Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Start Time: 6:27 AM

End Time: 6:45 AM

Title: It Pays to Take life Seriously

Scriptures: Proverbs 16:10 - 33

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Amazing day with Jesus!  What a time of great wisdom and rest.  I am blessed to be filled with God's words each day as I have the chance to meditate and understand with God's help every word He speaks.  Today, God is saying, "Take life seriously!" Enough with the carefree life and "whatever will be, will be" mentality.  God is telling us to take life seriously and take it to Him.  In verse 20, God says, "It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God!" Hallelujah!  Enough with the careless approach of life, trust in the Lord because everything will work out fine in Him.  What a great assurance today, fitting for all of us who are going through uncertainties in life.  I love that God cares and loves us so much that every business we have is His!  In verse 11 of this chapter, God said, "God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is His business." Amen!  How comforting it is to know that even our work/business is God's too.  He look after us not only with our personal lives but in everything including our work, school, our future, etc.  This is who God is in our lives.  This is what He wants - to be involved in our lives.  So let's us share our life with Him each day.  And I will end my thought today in verse 33, the last verse of this chapter, God said, "Make your motions and cast your votes, but God has the final say." In everything we do or plan, God will still have the final say.  So why not give Him our plans at the beginning of our journey and allow Him to filter those that are not best for us and take the control of our path so that we will be sure that things will work out fine in the end.  Thank You Lord!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the comfort and assurance that You will take care of us, You will save us not only in our personal lives but even in our work, our future, in everything.  Lord thank You because we know You have what's best for us and to have You in control of our lives is just what we all needed.  Help me Lord to be humble and allow You to take the wheel of my life and not to overstep or take over.  Give me wisdom Lord to submit and embrace the plans You have for me.  I want You Lord to do as You please even if it's the opposite of what I want to happen.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 16:20 (The Message Version)

It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in God.

Such a great comforting words from our Lord!  He says, trust me and everything will work out in Your life - and I believe it is in all matters of your life: personal, work, future, school, etc.  So never lose hope, allow God to be in-charge of Your life and watch how things just work out on its own in your life. 

Be blessed everyone!

Monday, August 31, 2015

Start Time: 6:33 AM

End Time: 7:11 AM

Title: Everything With A Place And A Purpose

Scriptures: Proverbs 16:1 - 9

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Amazing God!  I am so in awe of the glory and works of God in my life each day.  I have no words to fully express and describe it.  Yesterday, I received I believe is an answer to my desires.  For some time now, I have been longing for a rest day from work.  I have 3 jobs and I'm working from Monday to Sunday.  At times, I'm feeling very tired and down or sad to work.  But since I felt that feeling, the Lord has been motivating me each day and addressing my concerns with work.  Yesterday, my boss from my 2nd job, offered me a job directly to him. You see, with my job to this boss, I'm an agency who placed me to work for him.  He has offered me to be directly hired to him before but I turned it down because I feel it's inappropriate since my boss in the agency is one that I'm also with for some time now.  But I have been looking for a job with higher pay so that I don't need to work 3 jobs and possibly get a rest day out of the 7-day work.  Last night, this boss of mine (from my 2nd job), offered me a higher paying job with good commission and possibly increase each year however it is only available for me when I transfer and get hired directly to his company.  This means that I get a higher paying job.  But I have another concern, I want a rest day.  Something that has not been addressed yet and one of th reason I didn't say yes immediately yesterday when he offered it to me.  Because in the end, although I have bigger pay, if I don't get a rest day, I will still be burned out and will eventually hate or get tired of my work.  So today, God has answered my concern/prayer...His words in Proverbs 16:3 says, "Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place." Hallelujah!  Not only that, in verse 7 God says, "When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand." Praise God!  I mean, isn't this a clear answer to my concern?  I am perplexed and in greatly happy to have heard from God.  Truly, He answers our prayers!  Glory to You Jesus!  Truly, if we make Him in charge of our lives, He will make things happen for us and not even our enemies can hinder or stop that.  Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the answers!  Thank You because indeed, if we place You in-charge of our lives, everything just falls into the right places.  I am blessed to have You Lord as the person in charge of my life.  Take the wheel of my life and drive it where You want it to go Lord.  Help me Lord to always seeks answers from You and to fully commit and trust You with my life.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 16:7 (The Message Version)

When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.

We can plan everything we want with our lives but in the end, it is only God who makes us able to live our lives the way we want them.  So today, allow God to be in charge of your life and I tell you that everything you've planned pleasing to Him, will take place!  Even your enemies will have no choice but to accept it!  So let God take charge of your life today!  

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Start Time: 7:41 AM

End Time: 8:20 AM

Title: Life Ascends to the Heights

Scriptures: Proverbs 15:12 - 33

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Wow!  Today we continue on chapter 15 of Proverbs and I tell you, we have more and more amazing wisdom from the Lord.  I don't think I can discuss everything and so the same way i have been doing for the past few days, I will choose 3 that I believe God is teaching me personally:

1) Verse 33, "Fear-of-God is a school in skilled living - first you learn humility, then you experience glory." What a powerful truth!  Humility is key in God's glory!  So if you want God's glory to be in our lives, we have to be humble.  Another thing I learned is that if you fear God, the 1st thing you learn is humility.  So when you can sense pride in you...then better check and evaluate because the Fear of the Lord brings out humility in us in every way. 

2) Verse 26, "God can't stand evil scheming, but He puts words of grace and beauty on display." - the first time I read this earlier, a thought came into my mind... our weapon against evil scheming people is...to display words of grace and beauty.  Amazing!  The human mind will not accept this because it sounds twisted.  I mean, you have one person plotting against you, and your response is words of grace and beauty?  Isn't that weird?  But hey it's God's words and it's the truth.  God's thoughts are totally beyond our way of thinking and in His book, words of grace and beauty is powerful enough to break the evil plot of others!

3) Verse 13, "A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day." Simple but very true!  Have you ever considered the condition of your heart today?  Because it can impact the outcome of your day. 

Prayer:

Lord thank You for such amazing and wise words today!  I am truly humbled and blessed to have been given such great and powerful words to live by today.  Help me Lord to apply them in my life.  To understand that when I start to feel proud of myself or of what I know, I better check and evaluate because humility is key for skilled living in You and to have Your glory manifested in me.  Help me Lord to live humbly and to understand the my words of grace and beauty are powerful weapon I can use against those who plot against me.  It's like repaying evil with good.  And Lord help me to understand that my heart is important and its condition daily can impact my whole day and not just my own but others too.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 15:13 (The Message Version)

A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.

