Judas by Max Lucado

If God has called you to be a Martha, then serve! Remind the rest of us that there is evangelism in feeding the poor and there is worship in nursing the sick.

If God has called you to be a Mary, then worship! Remind the rest of us that we don’t have to be busy to be holy. Urge us with your example to put down our clipboards and megaphones and be quiet in worship.

If God has called you to be a Lazarus, then testify. Remind the rest of us that we, too, have a story to tell. We, too, have neighbors who are lost. We, too, have died and been resurrected.

Each of us has our place at the table.

Except one. There was one at Martha’s house who didn’t find his place. Though he had been near Jesus longer than any of the others, he was furthest in his faith. His name was Judas. He was a thief. When Mary poured the perfume he feigned spirituality. “The perfume could have been sold and given to the poor,” he said. But Jesus knew Judas’s heart, and Jesus defended Mary’s worship. Years later, John, too, knew Judas’s heart, and John explained that Judas was a thief (John 12:6). And all these years he had been dipping his hand in the treasury. The reason he wanted the perfume to be sold and the money put in the treasury was so that he could get his hands on it.

What a sad ending to a beautiful story. But what an appropriate ending. For in every church there are those like Martha who take time to serve. There are those like Mary who take time to worship. There are those like Lazarus who take time to testify.

And there are those like Judas who take, take, take, and never give in return. Are you a Judas? I ask the question carefully, yet honestly. Are you near Christ but far from his heart? Are you at the dinner with a sour soul? Are you always criticizing the gifts of others yet seldom, if ever, giving your own? Are you benefiting from the church while never giving to it? Do others give sacrificially while you give miserly? Are you a Judas?

Do you take, take, take, and never give? If so, you are the Judas in this story.

If you are a Martha, be strengthened. God sees your service.
If you are a Mary, be encouraged. God receives your worship.
If you are a Lazarus, be strong. God honors your conviction.
But if you are a Judas, be warned. God sees your selfishness.

Only You by Peter Hewlett & Josie Aiello

Lyrics:

Only You have to power to move me
And together we'll make the whole
World move in sympathy
But i could not see before
Only You have the power to move me
Take me, hold me, mold me,
Change me and improve me
It's not funny anymore
There was I wondering why
Everyday disappear into the distance
Now with You, the light is shining through
You gave me life not just existence
Only You have the power to move me
And together we'll make the whole
World move in sympathy
Only You have the power to move me
There was I wondering why
Everyday disappear into the distance
Now with You, the light is shining through
You gave me life not just existence
Only You have the power to move me
And together we'll make the whole
World move in sympathy
Bright'in up the darkest sky
If only You use the power to move me
Take me, hold me, mold me,
Change me and improve me
We can make it happen you and I

~~~Insight~~~

When I heard this song earlier, I knew it in a heartbeat that it is one of my love songs for the Lord.

No one has moved me. Only GOD has the power to move me. HE changed me. Not even my parents could ever change me but with GOD, everything is possible. Even the worst and most stubborn person in the world can be changed by GOD. HE couldn't make me think otherwise.

I love the lyrics! Now with You, the light is shining through. You gave me life not just existence. Obviously, with HIM, the Light that HE has bestowed upon us should be seen and only HE will be glorified. I am not just existing now. HE showed me my purpose and now I know that my life will always be beautiful with HIM.

Isaiah 60:1-2
1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.

Matthew 5:16
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

BE A BLESSING TO EVERYONE!

Make an impact. Make a difference. Make a ripple. Tip the scale.

GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY! GOD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS!

ALL THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

P.U.S.H.

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

A Silent Love

From the very beginning, the girl's family objected strongly on her dating this guy. Saying that it has got to do with family background, & that the girl will have to suffer for the rest of her life if she were to be with him.

Due to family's pressure, the couple quarrel very often. Though the girl love the guy deeply, but she always ask him: "How deep is your love for me?"
As the guy is not good with his words, this often causes the girl to be very upset. With that & the family's pressure, the girl often vents her anger on him. As for him, he only endures it in silence.

After a couple of years, the guy finally graduated & decided to further his studies in overseas. Before leaving, he proposed to the girl: "I'm not very good with words. But all I know is that I love you. If you allow me, I will take care of you for the rest of my life. As for your family, I'll try my best to talk them round. Will you marry me?"

The girl agreed, & with the guy's determination, the family finally gave in & agreed to let them get married. So before he leaves, they got engaged.
The girl went out to the working society, whereas the guy was overseas, continuing his studies. They sent their love through emails & phone calls. Though it's hard, but both never thought of giving up.

One day, while the girl was on her way to work, she was knocked down by a car that lost control. When she woke up, she saw her parents beside her bed. She realized that she was badly injured. Seeing her mum crying, she wanted to comfort her. But she realized that all that could come out of her mouth was just a sigh. She has lost her voice.

The doctors says that the impact on her brain has caused her to lose her voice. Listening to her parents' comfort, but with nothing coming out from her, she broke down.

During the stay in hospital, besides silence cry ...it's still just silence cry that companied her. Upon reaching home, everything seems to be the same. Except for the ringing tone of the phone. That pierced into her heart every time it rang. She does not wish to let the guy know. & not wanting to be a burden to him, she wrote a letter to him saying that she does not wish to wait any longer.

With that, she sent the ring back to him. In return, the guy sent millions & millions of reply, and countless of phone calls, all the girl could do, besides crying, is still crying.

The parents decided to move away, hoping that she could eventually forget everything & be happy. With a new environment, the girl learns sign language & started a new life. Telling her self everyday that she must forget the guy. One day, her friend came & told her that he's back. She asked her friend not to let him know what happened to her. Since then, there wasn't anymore news of him.

A year has passed & her friend came with an envelope, containing an invitation card for the guy's wedding. The girl was shattered. When she opened the letter, she saw her name in it instead.

When she was about to ask her friend what's going on, she saw the guy standing in front of her. He used sign language telling her "I've spent a year's time to learn sign language. Just to let you know that I've not forgotten our promise. Let me have the chance to be your voice. I Love You." With that, he slipped the ring back into her finger. The girl finally smiled.

I've read this story from another blog CREATIONS

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..."

LOVE WITH ALL OF YOU!

Make an impact. Make a difference. Make a ripple. Tip the scale.

GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY! GOD BE WITH YOU!

ALL THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

P.U.S.H.

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

Desert Song by Hillsong

Verse 1:
This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

Verse 2:
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

