God’s Ways and Plans are Higher than Ours

 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:9

The Psalmist declared in Psalm 139:17-18, “How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—When I awake, I am still with you.” 

No one can measure how wide and precious your thoughts are,

Not even I,

For I know that those are all countless plans and promises,

Truly, you are God - of everything,

The creator of heavens and the earth,

The Savior of all sinners like me,

The Lord of all the lords,

The King of all the kings,

You move differently and amazes me,

In your ways, I trust,

In your plans, I hope,

In your presence, I lost,

Your thoughts and essential nature are as precious as gems.

Here, I am offering my whole being to You,

For I know that your plans you have for me assures hope and a future,

It was about this time, I know that I belong to You,

As all my weaknesses was turned to strengths through You,

Became powerful by Your grace,

Today, Tomorrow and Forevermore,

For You said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega”,

In You, I trust…

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Sincere Devotion to God

Take note that in John 4:24, it affirms that “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” which, “therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” - Romans 12:1

The true worship of God entails to every child of Him to have no other gods before Him.

Let Him be the center of your plans.

Let Him be the center of your will.

Let Him be the center of your desires.

Let Him be the center of your songs of praise.

Let Him be the center of your worship.

Let Him be the center of your prayers.

Let Him be the center of your life.

Let Him be the center of everything.

And “fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you.” - Deuteronomy 6:13-14

Just know Him by heart and worship Him in Spirit. No more other lords, gods and kings, but only Him alone - your personal Lord and Savior.

For it is noted in Colossians 1:17, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Be blessed as Philippians 2:9-11 declares,

9 “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father.”

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Think about your Spiritual Life

 

“... who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” - Romans 8:4

Have you been set free from the past?

Or do you continue to justify your actions and continue dwelling in it? 

Consider this. Spiritual life comes from the Spirit!

Perhaps, your experiences back then bring more hurt and pain than inspiration. The echoes of your past cursed, mocked, and disregarded you. Those are all voices that really haunt you and tell you how life is. Now, you initially believed that it was all normal, the bad and painful memories that you’ve been through. And now you are trying to suit yourself by explaining that it was typical over and again.

Haven’t you moved on from it and decided to restart your life?

Take this, now, you do not live following your sinful self but you should and must live following the leading of the Spirit. Entailing that you have to move forward and leave the past behind.

For Isaiah 43:18-19 says,

18  “Forget the former things;

    do not dwell on the past.

19 See, I am doing a new thing!

    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

    and streams in the wasteland.”

Now is the time and do know at all times in this verse, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Know by heart to follow the Holy Spirit from God forever.

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The New Creation Has Come! (Easter Sunday Edition)

Truly, change is constant.

Old and New are two opposing words and it entails improvement from the other; it’s like before and after happenings in your entire life including your experiences, behaviors, practices, learnings, realizations and you - yourself in totality, your whole existence (except birthing process by a mother) in simpler terms.

In fact, in 2 Corinthians 5:7 it declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!” An implication of something that it’s between you and God knows.

But, it affirms, “if anyone is in Christ” enclosing only then to those who believe and receive Christ heartily as their personal Lord and Savior, they are now considered as new creations. Meaning, you are free from sinful things, “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” - Romans 6:6-7

Additionally, in Romans 6:11 says, “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

Your D.N.A has already been changed by God as well:

Died from sinful natures and was raised and born again through Jesus Christ - the Lord and Savior.

No more of you in this present time, instead you are looking forward to more of Jesus Christ.

As you live with Him, you now depend on Him, and follow Him all throughout your life.

“The old has gone, the new is here!” Be happy as you have arrived with Christ on your side and “since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” - Colossians 3:1-2

Be blessed as you are now under His grace…

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You Will Be Healed (Black Saturday Edition)

 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” - Psalm 147:3

 

To bind one's wounds is to put an end to one's physical or emotional suffering.

There’s comfort.

In fact, this is a passage from a psalm of praise which highlights how the Lord exhibits His love by comforting and healing people who have been hurt because of their misdeeds.

Other meanings that apply to binding wounds have become associated with making an effort to try to overcome the negative experiences.

It’s like cleaning and dressing your wound for the betterment of yourself.

Such relief and indescribable comfort is of the essence.

Definitely, healing comes from various meanings and purposes.

You may be healed from heartaches.

Or from any minor and even worse injuries.

As cliche as it is, people are used to saying ‘I’m healed - from an illness.’

But, God wants to know you that in any circumstances,

Be it good or not.

He will heal you and fix you again.