How's your heart today?  God tells us that the condition of our hearts impacts the outcome of our day.  So let us assess our hearts and choose to be cheerful today!

God bless!

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Start Time: 6:59 AM

End Time: 7:21AM

Title: God Doesn’t Miss a Thing

Scriptures: Proverbs 15:1 - 11

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Amazing morning!  I am blessed to have today.  We all are!  Much more with God's word for today.  Proverbs 15:1 - 11, entitled, "God doesn't miss a thing." This reminds me of the song from Aerosmith about how he doesn't want to miss a thing.  He created the song when his daughter, Liv Tyler, was born and when he said he doesn't want to miss a thing, he was referring to every moment with his child - now that's showing the love of a father! What a great truth knowing that our Father in Heaven doesn't miss a thing either when it comes to our lives.  Every little thing counts for Him and He made sure that He is there to witness everything we do.  That's why there's no hiding the truth from Him.  Amazing how God loves us so much!  He is present in every moments we have in life, the happy ones, the sad, the troubled times, the joyous times, every moment we have...He literally is present and would like us to share it with Him.  There so much words in this portion of chapter 15 that shows God's love for us and in connection to that, He has given us wise words to guide us in our walk in life.  Among all the wise words, I want to focus on 3 amazing truths:

1) Verse 1 - "A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindless a temper-fire." Now, this one is a powerful word that all of us must come to understand.  At times, when our emotions are at peak, it is so easy to speak sharply and carelessly.  Many times, even we start the fire by just responding rudely or sarcastically, just because we feel it.  But God says, speak gently, speak with calmness, with peace and not the opposite because our words still kills and gives life and the way we deliver our words matter because our hearts is shown in the delivery of our words.  One person can say, "You're beautiful." and delivers it sarcastically, which then reveals the heart of that person.  So it is important that we choose our words but the delivery of our words is equally important too.  That's why God pointed our "gentle response" defuses anger.  So it's not just the right-words response but also a gentle one.

2) Verse 3 - God doesn't miss a thing - He's alert to good and evil alike.  I have pointed out already above how amazing God is because He doesn't miss a thing in our lives...But in the end, the decision is with us on either we share those moments with God or not.  He is present every time when it comes to our lives: the dark times, the troubled times, the happy times, etc...He is a witness to all of those times in our lives, so let's share those moments with Him and walk our lives with Him not only a witness but one who is involve.

3) Verse 6, "The lives of God-loyal people flourish; a misspent life is soon bankrupt." - such a wise truth!  Let us not misspent our lives but live it devoted to our God.  That is where we will flourish because our nature is to be with Him.  But away from Him means death.  So be wise and choose to live your life with God!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for an amazing day!  An amazing moment with You!  Lord help me to apply Your words today in my life from today and may it build my character that these wise choices becomes part of my and my natural choice.  Lord help me to impart these wise words to others that I may become a channel of Your wisdom to others.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 15: 3 (The Message Version)

God doesn't miss a thing - He's alert to good and evil alike.

Do you remember Aerosmith's song, "I don't want to miss a thing" - that song was created when his daughter, Liv Tyler, was born and it's his way of saying that he doesn't want to miss a thing in the life of his daughter.  Well, God doesn't miss a thing in your life too.  In fact, He has always been there and He is a witness on all our troubled times, our dark times, our happy moments, our success, failures, etc.  He didn't miss a thing in our lives! We have the decision to make God a mere witness in our lives or we can choose to share those times with Him and allow Him to get involve in our lives. So let's share our lives with Jesus...Start today!

Friday, August 28, 2015

Start Time: 6:21 AM

End Time: 6:59 AM

Title: Sift and Weigh Every Word

Scriptures: Proverbs 14:14 - 35

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Proverbs 14:14 - 35 is consists of many great lessons.  This portion of this chapter is very powerful and true.  Every word just speaks the truth and I may not be able to discuss all but i will pick a few that really stuck in me. 

1) Vs 21 - It's criminal to ignore a neighbor in need, but compassion for the poor - what a blessing! 

I have not thought of ignoring someone's help as a crime, have you?  It's amazing how God can place things into the right perspective and leaving your human understanding crumbling down into dust.  I mean, if people would think this way that to refuse help is a crime, wouldn't we all be in prison by now?  Some say that you choose the people you help, only those who also help themselves.  Some say that people tend to help people they only know and not to those they are not connected with.  And I’m sure there's a lot more other human logical reasoning out there that contradicts this verse.  Yet God says, it is a crime to ignore a neighbor in need.  Note that it is not even a "friend" who is in need of help.  God note the person in need of help as a neighbor!  Who are your neighbors today?  Do you really know them? Have you bonded with all your neighbors?  Let's face it, not all of our neighbors are our friends.  In fact, some of us don't even know our neighbors.  But God said to extend help to people you don't know.  Because ignoring them is a crime!  Amazing!  What a new perspective that we all must internalize to clearly understand its true meaning.

2) Verse 31, You insult your Maker when you exploit the powerless; when you're kind to the poor, you honor God.  To exploit means, according to Wikipedia, is to take advantage of something.  Now, all of us, I believe, one way or another, have exploited someone.  But many times, we didn't see it as one.  I mean, it's possible that we didn't realize that we have exploited or taken advantage of someone else.  Just because someone gave you extra favor or agreed to do something you asked for, doesn't mean that we can go demanding it from the person always, especially when they have a lot of things on their plate.  If you know someone who doesn't know how to say no to you and even though you know that the person is overloaded with work but you need something done and he/she is the only person you know can do it, to go to that person with the knowledge that he/she will not be able to turn you down, even though you know he/she is overloaded, means you're taking advantage of that person - in short you're exploiting the person because you know he/she is unable to say no.  And although, the task you asked the person to do may be for the good of someone or everyone, still, your heart intentions reveal something else.  And the word of the Lord says that when we exploit someone, we insult the Lord.  But to be kind to the poor, those who are what they call the "leech", and those who are not well educated or well-mannered, to show kindness to them is to honor God!

3) Verse 34, God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak. - This is fitting with the upcoming elections.  It is clear, a God-centered leader in position will make our country strong, while one that avoids the topic of God or tries to please everyone by promoting equality for both good and evil, makes the people weak.  No wonder, people today, they are bold to do evil things, robbery, rape, murder, kidnapping, etc...Because our leader today seeks to bring equality to all, I'm referring to the president of America who used to be and still has big influence over the United Nations.  This coming election, let us elect Christ-centered leaders.  May God help us all in choosing the right people in position. More importantly, we have to devote ourselves to God because in truth, a God-devote nation will make our country strong and not just our leaders.