~~~Insight~~~

This song was just shared to me earlier by one of my closest girl friends, Ms. El Shaddai Loresco.

All of us get through those dry moments in our lives. Our weaknesses. Our feeling of unworthiness. Our unfaithfulness to GOD. Our desert.

It is not about us. We are created to please our Creator. HE is worthy of all our praise.

It is not about whether we are worthy or not. GOD is our victory. HE is worthy of your love and worship.

We are filled to be emptied again. We strive to be perfect for HIM but that perfectness comes when HE comes back again. No one has been perfect and no one is. No one is righteous. No one is good. ONLY GOD IS.

In our weaknesses and imperfectness, GOD's glory shines!

In our desert, only GOD is our River!

Let HIM wash you, cleanse you and work in you. Open your minds and hearts.

STUDY YOUR BIBLE TODAY! ASK FOR GOD'S WISDOM IN EVERY SCRIPTURE THAT YOU READ! DO NOT BE LITERAL ALL THE TIME! BE SENSITIVE SPIRITUALLY.

Make an impact. Make a difference. Make a ripple. Tip the scale.

GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY! GOD BE WITH YOU!

ALL THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

P.U.S.H.

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

Guess who's coming home?

Image from travel with a challenge

Well, the title should be in plural form hahaha!

My sisters are coming home! yay!

My mom is making a feast. hehehe! There's ice cream, salad and beef something. hehehe!

This is fun!

I am so happy because my sisters have a beautiful life in GOD now. My 23-year old sister works at Samsung as a PR Assistant. My 12-year old sister studies in a prestigious HS in the Philippines in Ilocos Sur. All GOD's blessings.

I am truly blessed with my 23-year old sister. She has been single since birth. No boyfriends yet. Now, she is patiently waiting as she is serving the LORD. She is focused in her youth cell group now and her job. Most of all, she is focused in GOD. One of GOD's blessings to her is her work. GOD has blessed her with free cellphones. hehehe! Also, she gets to go to other places in the country for free. When GOD gives, HE gives abundantly!

I am also blessed with my 12-year old sister. At a young age, she already has the hunger to win souls. She asked me to lead a youth cell meeting at her school. She didn't even ask my permission but assumed that I'll agree. Well, I did. hahaha! At a very young age, GOD is already reigning her life.

I am very honored to have them as my sisters.

If I had the chance to live my life over and over, I'd still want them to be my sisters.

SISTERS ARE LIKE PEARLS IN THE SEA. RARE BUT BEAUTIFUL.

GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY! GOD BE WITH YOU!

Make an impact. Make a difference. Make a ripple. Tip the scale.

ALL THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

P.U.S.H.

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

Fifth Commandment

Deutoronomy 5:16
"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

That is stated in the Old Testament. This is what's written in the New Testament...

First commandment: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' ~Matthew 22:37-38

Second commandment: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ~Matthew 22:39

The Fifth Commandment in the Old Testament has a promise which is... "...so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

I have a testimony of a youth in our outreach church shared by our pastor. This girl just graduated Nursing and she wanted to undergo a Nursing Board Examination review in Baguio. But her dad asked her not to take the review, instead, asked her to take care of her sick grandmother. She obeyed her dad. She never reviewed for the exam. When the day of the examination came, she confidently went to take the examination. When the results came out, she passed the examination. Funny how our pastor compared her to a youth who fasted and prayed but didn't pass the exam.

