use. Think about Paul, the apostle, when he walked from Jerusalem to Caesarea, about a three-day journey. He wasn’t listening to music or keeping up on the local news. He was surrounded by nature – by the trees, the flowers, the animals. At night he would wrap himself in his blanket and look up at the stars. How could he not think about God and His creation and His works? Solitude is very conducive to communion with God, to meditation on God.

" In Solitude... Stop, look and listen to the God who made you... He wants an intimate relationship with you."

Today, in a fast-paced, crowded, information-overload generation, you’ve got so much stimuli coming into your brain that you can’t commune with God and have a time of real spiritual enrichment. Our whole society and manner of living has taken us away from simplicity. We are not as close to God as the saints of old, and that may be one reason why we do not see much of His power evidence today as it was back then. Because a prayer-less Christian is a powerless Christian. A deep-abiding faith in God is nurtured in solitude.

So, beloved, from time to time, turn off that TV, close that computer, shut off that cellphone…and listen. Stop, look and listen to the God who made you – He who desires to be with you and show you things in His Word; He who loves you and wants an intimate relationship with you.

The entire study on the book of Revelation is available here to listen to or download.

Visit this section regularly if you want to better understand Revelation.

• Chapters 1 to 4 are on the right hand sidebar and the Archive section of this page.

• Below are Chapter’s 4:4-11 to Chapter 10.

• For Chapters 11 to 14 please click here:

Click here to listen to Revelation Chapters 11 to 14





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Now that our H4U Ozamiz is already done and is now a part of our church history, never think for a moment that the warfare we are engaged in is over. For life as a whole, much more the Christian life is a life of warfare! We are called to a battle, not to a life of ease; to a battle, to a warfare, to a wrestle, to a struggle” (see Ephesians 6:10-12Ephesians 6:10-12
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. flesh...: Gr. blood and flesh spiritual...: or, wicked spirits high: or, heavenly  

WP-Bible plugin). The word which Paul uses here actually refers to wrestling. It’s the kind that you see in a high school or college gymnasium, the kind where two guys are entwined with one another and are trying every kind of move that they can think of to pin the other guy to the ground. It’s the kind of battle where you have extremely close contact with one another. And yes, sometimes, if not most of the time, the struggle hits close to home…it’s very personal.

We cannot afford to put our guard down. We need to be in constant look out in prayer of the fiery darts that the enemy throws at us. Our enemy is relentless looking for opportunities at our weakest point to attack us. And one of the most dangerous places and times for temptation, for the Devil to attack is when we feel comfortable, successful, easy and light – just like King David’s fall when he was feeling secure, successful and comfortable! Of course, our ultimate rest from it is when we finally see Jesus face to face, but until then, we are engaged in a spiritual battle – whether we like it or not; whether we accept it or not! That’s the hard reality of life!

So how do we face this? Paul wrote, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Eph.6:10). The human will does not generate this strength. It is not mere resolve, determination, or self discipline. While all of these are inherent in spiritual life, they are derived from true strength. There is a human attempt to be strong. We have all tried this. However, there is no ability in us to be strong in the face of a spiritual warfare. The strength is from the Lord. We have no sufficient strength of our own. All our sufficiency is of God. It is not our strength that equips us to stand; it is God’s strength invested in us when we submit to God.

To be strong in the Lord is to surrender and fully submit our heart, mind and will to Him. That is why James 4:7-8James 4:7-8
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.  

WP-Bible plugin tells us that the power of resisting is found through submitting to God (“Submit to God, resist the Devil and he will flee from you”). The devil does not flee from your power, but from God’s power within us that overcomes him. We have the promise that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. Resistance is no longer measured by our strength, but the strength of God who draws us out of temptation.

So, beloved, as Jesus said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Always be in prayer mode and know that His strength is our strength!