Prayer:

Lord thank You for a fruitful time with You.  I learned so many things.  I pray that You help me apply these learnings in my life Lord to never ignore a neighbor in need of help, to show kindness to the poor and to devote myself to You because if the people devote themselves to You then our country will be strong.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 14:21 (The Message Version)

It’s criminal to ignore a neighbor in need, but compassion for the poor—what a blessing!

Wow! If we have this truth in place today, I believe all of us will be in prison by now.  But today, God wants to correct our way of thinking and to see that to ignore your neighbor's help is a crime!  It may not be punishable by law (the world's law) but the truth is God created us to be a blessing - that is the natural law.  So let us fulfill our purpose today and be a blessing to someone else!   

Title: A Way That Leads To Hell

Scriptures: Proverbs 14:1 - 13

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Today, God warns us that although walking with Him or choosing to be wise may be the right thing to do, it doesn't mean that the road to wisdom is smooth.  According to verse 1 of this chapter, God said that Lady wisdom builds a lovely home; but sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick.  This clearly warns us that the road we take in pursuing what is right and wise will not be easy.  Because sir Fool will come along to tear whatever we have brick by brick.  The word of God doesn't say a time limit for Mister Fool to destroy whatever we have from Lady Wisdom.  So this could mean that Mr. Fool comes to destroy us every time we choose wisdom.  So be warned!  Then Solomon continued on showing us that despite of the fact written in verse 1, the honest life is still the best choice there is because it keeps your life on track so despite of this truth, let us still continue to choose wisdom.  Because God will build us up and reward us. 

Another warning I see here is found in verse 12 - 13, Solomon wrote, "There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak." - this is again a loud and very clear warning for us all.  It's the warning of deception!  We need to look closely to the path we choose in our lives because more often, the life that most people choose, is not what they really seem to be.  So choose wisely!  Every day is a choice to live with wisdom or to live foolishly...the choice is yours!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for the warnings Lord.  Thank You for giving me a heads up that the life or path You have chosen for me may not be easy but it is definitely rewarding and satisfying.  Help me Lord to make the right choices each day, that despite of the truth that the wise, good, holy life may not be an easy road, it is the right choice!  Help me also Lord to look closely to the choices I make.  Open my eyes to see the truth and show it to me that I may not be deceived.  Help me to remember that not everything that looks good is good and I have to closely examine my choices that I may not be choosing the path that will lead me straight to hell.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 14:1 (The Message Version)

Lady Wisdom builds a lovely home; Sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick.

God warns us that the road to wisdom is not a smooth path.  In fact, Mister Fool will come along for the sole purpose of tearing everything down brick by brick for every wise decision we make.  So be warned and assured that the wise choices you make, are the right choices to take!

Rest and be secured in the Lord as you make the wise decisions in your life today!

Have a blessed day!

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Start Time: 5:31 AM

End Time: 6:03 AM

Title: Walk With The Wise

Scriptures: Proverbs 13:1 - 25

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Today, God thru King Solomon tells us that it's not too late.  If we have been living like a fool most of our lives, there is still hope.  We can still turn our ways and start making the right decisions/choices.  If you are uncertain what to do or if you don't know how to start because you have no good counsel to follow, then King Solomon says, just walk with the wise.  Verse 20 says, Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall into pieces.  Find the wise person in your life and walk with this person.  In fact, you need not to seek further, because the wisest person is already with you all the time, the Lord!  Start walking with God each day and 100% guarantee, you will become wise.  Learn His words and meditate in them for they are the good counsels we all need to take.  So don't lose hope and stay in a destructive path that you are in now.  There's hope and your hope is with you all the time - the Lord.  Hallelujah!  It's amazing that when God gives us an answer to our questions, He also gives you whatever you need to achieve it!  Praise God!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, what a great day it is!  Truly You are a God who answers our questions and equip us to become the best version of ourselves.  It is amazing that for a simple problem as man's desire to be wise, which I believe is man's natural state, You have provided us answers on what to do to become one. Not only that, You also gave us the tools needed to do or follow Your answers.  Thank You Lord!  Help me Lord to walk in Your counsel daily.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 13:20 (The Message Version)

Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.

Today, God tells us to walk with the wise to become wise.  If we have been making foolish decisions/choices in life, it's time to turn our ways and make the right ones now and if you don't know how to start doing that, God says, walk with the wise to be wise.  And the wisest person on earth is the Lord, and He is always with us every day!  So walk with God and His good counsel and you will find yourself wiser every day. 

God bless!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Start Time: 5:46 AM

End Time: 6:17 AM

Title: Wise People Take Advice

Scriptures: Proverbs 12:13 - 28

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Have you ever wonder what wise people has?  What do they have that made them so wise?  You may think that they're wise because it's in their genes, you know he/she was born in the family of Doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc.  Or you may think that it's because their minds can easily memorize and remember all the things they learned and you're brain just happy to take in half of what you hear especially when it is not very interesting to you.  Well, today, God thru King Solomon tells us what wise people do that makes them wise - they take advice!  They listen to counsel and obey them.  That's key!  There's no one born in this world wise or intelligent who already has all the information he/she needs in life.  But the difference is, wise people listen and obey good counsel.  Fools are headstrong and do what they like but wise people, they are humble enough to listen to advice even if they already know so much.  So if you want to be wise...listen and follow good counsel my friend!

I also want to point out verse 24, because I feel like God is still addressing my concerns at work.  He said, The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.  Now that made me think, am I wrong to feel pressured with the 3 jobs I have?  I should be getting freedom from my work if I work diligently.  Then maybe, that's what i need, to work more diligently with all my 3 jobs then I will receive freedom from them.  Thank You Lord!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for a wonderful and amazing truth today.  Thank You for reminding me that wise people are wise because they listen to Your counsel.  Give me a humble mind and heart Lord to always listen to You and not be a fool who will do as I please.  Lord help me also to work diligently so I may find freedom in my work this time in my life.  Correct the error of my thinking and ways Lord that I may live in peace, joy and full satisfaction in You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 12:24 (The Message Version)

The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work.

Do you find yourself feeling oppressed with work?  There's only one solution - work diligently and you will find freedom in what you do.  What a powerful truth God has for us today.

Good morning!  