Sometimes, GOD uses certain situations for us to learn important things that are forgotten nowadays. It is not always about fasting for something. Some people might be fasting 30 days a year but then they are still disobedient to GOD.

You might say that the New Testament is what's important now. Well, I must say, that's the reason why JESUS concluded it in 2 wise commandments. Love GOD and love your neighbor. You cannot say you love GOD if you don't love your neighbor. Why? Coz GOD created them, too. Neighbor includes your parents.

You might also say your parents are not worthy of your love. Well, let me ask you then, are you worthy of JESUS' love? No one is worthy.

Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Still, HE died for us.

John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this, that He lay down His life for His friends."

Good thing we aren't in the Old Testament anymore, because if we are, here is what's going to happen...

Exodus 21:15
Anyone who attacks his father or his mother must be put to death.

Exodus 21:17
Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.

My personal testimony: I have been a rebel. I thought running away from my parents was the best decision I've had in my life. Guess what? GOD led me back to them. I won't state everything but my dad's family has a generational curse which consists of not only one but lots of vices. The only way to cut that curse is to turn to the right path which leads to GOD and faith and trust in GOD. My dad hasn't been a good parent to us but he never heard us say that to him. Not a word. I believe that sometimes, it's more than just words and prayers. You have to act on your faith. Growth starts within you not around you. My mom never stopped praying for him. Sometimes, GOD tests your faith, prayer life, patience and perseverance. Sometimes, GOD makes you wait not only a year but more than 10 years. Yes, we waited more than 10 years. In fact, more than 20 years. GOD changed my mom and us, her daughters. It was worth the wait. Why? Now, my dad has completely changed. He reads the Bible every morning and evening. He has a morning and evening devotional with my mom. He stopped ALL his vices. Sometimes, we have to cut the curse and never tolerate it. Curses have consequences. But, we have to do it patiently and gently. When someone is in curse, he doesn't listen to anyone. He is stubborn.

Always remember: they are GOD's creation, too. HE wants to be with them as much as HE wants to be with you. (credits to Cody)

Curse - the cause of great harm, evil, or misfortune; that which brings evil or severe affliction; torment.

John 12:37-41
37Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
"Lord, who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"

39For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:
40"He has blinded their eyes
and deadened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
nor understand with their hearts,
nor turn—and I would heal them."41Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him.

It was prophesied that...

Mark 13:12
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.

Read the whole chapter Mark 13

You don't want this, do you? Would you want to be in heaven while your loved ones are in the lake of fire?

Intercede and act on your faith.

I believed that my dad will change. He did. He started to change when he saw me change. It is not overnight, though. It is not all at once. It happened gradually. Also, GOD used an accident to convict him totally. GOD changed him.

As what the LORD said, we are the light in the darkness and salt of the earth.

Believers, prove that you have the LIGHT...

Luke 6:38-40
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Matthew 5:13-16
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

I've read an article about 5 communication tools in a marriage. I believe some of this stuff is applicable to our parents and other people too. The article was written by Rob Flood. If you want to read his article, just click on his name.

I'd state some of the tools and relate it to others not just spouses.

1. The Principle of First Response: The course of a conflict is not determined by the person who initiates, but by the person who responds.

Example testimony: There is a parent who curses his child all the time whenever he makes a mistake. The child chooses to not speak and just pray.

It is always how we respond to a complication not how it was initiated. Wise men think before they speak.

2. The Principle of Physical Touch: It is difficult to sin against someone while you are tenderly touching them.

You should also be affectionate to your parents and give them the love even if it isn't given back to you for you know that what you sow is what you reap. And they'll realize someday in due time. In GOD's Perfect Timing.

3. The Principle of Proper Timing: The success of a conversation can be maximized if the timing of the conversation is carefully chosen.

If it is not the perfect timing, it will not happen. If you talk to a person whenever he's drunk or mad, it is useless.

4. The Principle of Mirroring: Understanding can be enhanced if we measure it often throughout a conversation.

We must understand that it is always "greater is HE that is in me than he that is in the world."

5. The Principle of Prayer: Success in communication is more likely when we invite God to be an active participant and guide.

We also have to communicate to others and to GOD. As what my mom always believes, communication is a big must in every relationship.

BE A BLESSING IN WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED! THERE IS A PURPOSE WHY YOU ARE PLANTED THERE. BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT SO THAT GOD'S LOVE WILL OVERFLOW TO UNLOVABLE PEOPLE. ONLY BELIEVE.

Make an impact. Make a difference. Make a ripple. Tip the scale.

GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY! GOD BE WITH YOU!