He won’t lose any piece of your life puzzle to let you go through any mishaps in this world.

Enshrined in your heart, mind and soul that God is up for something bigger for you.

Even if you commit sins, if you just ask for His forgiveness, surely, He will and He will heal and cleanse you.

It is written in Jeremiah 30:17; “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.”

Keep it always the scripture that is written in Jeremiah 17:14.

Have faith and all your distress will turn to de-stress.

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To Live for Jesus Christ (Good Friday Edition)

To Live for Jesus Christ

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20

Undoubtedly speaking, to live for Jesus Christ is too difficult to achieve and to act in accordance with His deeds and ways of living on this earth.

He was mocked and questioned by many.

He suffered a lot but still remained calm and gracious to everyone despite what they have done to Him.

He died on the cross to save everyone from drowning - sinful natures even though He’s perfect, holy and the God of all.

He was disrespected.

If you want to live for Him wholeheartedly, start in studying and meditating His word as 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” For the word of God is precious and “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Allow Him to use you for His glory and honor: You are called and you are chosen indeed and “so Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” - Ephesians 4:11-12

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” - Matthew 6:33.

You are gifted and guided by the Holy Spirit given by God.

Choose to live for Jesus Christ, ask His wisdom and guidance as to how to live like Him - closely setting apart from others and to avoid conforming to the patterns of this world instead to share the Good News which is the Word of God: Bible…

Now, Make it your goal to please Him. If you were still trying to please people, you would not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10). And you cannot live for Him if that’s the case.

Know by heart that your decisions and actions today will show results in the future.

Take courage in taking steps for His glory and honor.

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Take Steps

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” - James 2:26

Now is the time for you to:

 Admit your sins.

Request for forgiveness.

Get baptized.

Pray.

Teach.

Go.

Win souls.

 

Make progress to illustrate your faith because faith without work is faith in vain.

Never settle yourself for being ‘okay’ with everything that is happening to you. Sometimes, God wants you to take a move as His child, to take your part and to do something about your faith.

Do not waste your time.

Move quickly for the Holy Spirit is within you.

Take courage as you spread the Word of God.

Soon, you’ll witness the fruits of the Spirit manifesting not just only in you but to them as well.

For it is written in Galatians 5:22-23,

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Faith and good deeds must come along following the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Thus, you have to do something not solely, but with God on your side."

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The Goal To Please God

“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” - 2 Corinthians 5:9

 If you are not everyone’s cup of tea, then it’s okay.

If you cannot please your parents. That’s fine.

If you are not someone’s favorite like your friends, then it’s alright.

If you cannot please yourself then it’s great because you'll encounter frustrations and disappointments throughout your life.

You were born on this earth not for everyone else, but for God.

He is the One.

He is the Center.

He is your primary goal.

You have to “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” - Psalm 105:4

Communicate with Him at all times and He will say, Be ready to let my will triumph over yours… and everything will go smoothly.

Now, your goal is to be with Him.

To adore Him.

To worship Him.

To praise Him.

To please Him.

For it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”

You belong to God, so please Him in everything that you do - that’s your goal.

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God Walks among your Sufferings

Did you even still remember that God performed countless miracles?

He used Moses and let him part the red sea against the Egyptians.

He gave sight to the blind.

He cured the sick people.

He feeds 5,000 people.

He did a lot of things in the Bible, including you,

He saves you from drowning of those sinful natures.

He accepted you.

He always finds ways to fight for you and give solutions to your problems and tragedies in life.

He walks with you and embraces your transgressions, also your sufferings…

Can you even imagine and picture it?

The Lord God is truly walking among your sufferings even those people who are not yet called by Him.

If you found Him already, thank Him for everything that He did and will do to your life. Then don’t go away from Him.

If not, and you notice that you are alone fixing those puzzles to figure out your purpose and finding answers in this mystery world and yourself. Then, today is the day that the Lord has prepared to tell you that you are not alone. It’s time to admit that you need Him. Let Him live in your heart and life as He walks in your ups and downfall moments.

Matthew 8:17 says, This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”

Be encouraged because you are not facing those adversities and pains all by yourself, the Lord is with you always.

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Fully Rely On God

 “But I trust in you, Lord; I say, You are my God.” - Psalm 31:14 

Whenever you are anxious, have fearful thoughts, worries and problems, connect with God and He will give you solutions and will surely comfort you… 

He is near.

He is ready to help you.

He is waiting for you to call Him.

The very foundation of your relationship with Me is that you trust and love me., said the Lord.