Monday, August 24, 2015

Start Time: 6:23 AM

End Time: 6:54 AM

Title: If You Love Learning

Scriptures: Proverbs 12:1 - 12

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Good morning!  Today, God is teaching us to love learning!  We are all a work in progress and every day is an opportunity to learn.  In fact, learning never stops in our lifetime so we must learn to enjoy and embrace it!  Such amazing words from the Lord today.  It is good to note that when God spoke of learning, what's inclusive in this part (verses 1 to 12) is staying rooted to God!  So to learn and keep on learning is to stay rooted to Him - a gentle reminder from God to "Remain in Him" again!  In God, that's where learning is!  Among all the verses I read (from 1 to 12), I love verse 9, Solomon wrote, "Better to be ordinary and work for a living than act important and starve in the process" - People's mindset is so twisted, we have this mentality that to look rich, to be seen wealthy or prosperous is the better way than become ordinary.  But here, Solomon tells us that ordinary but working for a living is better than acting high and mighty but reality speaks the opposite of your actions.  Another great lessons in this part that I read in Chapter 12 is found in verse 11, "The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies." This is very fitting for me today because I am growing weary and tired with all of my jobs.  Having 3 jobs and working every day from Monday to Sunday is really not an ideal set up and it drives me tired and weary all the time.  But I know that I had to do so because it is necessary at this point in time and I am blessed that God is comforting me with His words in verse 11, telling me to stay on the job and not chase witless whims and fancies, like the idea of resigning and just let whatever will be.  Thank You Lord 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for a wonderful reminder and lesson today.  Thank You because You truly knows what our hearts and minds need each day.  I was feeling a little down and tired yesterday with work but You gave me the strength to continue and today, You started my day with the assurance of what needs to be done when it comes to my work.  So thank You Lord because You truly answers and You truly give us hope and passion to continue on living for You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 12:11 (The Message Version)

The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies.

Today, God is telling us to simplify life and focus on the tasks at hand.  Many times, especially when we are feeling tired and weary, it is so easy to quit... our mind plays around the idea of giving up and just let whatever will be and the truth is, it is very tempting.  But today, God tells us one very practical lesson to apply in our lives.  He said, "The one who stays on the job has food on the table; the witless chase whims and fancies." We all have our whims and fancies but to chase them out of the blue is very impractical.  Be reasonable and know that our work brings food on our table.  Stay focus!

Good morning!

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Start Time: 6:13 AM

End Time: 6:40 AM

Title: A God-Shaped Life

Scriptures: Proverbs 11:17 - 31

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Today, God is telling us there is only one way to live our lives - to live it patterned to His image, A GOD-SHAPED LIFE!  Yes, God said it's possible!  From verses 17 to 31, there are so many great wise words from Solomon in this chapter but all leads to living a godly life.  However what stand out among all these beautiful and powerful verses for me is verse 29...Solomon wrote, "Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air; common sense tells you it's a stupid way to live" Hallelujah!  This verse struck me because I believe as Filipinos, we have this culture of being close to our family and in that process, we have this belief that our families will always be there for us; to help us, to save us, to come when we are in need of help.  Yes these are all true and these are noble acts but many times, because we have this mentality, it is easy for us to exploit or abuse our family because we know that somehow it is part of our obligation to help one another in trouble in the family.  I say that this is only true in the Filipino culture because other foreign cultures, do not include this.  In fact, some are raised to be independent after and live on their own.  But here in the Philippines, after you graduated and have a job, even when you already have a family, you are still obligated to help other members of the family.  And although helping is good... it is in fact one of the most manipulated tool to abuse another.  Sad but true!  Helping should be a joy but if helping becomes a burden, then there's something wrong there.. I mean help and burden just doesn't equate together, so go figure!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, what a wonderful day and time of learning.  Thank You for reminding me that there is only one way to live life and it should be a godly life.  I am amazed of how everything just falls into places when we choose You are all times.  Thank You also, for teaching me that my family should be the 1st people I blessed and not exploit or abuse.  My family should be the people I take care and love and be happy to help out always and not the other way around.  Help me to be a blessing to my family and not become a burden Lord.  Help me to realize that my family is willing to help me but it is not reason enough to abuse the help they give me.  Give me wisdom Lord to apply these truths in my life.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 11:29 (The Message Version)

"Exploit or abuse your family, and end up with a fistful of air; common sense tells you it's a stupid way to live."

God tells us that to exploit or abuse our family is just plain stupidity, even common sense will tell you that.  However as Filipinos, our culture dictates that helping our family is an obligation, even when you already have your own family.  Let us be reminded that we are to become a blessing to others and the first people that we should all be a blessing to is our family and not the other way around.  Let us understand that although we know that our families will always be there to help us, it is not reason enough to abuse or exploit them.  Let us treat them with respect and be ashamed to even abuse the help they willingly give us!

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Start Time: 7:35 AM

End Time: 8:06 AM

Title: Without Good Direction, People Lose Their Way

Scriptures: Proverbs 11:1 - 16

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Hallelujah!  What a wonderful and great day!  Yes it is great and wonderful despite of the rain since yesterday!  Every day is the day that the Lord has made and I believe He has great things for me today despite of the weather conditions :)  God, through Solomon, is teaching us to never forsake His good direction, it is what keeps us in the right path.  Without His words, His guide, we lose our way.  From verses 1 to 16, Solomon wrote different powerful lessons that we all can learn from but all of them points to one thing... "the Good" - which is the way of the Lord.  He speaks of integrity, good character, good person, right-living, discipline, good direction, gentleness, cool head, etc.  All of which points out what is good. God strongly teaches us today that His words is the good direction of our lives and without Him, we will surely lose our way in this journey.  So never depart from God or His words, it is our light, our guide, our salvation in this dark, ruined world.

Prayer:

Lord thank You so much for teaching me to love Your word.  Thank You for giving me the understanding that to love You is to love Your word.  Your word is my guide...it is my direction and it will keep me from losing my way.  Help me Lord to meditate in Your word daily and to put it to heart.  Give me a sharp mind to remember Your words and a gentle heart to embrace Your teachings each day.  In Jesus' Name Amen!

Memory Verse Share for Today:

Proverbs 11:14 (The Message Version)

Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.

Today, let us seek God's good direction for us so we may never lose our way in this dark and terrible maze we have to walk through in life.  Let God's words be your light as you journey towards life. 

Have a great day!

