My world seems wrecked apart into pieces when I discovered my husband having an affair with another woman. Many questions in my mind that seems no answers. "How it happened? Why it happened? Have I done something wrong to receive such afflictions?"

   With my own understanding I can't bear the pain and struggles. My hope, confidence and self respect is gone, I was bounded with fear. I cannot see the light. All I can see is darkness. Discouragement went through my entire being. Everything I have seems uncertain.

   All my energy is gone. Completely empty. Nothing is left in me except my little faith that GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE ME NOR FORSAKE ME. Then I have no choice but to cling to that little faith that I have. I asked him "Why you allow this to happened?" Jesus answered " Do You remember the time when Peter denied me three times during my execution?" The pain of betrayal is so intense. More severe that the strife's and wounds of my flesh."

   I answered " Yes Lord. I understand how painful it was. Now I know what you have sacrificed for me.It is my privileged to take part of your pain." He hugged me. So gently. His arms is warm and strong. I feel that I am Weak no more. Ooh... Its nice to stay in his presence.  His strength is sufficient enough for me.

   All my fear faded away.. I feel much secure now. More confident. In him there is no failure. No disappointments. Because HE IS FAITHFUL.

   God is so GOOD. He took me out of the bondage. He restore everything that is lost. He made me a NEW CREATION. I know.. I AM NEVER THE SAME AS BEFORE. 

    And when I stand to testify his glory, the POWER of GOD will abide in me. because I live in TRUTH.

   In everything that is happening God has a Purpose. He wants to test my character. He is teaching me to love those unlovable people. He wants me to be transformed according to his plan.

   Truly it was... You cannot testify the goodness of God unless you TASTE IT, FEEL IT, and EXPERIENCE IT. To GOD be the GLORY..

  

The Wife of Noble Character

(Proverbs 31:10-31.)

Key Verse: Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting.

But a woman who fear the Lord is to be praised. ( Prov. 31:30)

The entire chapter gave the overview about the right person to marry. In ancient times women were often viewed as men’s property. Good for bearing children and not much more. Proverbs addressed to young men approaching the age of marriage, takes a different view. It holds up marriage as a crucial choice to be made with a great care.



A good wife or husband can make or break his partners life. Her duties lay the foundation of her family’s welfare(14:1;10-31). She shares with her husband the most significant task of teaching their children the way of wisdom therefore her character matter far more than physical beauty



Not that Proverbs ignores the physical side of love. It urges marriage partners to rejoice in their love, to be captivated by it. It warns young people against sexual sin because this waste sexually on unsatisfying,

unloving relationship. Sex should be saved for a long lasting joy of marriage.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf, subtitled "A Story of Life for All Ages", is written by Leo Buscaglia, Ph.D. It is a short, warm and beautifully written fable about a leaf named Freddie. The story begins in the Fall, when Freddie had grown large and strong. Freddie's best friend, Daniel, has explained to him the circumstances of their lives on the tree in a public park:

It was Daniel who told them that the tree had strong roots which were hidden in the ground below. He explained about the birds who came to sit on their branch and sing morning songs. He explained about the sun, the moon, the stars and the seasons.
Daniel also explained about their purpose as he and Freddie had provided shade during the Summer.
As Fall moves into Winter and Freddie feels the cold and the winds for the first time, he experiences death as his fellow leaves begin to fall. As Daniel tries to explain that this is part of the cycle of life, Freddie stubbornly insists that he won't die. Freddie becomes the voice for all of us as he witnesses death around him:
"Where will we go when we die?"
"No one knows for sure. That's the great mystery!"
"Will we return in the Spring?"
"We may not, but Life will."
"Then what has been the reason for all of this?" Freddie continued to question. "Why were we here at all if we only have to fall and die?"
Daniel provides the only answer that ultimately can be provided to these questions:
Daniel answered in his matter-of-fact way, "It's been about the sun and the moon. It's been about the happy times together. It's been about the shade and the old people and the children. It's been about colors in Fall. It's been about seasons. Isn't that enough?"
As Freddie finally falls to earth, the last leaf to let go of his branch, the story ends with the promise of new life in the spring, and the knowledge that Freddie's life has been a part of and preparation for that new life.
   Many thoughts came to my mind as I watched the leaves from my window dances with the wind. I think of how short their lives are. Then I ask my self  do leaves realize how it feels to bid farewell to the warmth of the sun? Do they realized as they fall that they mingle with the earth to nourish the tree that has been their mother? Their lives has a purpose, just as our lives do.  Every day is always a time for personal reflection. I like to think that as the leaves fall our own sadness and regrets can fall away from our inner selves and swept away by the wind of hope that we may feel happy again as we move forward the year to come.

                   Life After Death

             When you die, will it be over?

" You will not abandon me till the grave, nor let your Holy one see decay"
     ( Psalms 16:10 )

   What happens to you after you die? when you got there. will your life be thoroughly finished? will it be the end of plans, of worship, or a relationship with God?  People have always an answer to that. We see people died. Death is familiar to us but still remained frightening and mysterious.
   What does the bible's doctrine about death and life in eternity? For a clearer perspective about life and death you must read in the old testament in Isaiah 26:19 " But your dead will live, their bodies will rise, you who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy."
   The bible tells that it is only but the power of Jesus that someone can be redeemed from the grave. It guarantees life after death for those who are in Christ and live in eternity with the Lord. Heaven is a place where there is complete joy and happiness.  Jesus is the ultimate reward for those who love Him.
   How do you describe death? Is it frightening or encouraging picture to you?