ALL THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

P.U.S.H.

When we feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

When GOD seems so distant (October 2, 2008)

Preached in Taglish by Sister Becky Inakay
Some were translated to English

"This is the dark night of our souls." ~A.W. Tozer

It is easy to worship GOD when things are going great in our lives.

Ecclesiastes 3
Job 23:8
"But if I go to the east, He is not there;
if I go to the west, I do not find Him."

Isaiah 8:17
"I will wait for the LORD,
who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob.
I will put my trust in Him."

Though David is a man after GOD's own heart, frequently complains of HIS absence.

Psalm 10:1
"Why, O LORD, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide Yourself in times of trouble?"

Job - worshipped GOD no matter what
"Take everything from him but not his life coz he is Mine." ~GOD

1.) Tell GOD exactly what you feel and how you feel.

Job 7:11
"Therefore I will not keep silent;
I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit,
I will complain in the bitterness of my soul."

Pour out your feelings to GOD.

Psalm 126:5
"Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy."

GOD wants us to develop the spirit of intercession.

GOD will hide HIS face because of your disobedience.

Angels catch our tears and bring them to heaven.

When we give out helplessness to GOD, it could be our statement of faith.

2.) Focus on who GOD is in HIS unchanging nature.

Hang out on GOD's nature.

Job 10:12
"You gave me life and showed me kindness,
and in Your providence watched over my spirit."

Philippians 3:1
"Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you."

Job 42:2
"I know that You can do all things;
no plan of Yours can be thwarted."

Job 23:10
"But He knows the way that I take;
when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold."

Job 34:13
"Who appointed Him over the earth?
Who put Him in charge of the whole world?"

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Job 19:25
"I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end He will stand upon the earth."

GOD sees everything and HE keeps the record.

3.) Trust GOD to keep HIS promises.

Titus 1:2
"a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,"

GOD is not a man whose promises are always broken.

Remind GOD of HIS faithfulness.

4.) Endure

Giving is love.

5.) Remember what GOD has already done for you.

HE was nailed to the Cross for everything.

How can I stay in GOD's presence when HE seems so distant?

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."

What can men do to you when CHRIST is in you?

Encourage yourself.

The Epitome of Love and Patience

One day, a couple went to the mall to buy a pair of sandals for the guy.

As they were strolling the mall, the guy ended up choosing a pair at the department store. As they were about to pay at the cashier and handed the cashier the guy's credit card, the cashier asked for an identification card. The guy forgot to bring one. The girl checked for cash but there wasn't enough to pay the sandals. The girl was getting upset already. The guy who was already wearing the new pair surrendered them and put back the old one. The old pair was not even his.

The girl left the counter upset and went straight to the grocery store without even talking to the guy. The guy followed her wherever she went. He was just at her back following her even if she was furious of what happened.

When they were on their way home, the guy, without even saying a word about the incident, lovingly smiled and asked his girl, "are you ok?"

When they arrived home, he didn't say a word about the incident but he just hugged her and said 'I love you.' She realized what she did was wrong so she explained and they hugged each other.

~~~Insight~~~
I admire the guy so much for being so patient of what happened. He was supposed to be the one upset but he was patient enough and he showed genuine love and understanding to the girl. He was very gentle and didn't say a word about the incident.

In fact, they're both Christians. Come to think of it, the girl was the one who taught him patience.

How do I know? I am the girl.

I taught patience but I also learned from it. When I look at Cody, I see a guy of patience. A man of genuine love. Together, we grow spiritually. He is my accountability partner and I am his. He is never afraid to rebuke whenever I need it. I will be the first person to get hurt when someone would judge without even knowing him and say rude things about him.

A text message sent by Ate Cheryl:
GOD placed different people in our lives for a reason. Some to challenge us. Some to inspire us. Some to stretch us. Some to encourage us. And some more for other good reasons. But don't forget that you also play a unique role in someone else's life. So be happy; whatever you're doing. No matter how small or how difficult your task is, only you can do it! And only GOD knows how far your influence can go.

I never knew how far my influence would go but I saw it. I witnessed it myself. When Cody and I were still casual friends, we talked a lot about patience and he told me that he learned patience from me. I was very happy to know that but seeing it happen made me ecstatic. I also learned from it. I can be weak at times and struggle at some weak points but GOD uses other people to remind me of what good character is all about. GOD is alive! I am grateful for having Cody and I know he feels the same. We encourage and help each other spiritually. Something that I never expected but I would never want to lose now. I will always glorify GOD for a wonderful man HE has given me.

To end my story, my mom bought him a new pair of sandals on that same day.



BE A BLESSING! START BEING A GOOD INFLUENCE TO OTHERS NOW!

Make an impact. Make a difference. Make a ripple. Tip the scale.

ALL THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY! GOD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS!

P.U.S.H.

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!