Friday, August 21, 2015

Start Time: 6:20 AM

End Time: 6:58 AM

Title: Fear of God Expands Your Life

Scriptures: Proverbs 10:22 - 32

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

The last portion of Solomon's words in Proverbs 10 sums it all up...Fear of God expands your life!  We have to understand that God alone is the source of everything.  So if we want to live, and live abundantly, choose God!  That's why Solomon said in verse 22 that God's blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God.  Indeed, nothing!  We have to understand this because all of us wants to live a rich life but we fail to understand that wealth is only achieve in God's blessings.  Solomon continued on by teaching us to choose wisdom from God because when we choose Him and His words, our words are corrected, our attitudes our corrected, we are change!  Ultimately, the fear of God develops in us, thus expanding our lives.  So in totality, what we need is God!  Dwell in Him and meditate in His words...then everything in us will be in its natural state! 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus thank You for reminding me time and time again that every day is a choice...a choice to put You in charge over my life or take the control away from You.  Lord help me to understand that my natural state is to be with You and that every day I must choose You above all else.  Thank You Lord for the reminder and help me to apply You words in my life every day.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse share for today

Proverbs 10:22 (The Message Version)

"God's blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God."

To live a rich and abundant life, choose God because only His blessings can give us the life that will satisfy us.   Every day is a choice - choose God daily and live a rich life with Him.

Have a blessed day!

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Start Time: 6:20 AM

End Time: 7:02 AM

Title: The Road to Life Is a Disciplined Life

Scriptures: Proverbs 10:15 - 21

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

What a hard but powerful truth God has in-store for us today!  To sum it up, the road to life is a disciplined life!  Very true!  But not many people want to take the disciplined life.  It is easier to be free or to do as one please rather than take the high road.  Yet Solomon advises us that the road to a rich life, a happy life, a good life, is a disciplined one!  One thing I noticed in these verses that Solomon pointed out one major part of having a disciplined life...I guess it's one of the most important part of having a disciplined life because Solomon has reminded us of this chapter after chapter...and that's pertaining to our use of words.  Here we see, Solomon speaks of liars secretly hoard hatred, fools openly spread slander.  Again, these are all pertaining to the use of our mouth.  In verse 19, Solomon says, the more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words.  In verses 20 to 21, Solomon says, "The speed of a good person is worth waiting for; the blabber of the wicked is worthless.  The talk of a good person is rich fare for many, but chatterboxes die of an empty heart." I don't know with you but I find it interesting that when Solomon speaks of a disciplined life, he specifically pointed out the words that comes out of our mouth.  I guess, the mouth could be the hardest to control because at times we just say what we want to say without really meaning it.  But also, the words of our mouth is one of the most powerful weapon or tool God has given us.  As mentioned yesterday, our words have the power to kill or give life and so I think, God is telling us that one of the most important part that we need to discipline is our mouth.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me that my words are powerful and I should learn to discipline what comes out ofmy mouth.  Help me Lord to live a disciplined life and to ensure that only words of life comes out of my mouth as You designed it should be.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today

Proverbs 10:17 (The Message Version)

"The road to life is a disciplined life; ignore correction and you're lost for good."

Today, let us be open to correction and change.  We are all a work in progress and every day, God who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).  So let us be humble and embrace change!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Start Time: 6:23 AM

End Time: 6:56 AM

Title: An Honest Life Is Immortal

Scriptures: Proverbs 10:1 - 14

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Solomon has given us such great proverbs today.  He speaks of what is to come to those who live honestly and those who don't.  This chapter shows us our choices in life and its consequences.  It's amazing that if we just spend time with God's words, truly, we will see the path that He wants us to take.  The path to righteousness and fullness of joy.  He has clearly laid out the plans for us all and given us all the possible consequences of whatever actions to take.  Reading through the words of Solomon, it dawned on me that the path is clear!  There's no confusion!  There are only 2 paths: the righteous and the wicked.  Each path, Solomon has elaborated to show the consequences or the results if we choose it.  Yet, because we are too busy to set time for God's words, we miss out on such amazing wisdom that will lead us to the right path.  Among all the proverbs that Solomon mentioned from verses 1 to 14, what struck me the most is verse 11 and 14.  "The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse." This is so true!  We know that words have the power to kill or give life.  And here Solomon labeled those who gives live as a good person and the one who kills as the wicked.  And the truth is, we all are capable of speaking life and death through our words but what we choose to speak determines what kind of person we are.  Are we good or wicked?  But if you remain in the Lord at all times and choose Him each day, You will be changed and living words will naturally come out of you.  In verse 14, Solomon said that the wise accumulate knowledge, a true treasure; but the know-it-all talks too much, a sheer waste.  So check ourselves daily and identify the words that come out of us.  Does it give life?  Does it speak of knowledge?  Or does it abuse others? or just words that doesn't mean anything?  Choose your words today.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for a wisdom-filled chapter today.  Clearly, You have drawn the map to the path of the righteous for us.  It is up to us to make the right choices every day.  Lord I pray that You guard my mouth and help me be cautious of the words I speak.  Give me wisdom to speak life and knowledge.  I want my lips to be Your instrument in speaking life to others.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse share for today:

Proverbs 10:11 (The Message Version)

"The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse."

Our words have the power to give life or destroy it.  So let us choose our words carefully today and may our lips be instruments of God's living words that will uplift and revive others and not the other way around.

Have a blessed day!

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Start Time: 7:00 AM

End Time: 7:33 AM

Title: Madame Whore Calls Out, Too

Scriptures: Proverbs 9:13 - 18

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Solomon warns us today that if wisdom calls out for us, welcoming us with a dinner feast, Solomon says "Madame whore" calls out to you too.  She is empty-headed, frivolous; she sits on the front porch of her house, then as people walk by, she lures them in to have a good time instead of finding answers and clarifications to their confusion.  Her logic says, no one will know what you did, the important thing is you had the best time of your life.  Do what makes you happy.  The main goal is to satisfy the human desires temporarily.  In our journey in life, as we seek God continually each day and His wisdom, know that Madame whore is also in the way trying her very best to steal us away from our destination.  Her weapon against us is our own human desires!  That's what she uses against us!  To show us what it is to satisfy our flesh, hiding the truth from us that this satisfaction is only fleeting and will not last or fill our soul...so we end up just longing for more and more, seeking to satisfy our flesh in the wrong places, when the truth is all we need to satisfy or answer is the confusion we had that only Wisdom from God could have clarified.  So be careful of our own selfish desires because it is what will bring us down.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for a wonderful lesson today.  Thank You because You have shown me that in my journey on earth towards the truth (You), there will be distractions.  The Devil will find ways to lure me out of focus to my goal...but the more important lesson I learned today is that I am to be careful more to my own selfish desires because this is the Devil's powerful weapon against me.  Help me Lord to have discipline and control over my flesh.  Give me wisdom to be able to run away from temptation and into Your arms to rest and be safe.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 9:13 - 18 (The message version)

"Then there’s this other woman, Madame Whore—brazen, empty-headed, frivolous; She sits on the front porch of her house on Main Street, And as people walk by minding their own business, calls out, “Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on? Steal off with me, I’ll show you a good time! No one will ever know—I’ll give you the time of your life.” But they don’t know about all the skeletons in her closet that all her guests end up in hell."