Since most of the time, you never ask and approach God because you think that you can surpass it by your own, but He said,

“Trust Me, my child.”

Give Him a chance to be your father.

Allow Him to take this journey with Him.

Love Him and fully rely on God in all things that are happening to you.

Continue to turn to Him, safe in His protecting presence.

Express your love and trust to Him always.

Just communicate with Him and let His plans prevail in your life.

The more you draw near to Him, the more you are safe, secured, and protected from being too focused on yourself - complications, troubles, difficulties, tight spots and fears.

As, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17

Come what may, talk to Him like David, “I love you, Lord, my strength.” - Psalm 18:1

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Draw Near to the Lord

 “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” - James 4:8

This time around, to come near to God means to take steps and ways to be fully equipped by His armors and be able to fight against Satan with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, to take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18). Also, to seek His face always and embrace His presence to keep your relationship with Him stronger as His personal Lord and Savior.

How to draw closer to Him?

1. You have to believe in Him and you will be saved - you and your household. - Acts:31
2. Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts. - James 4:8
3. To love the Lord your God and obey His laws and commands always. - Deuteronomy 11:1
4. Read and study the word of God because all scripture is God-breathed and is useful. - 2 Timothy 3:16
5. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. - Romans 12:2
6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5
7. Remember, He is the way, the truth and the life. - John 14:6

Live and remain in Him as it is written in John 15:4, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

By doing so, you will be blessed as you draw near to the Lord, for “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” - John 15:7

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A Daily Blessing

 “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” - Ephesians 3:16

Asking for favor, protection, strength and blessings each day.

Seeking God’s answers day by day

Knowing Him fully as a prayer answering God even if it’s delayed.

 

Asking Him genuinely is what you need.

Confessing your sins and asking Him for forgiveness.

A blessing is willingly given by Him because you asked.

 

Then, you asked, are those even real?

You searched for answers.

Yet you found out that He is truly the key.

 

Blessings are pouring.

Including His glorious riches and strengthening you with power through His Spirit.

No more wonders, doubts and second thoughts as He is the King of the kings.

 

He will give what’s best for you and,

Gonna delight your day with His unending blessings everyday.

When you pray, kneel down and,

 

Adore Him for His daily blessings are

Sufficient for you

Know by heart that as you knock He hears and opens you with no hatred and judgment.

 

Always remember that He will Supply all your needs whether you’re a kid or an adult.

 

Just ASK Him gently with sincerity and open heart.

The Lord bless you.

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Each Child Has a Name

 

“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, as the Father knows me. And my sheep know me.” - John 10:14

Jesus is the good Shepherd and you are His sheep. As what the verse for today says, He knows you and you know Him too.

Remember that you are not the only one, there are other people who are also chosen by Him to be His. There is a flock. Various personalities. Different stories to tell. Yet God calls each one by name.

Even in a crowd, He can identify you because each one of you has a name and undoubtedly, was made unique by Him. He knows your identity.

Your Shepherd also loves to guide and teach you. He loves to see you grow spiritually.  In fact, He has great plans for you.  Of all the many faces out there, He is grateful to have you as His sheep.

So, now if you are crying, sobbing and in the midst of trouble, listen to His voice and go back to Him. Make this a way for you to stop listening to yourself and restart to prioritize His voice as He calls you by your name.

He knows you and your whole being.  He will never forget you.

The shepherd knows his sheep very well.

Your Shepherd is a good one. 

No one is greater than Him.

 

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You Repent, It’s a Good Decision

Day by day, you commit mistakes and flaws some are intentional and some are not.  They are shown in your actions, behaviors, mood, the way you think and how your heart responds to the wrongful things you do.

It grieves your inner soul as sin deprives you of happiness.

You feel guilty of having done something that is not acceptable to God. But admitting a mistake gives you liberation and joy.

You must make a choice:

You must repent to God and ask for forgiveness for all the sins that you committed.

Open your heart for any rebukes, lessons and possible consequences.

That is part of your spiritual growth and journey.

Repentance is the act of turning away from sin and to humble one’s self before God.  Your genuine and sincere heartfelt regret is what causes you to experience grief and not be motivated. At the same time, you acknowledge your mistakes as you admit that you did something wrong.

Now that you have repented it is time to focus on God’s love. He will forgive you as what 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

God will purify you from unrighteousness through the blood of Jesus Christ and now you will live in accordance to God’s will, plans and ways.

“Perhaps you do not understand that God is kind to you so you will change your hearts and lives.” - Romans 2:4

God has loved you and will always love you as well as to forgive you if you just repent sincerely.

 

 

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