King Solomon warns us that in our journey in seeking the truth (God's wisdom), there will be distractions along the way.  And the other woman (Madame whore or sin), her greatest weapon against us, is our own selfish desires that distract us from our pursuit of God's wisdom.  So we end up, temporarily happy but still confuse and with no answers.  So today, let's seek God's wisdom each day and not allow our own selfish desires to distract us from our journey.

Have a blessed day!

Monday, August 17, 2015

Start Time: 5:51 AM

End Time: 6:20 AM

Title: Lady Wisdom Gives A Dinner Party

Scriptures: Proverbs 9:1-12

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Today King Solomon emphasized on Lady wisdom again.  But this time, he spoke of wisdom giving a dinner party.  How she prepares a meal, oh no, not just a meal but a banquet meal...lamb roasted, wine, with silver and flowers.  She goes to town calling out to anyone who hears and inviting them for the dinner.  Now this tells me that when we respond to wisdom, we are filled and satisfied.  When we study the word of God, our spirits are satisfied and made full because wisdom has set a banquet meal for us.  Hallelujah!  So if we are confuse and lack understanding of things... seek the wisdom of God.  Open His word for you and be filled!  Hallelujah!

Another lesson Solomon taught us today that there are 2 kinds of people, the foolish and the wise.  Only those who are wise love corrections or improving themselves.  So this tells me that in life, there will be people who won't like to hear what you say even if it is the truth because they just don't want to listen to the word you say...so save your breath for the wise, that's Solomon's advise for us today.  Don't be discouraged if someone doesn't want to listen to what you have to say or if that person doesn't want to follow the good advice you give.  Solomon already told us there will be people like them so don't be discouraged if no one listens...Just know that there will be people who will and they will love you for it :)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for a wonderful lesson today.  Thank You because when we seek Your wisdom, we will be sure to be filled and satisfied.  I want Your wisdom Lord.  Help me to share it to the wise and not be discouraged if others don't want to listen to what I have to say.  Thank You for Your love and wisdom.  May I always meditate in Your word so I may gain wisdom daily.  In Jesus' Name, amen!

Memory Verse Share for today:

Proverbs 9:10-12 (The Message Version)

"Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God. It’s through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen. Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; mock life and life will mock you."

Let's read our Bible every day and seek God's wisdom so we may live fruitful lives. 

Good morning!

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Start Time: 8:00 PM

End Time: 8:30 AM

Title: The Chosen

Scriptures: John 15:1 - 16

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Why else would we miss out on wisdom?  I mean, Solomon in chapter 8, clearly showed us many reasons why we should choose wisdom.  But before the reasons he enumerated, I want to note that in verses 1 - 11, Solomon portrayed wisdom calling out to us.  Can you believe this?  We are very privilege to have wisdom on our side but for wisdom to want to be with us...this is amazing!  I mean, we are always taught that we should seek wisdom from God...but Solomon is saying, wisdom is seeking for us, well, his words were, calling out for us!  Can you hear?  Wisdom calling us and all we need to do is respond to it.  Hallelujah!  This is like the message God gave me for earlier today's sharing.  I am blessed to know that Wisdom wants to be with us, it calls out for us, we just need to respond and listen.

In verses 12 - 21, Solomon enumerated a few of the reasons why we should seek wisdom... well, first of all, it lives next to Sanity.  If you don't want to be crazy, you need wisdom...my friend!  It comes with knowledge and discretion.  It hates what God hates - evil!  Wisdom builds your common sense and give you good counsel.  Wisdom is both insight and virtue that we need to live out.  Wisdom helps leaders or anyone in authority, wealth and glory accompany it...i mean Solomon just went on and on of all the benefits of wisdom...so the question really is...why won't we have it?

In verses 32-36, Solomon urged us to find wisdom because in wisdom, we find life, real life...and where else can we find wisdom...in God alone!  Again this directs me back to God's message of remaining in Him...developing our devotional lives...seeking Him at all times in our lives.  Hallelujah!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for another confirmation of Your message.  Truly wisdom comes from You alone Lord and Wisdom says to remain in You.  Help me Lord to always seek Your wisdom daily and to live by it.  Give me the strength and commitment to choose You and Your wisdom each day of my life.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Start Time: 6:00 AM

End Time: 8:30 AM

Title: The Chosen

Scriptures: John 15:1 - 16

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Many are called but few are chosen...

This was originally mentioned by Jesus in a wedding, which tells me that God has called all of us and chose all of us too but to be chosen requires a response...so the ball is really on your hands.  Have you responded?

There is no question that God has chosen us...

Even at the beginning, He has set us apart...Jeremiah 1:5 says,

“Before I shaped you in the womb,

    I knew all about you.

Before you saw the light of day,

    I had holy plans for you:

A prophet to the nations—

    that’s what I had in mind for you.”

So God has chosen us...no doubt about it, but it doesn't end there...to complete the process of being chosen or the fulfillment of the promise of God as the person He chose, you need to respond. 

Like for example, out of the many women in the life of one man, he choses you.  But if you don't respond or if you said no...then you will no longer be his chosen woman to marry...because to be chosen requires the chosen person to respond and say yes too.

It's the same to be chosen with God, if you say no, it doesn't change the fact that God chose you but if you do not respond to God or if you say no, then you will no longer be the chosen.

It's either God will find someone else or He will pursue you until you say yes. 

Like Jonah - God pursued him

Like Judas - God replaced him

Good thing God does both.

I learned that in responding to God, there is a process flow that comes naturally when we say yes to His calling and I realized that the only thing we need to do is to...

STEP 1 - REMAIN IN HIM

John 15:1-4

“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken. Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me."

- to remain in God is a daily choice; every day we should choose to remain in Him.  It's so easy to get side-tracked with all the things in life and that's why every day, we should decide to remain in Him.

Just like a couple, there are a lot of beautiful men and women, even other distractions like work, yourself, fun, etc...but every day, the person choose to remain with the person he/she loves.

- this requires commitment, which means it demands priority in our lives.

Remember we are a spirit in a body and not the other way around, so our spirit is the focus of who we are.  And our spirit needs the Lord, so it is important to feed our spirit first even before we feed our physical bodies.  So make time for God each day... make Him a priority and commit to it!

STEP 2 - CHANGE

In verse 3, God said, "You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken." (The Message)

"You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you."(NIV)

When we remain in God, change comes naturally.  We can't be with God and remain who we are.  He loves us so much and He will change us.

Philippians 2:13 (easy to read version)

"Yes, it is God who is working in you. He helps you want to do what pleases him, and he gives you the power to do it."

-So God Himself, will change our hearts and minds to obey His purpose.

-Obedience is a result of intimacy with God!

Just like a couple, you learn to like what the other person likes because as you spend time together, you become one!

STEP 3 - BEAR FRUIT

God said in John 15: 16

 “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you."

When we remain in God, change comes naturally and obedience to God becomes a result.  And when we obey God, bearing fruit is a natural outcome.

In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow."

Bearing fruits come naturally when we remain in God and obey because it is God who make things grow.  So if you analyze this clearly, our main role in life is really to just remain in God.  Becuase He will cause us to change and obey Him and when we do that, He will also make things grow and make us fruitful.  Hallelujah!

STEP 4 - REQUEST GRANTED

John 15:16

 “You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you."

- Is is only when we remain in God that we are change by Him, that we bear fruit, and ultimately, for our requests to be granted

- by this time, our requests will be aligned to God's plan because He has changed us to be ONE with Him.

So to be chosen, you need to respond to God...to respond to God, you only need one thing...REMAIN IN HIM.  How?  DEVOTIONAL!  

Friday, August 14, 2015

Start Time: 5:55 AM

End Time: 6:32 AM

Title: Dressed to Seduce

Scriptures: Proverbs 7:1 - 27

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Isn't it ironic that Solomon speaks so strongly regarding adultery when he is a product of one?  I find it intriguing that the wisest man of all was a son of the man who committed adultery against his right-hand man in the kingdom.  Although the product of the lustful desire of David and Bathsheeba died, Solomon was a symbol of 2nd chance for David and Bathsheeba.  It was not a secret that David and Bathsheeba's 1st son died due to the fact that he/she was conceive out of sin.  Yet when Solomon was born, Bathsheeba and David were already together as husband and wife.  So Solomon was their 2nd chance!  But you know how great the temptation of the lust because Solomon wrote about it many times in his book even if, in a way, his father is guilty of such.  Yet in Solomon's words, it was his father who gave him all these advices - showing only that David was a changed man that he continually impart with Solomon what he learned in his life, giving him wisdom to rule the land.

Anyway, let's look at Solomon's warning about this temptress woman who dressed to seduce.  In this chapter, we see that this woman awaits for the young man, and she waits in full seduction mode!  She was dressed to impress with all the make up on and perfume.  She was ready for him!  This should warn us that Sin dresses to seduce us daily...and sin waits for us ready to take us over.  Sin never comes to us saying, "We’re bad for u".  Sin comes dressed in sparkly clothes, full make up, with its hair blow-dry and alluring sense, all to convince us to try it or take it in our lives.  Sin will tell you everything you want to hear such as, "You will earn more money", "You will enjoy this and what is life if you can't enjoy it", or "You're life will be easier and fun - that's what life is all about.  Do whatever makes you happy" But these are all lies!  Note that according to Solomon, she threw her arms around the young man and kissed him.  So sin actually gives you a sample taste of what it's going to be like.  A small taste of success, a feeling of excitement or "love" or being wanted...Sin does not come to you without handing you a free taste of it.  So be careful NOT to taste what it offers for free.  Because the moment you do, then you become a dead man/woman.

Solomon has warned and taught us the ways of sins...Sin is..

1) Patient - it waits for us; it dresses to impress and ready for our coming

2) Focus - the moment we arrive, it does nothing else but allure us into taking whatever it offers us

3) Very resourceful - it will use everything in its power to seduce us; see how this woman seduces the young man; she literally appealed to all of the senses of man

a) sense of sight and smell - she made herself beautiful so that she will be appealing to the young man, so in short, she is targeting eyes and nose

b) Sense of hearing - then she spoke enticing words

c) Sense of Taste and touch - then she threw her arms around him and kissed him; this time she gave him a taste of what he can get and what it will feel like

d) Imagination - But most of all, her powerful attack, our minds - she then illustrates what her bed looks like - this is her playing with our minds.

So what did Solomon says we do - Don't fool around with a woman like that!  Don't even consider her words.  One thing I noticed that this woman awaits for the "young" man, clearly because a mature man won't be bothered by her seduction so don't remain a young man...grow up and don't fool around with sin!

Prayer:

Lord, what a great reminder and learning today!  Thank You for warning me that sin awaits for me each day, and it does not lie in wait unprepared...it is ready to rumble with me and overtake me.  Thank You Lord for reminding me that the temptation of sin works on all my senses plus my imagination.  Help me Lord to grow up and become a mature woman so I can strongly walk away from the temptation of sin and not fool around with her.  Help me Lord to focus on You every step of the way so if sin comes to distract me, I will not stop to entertain or consider her words, but I will be walking straight to the path You've chosen for me.  In Jesus' Name, amen!

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Start Time: 6:12 AM

End Time: 6:41 AM

Title: Warning On Adultery

Scriptures: Proverbs 6:20 - 35

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

King Solomon gives us another warning about adultery...although what comes to my mind is not just specific to a man/woman committing the act itself but since we are the bride of Christ, when we engage in intimacy with sin, that becomes our act of adultery, and so with this in mind, let's take this into consideration whenever Solomon warns us of adultery. 

Today, Solomon started off by advising us one of the things most people at one point in their lives hated to do - listen and obey their parent's advice.  Let's admit it, young people, whether it's the generation of today or our generation yesterday or the generation of the 40s, 50s or 60s, rebellion or should I say disobedience to parents is a common trend.  So from the wisest man on earth ever lived, one of his important advice is to listen and obey our parents.  But note that Solomon said follow their "good advice" - take note of the word "good" because it is true that parents can sometimes give bad advice.  But for the good ones, remember to listen and obey because Solomon said, a sound advice is a beacon, a good teaching is a light, moral discipline, is a life path. 

Now, verses 24-35, Solomon's focus is now directed to the real problem.  He spoke of wanton women.  I have never heard of a wanton woman before... I only know of wanton noodles, but here, Solomon speaks of wanton women.  Upon checking, wanton women are either of a cruel or violent action, deliberate and unprovoked; and the second meaning is a woman sexually immodest or promiscuous.  These are women that will seduce you with their talks and lead you to her bedroom.  However note that a whore is different from a wanton woman.  Solomon said that you can buy an hour with a whore for a loaf of bread but a wanton woman may well eat you alive.  So there's definitely a difference between a plain whore and a whore that is promiscuous or a plain woman that is promiscuous.  So be careful of such woman.  These tells me of possible sins in our lives that are very tempting like this wanton woman.  For example..."laziness", To be lazy and do nothing is absolutely enticing all the time yet like the wanton woman, in the end, laziness will eat all of our fruitfulness until we become rusty and dry. 

Well Solomon said that when you touch a neighbor's wife, you will have to pay for it.  It's the same when you involve yourself in a wanton woman.  The stakes will be high...you can expect payment physically including the damage of your reputation for good.  Because for sure the husband will be in a wild revenge and nothing you say or pay will make it all right.  Now this tells me that it's the same thing with us when we go in bed with sin...we will expect consequences to manifest physically in our lives but ultimately, it will ruin our reputation for good as well.  But by the Grace of our loving God, we are given 2nd chances. In fact multiple chances.  He redeemed us and wash away the dirt of our sins and make us a new being...but note that "nothing you say or pay will ever make things right" only God's grace can save us...God is abundant in love and slow to anger but note that God does get angry and when His wrath comes, it will be the end of all.  So let's listen to Solomon and obey God's words through him.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, Gracious King and Savior.  Thank You for a wonderful day and for teaching me to listen and obey.  Help me Lord to remember the wanton woman, who can manifest in any other areas not just literally a woman.  Open my eyes to spot the wanton women in my life that will lead me to commit adultery against You.  Give me wisdom and strength to turn away from their charms away and to see their true nature hidden from their seductive nature.  Give me understanding of the end result that I may not walk towards the alluring path of adultery.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for Today

Proverbs 6:23 (The Message Version)

"For sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path"

Let us choose what we listen to and follow.  There are so many advices and teachings today, some are even unsolicited ones, so let's be careful on the advices and teachings we hear and follow...for ONLY sound advice is a beacon and ONLY good teaching is light.  Choose moral discipline for it is the path of life.

Have a blessed day!

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Start Time: 6:09 AM

End Time: 6:29 AM

Title: Seven Things God Hates

Scriptures: Proverbs 6:16 - 19

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Do you know what God hates?  King Solomon listed 7 things God hates in today's chapter.  These are arrogant eyes, lying tongue, murderous hands, evil hearts, feet that runs down a wicked path, mouth that lies under oath, and a troublemaker.  This reminds me that all of the things that God hates as mentioned by Solomon are in us.  Well not that we have arrogant eyes, lying tongue, etc.  My point is, since we have eyes, tongue, hands, heart, feet, and mouth, so we have the potential to have all the things that God hates.  That's why it is important that we assess our eyes, tongue, hands, heart, mouth, feet...and evaluate if any of the parts of our body has been corrupted so much that we can say that we have what God hates as per Solomon's words in Chapter 6 of Proverbs. In short, we all have the potential to be bad and good.  The choice really is ours.  We ought to evaluate ourselves each day and ask, am I becoming what God hates or am I becoming pleasing to my King?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for a wonderful day.  Thank You for reminding me and for letting me know that my choices each day is important because it will mold me to be either pleasing or hateful to You.  Lord give me the wisdom to choose carefully and what is right every day that I may keep my eyes humble, my tongue truthful, my hands in service, my heart good, my feet walking the right path, my mouth never lying under oath, and becoming a blessing to my family.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for Today:

Proverbs 6:16 - 19 (The Message Version)

"Here are six things God hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion: eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent, a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track, a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family."

Let us choose to have humble eyes, truthful tongue, hands that serves, good heart, feet that walks the righteous path, mouth that never lies under oath and above all, choose to be a blessing in our family today.

Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Start Time: 5:44 AM

End Time: 6:12 AM

Title: Always Cooking Up Something Nasty

Scriptures: Proverbs 6:12 - 15

God’s Message/Promise/Commands:

Good morning!  Today King Solomon warns us of people who always cook up something nasty.  It's as if they live to be troublemakers and villains in our lives...oh yeah... they exist!  Solomon himself warned us of them.  In fact, we can be one of them too!  So God through King Solomon made sure we don't walk the same path as these troublemakers.  To get a better sense of these people, Solomon gave us specific descriptions about them to warn us to stay away, be ready, and most of all be conscious that we, ourselves, are not becoming one.  Solomon said that they talk out of both sides of their mouths, wink at each other, shuffle their feet, cross their fingers behind their backs...do they sound familiar?  Well, I will admit.  I have had my share of being naughty or nasty...but before you think of anything worst or evil that I have done, know that these are simple things like telling my friends I'm leaving for good and not coming back when the truth is, I was just off to a vacation and will be back after summer.  This may not have that much impact but clearly, I was playing or toying around with their feelings.  And these troublemakers are somewhat like that...they toy with our emotions, telling us one thing but doing something else.  Their minds are perverse and they are always stirring up trouble.  Like for example, I love my puppies but at times, when I give too much attention to one, the other one gets jealous.  And although, I know this to be a fact, sometimes I still do it because it's nice to feel being wanted.  This may not be a real danger but the truth is, I am doing exactly what Solomon is talking about in verses 12-15.  I am stirring up trouble to both my puppies.  So in the end they fight and I am the one ended up breaking the fight.  Sometimes they ran around the house and creating a mess because of that and I end up cleaning after them, which is what Solomon is saying in verse 15, Catastrophe is just around the corner for them, a total smashup, their lives ruined beyond repair... well, my case may not be a total ruin beyond repair but there's consequence and I'm sure you know what I'm trying to say. 

So I guess today, let us be cautious of troublemakers and be conscious of our own behaviors and intentions...because the little nasty things we do, may not do anyone harm today... but it will soon.  Because whatever we sow, we reap.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, amazing King and loving God!  Thank You for reminding me to be careful with these troublemakers in the world.  They exist and I should be careful daily but more than that, I should be careful not to become like them.  All people are capable of being nasty and we all should live to be cautious not to take that path in our lives.  Help me Lord to give love and not cook up something nasty to others.  Help me to focus my abilities and strength to cook up something wonderful and good to others instead.  This is my prayer today.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Memory Verse Share for Today:

Proverbs 6:12 - 15

"Riffraff and rascals talk out of both sides of their mouths.  They wink at each other, they shuffle their feet, they cross their fingers behind their backs. Their perverse minds are always cooking up something nasty, always stirring up trouble. Catastrophe is just around the corner for them, a total smashup, their lives ruined beyond repair."

Today, King Solomon warns us of troublemakers or rascals.  They always cook up something nasty and stirring up trouble for others.  Know that their end is just around the corner. Nowadays, it's so easy to be nasty...Pranks and jokes are easily planned in the expense of someone else's feelings, which more often than not, causes trouble in the end. So let us be careful and cautious not to become one ourselves too. 

Have a great morning guys!