When Life Seems Senseless

From the Book of Ecclesiastes chapters 1,2 and 3

The words of the Teacher, " son of David, king of Jerusalem"

  "Meaningless! meaningless!," says the teacher. " Everything is meaningless.."

What does a man gain from his labor at which he toils under the sun? Generations come and generations go but the earth remains forever. A man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill and he must leave all he owns to someone who does not work for it. And who can tell whether he will be a wise man or a fool? All of these are meaningless and a chasing after the wind..

Therefore there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live..

  

Many people nowadays think that if only they got a lot of money they will be happy.. Financial security is what more important. 

   There was once a very very rich man named Solomon. The bible said no one could exceed him in luxury ..Everyone knows how rich and wise he was .. He was the king and the most famous man in his time. He enjoyed all the wealth and richest and a world could provide but in the later part of his writings in the book of Ecclesiastes, he come up into conclusion that everything was only vanity..Systematically, he sampled all of life pleasures and powers yet ultimately disappointed him. All proved meaningless..

 Do you seek life pleasures and you end up life turns bitter on you? Rich or poor, good or evil meets the same end. This is the only one word describe this life.. MEANINGLESS!!

                                       

  Thorn in the Flesh II

7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of this surpassingly great revelations there was given me a thorn in my flesh 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me 9 but he said to me " my grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weaknesses. 10 That is why in Christ sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in difficulties for when I am weak then I am strong.( 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 )

   As I read about Paul's vision about his thorn, I was really thinking what thorn in the flesh that he is referring to? Could it be a desease, personal relationship, or physical affliction caused by the enemies or oppositions ? Well, no one could tell for sure what Paul's thorn in the flesh was. But for  sure this served a hindrance to a wider and effective ministry that is why he asked the Lord three times for its removal. Rather than removing the problem God gave him strength and grace through it and he declared that the grace to be sufficient.
   The Lord's reply is remarkable. It reminds us that that in the midst of trials the Lord never failed in His promises. Paul's attitude towards it was amazing. He boast on his weaknesses thinking that God's power in him will made perfect.
   Finally its a practical lesson related to humility that we are totally dependent on His grace and mercy. So that God himself is to be praised.

Thorn in the Flesh

   Sometimes I feel madness about prasing the Lord in the midst of pain and hardships and I sick and tired of people glibly qouting verses about the glories of suffering. I feel tired and weary seek God for answers on  prayers day by day.

  I know this is bacause of the thorn  that is planted in my flesh. Its about my ugly weaknesses that hardened my heart. But I cannot deny the presence of the Holy Spirit in me that made me aware about doing good or bad.

   But the Lord challenge me tonight with the scripture that talks about Paul's thorn in the flesh
 in 2 cor. 12:7-10.

7 to keep me from being concieted because of these surpassingly great revelations there was given to me a thorn of the flesh. 8 Three times I pleaded to the Lord to take it away from me but he said 9 " My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weaknesses. "Therefore I will boast about my weaknesses so that Christ power will may rest on me. 10 Therefore I delight in weaknesses for when I am weak, I am strong.

How can I boast on my weaknesses Lord?
How can I delight in Pain?
Its difficult Jesus...

Letting go of Anger

Read: Ephesians 4:25-31

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor because we are all members of one body. 26 In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth but only what is helpful for building others up that it may benifit for those who listens. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God who sealed you on the day of your redemption. 31Get rid of bitterness, rage and anger, brawling slander along with every form of malice..

   Last Sunday during our church fellowship I was so blessed with the words delivered by our lady pastor Lorna Jane Banggoy Embudo. I mean she always have good points and topics every sermon but last time was so different. I dont know why my spirit react so much. The topic was about dealing with anger.
   Well I say  to my self Im no longer angry and I forgive those who hurt me. But it was like a time bomb hiding underground when trigger will eventually explode. Yes I always explode like a bomb. It caused by hidden resentments. Everytime I become angry I supress it rather than to express.
    I was reminded the story of Incredible Hulk. Edward Nolton play the role of Bruce Banner a scientest working to find a way to use gamma rays radiation to increase healing time in soldiers. Upon subjecting himself to a gamma test, Banner transform into a green skined monster. Every time he gets angry he become a monster. He seek to find cure to himself because he did'nt want to stay in that condition.
   Well its the same with us. Anger can transform us into a person we are not suppose to be. We become a monster when we dont know how to deal with anger in a right way.
   Anger.. Is it a sin?  No its not. Its a healthy emotion. If you are normal person well.. its normal to be angry.
Matthew 21: 13-14 Jesus showed His indignation at there misuse of the temple led him to turn over their tables. Yes.. you and I can have a righteous anger when we feel upset over the mistreatment of others but anger become bad when it is motivated by self interests.
   It is a feeling designed by God for a good purpose but we must be careful in expressing it. Its like a warning light. In verse 26 it says in your anger do not sin and do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. It means unresolve anger is an open invitation to evil. Its like a sharp weapon that can cause harm to anyone anytime.
  And most of all it can hinder relationship with the Lord. It prevents us to become what the Lord wants us to be. Separation to God is the most unsatisfying experience.
   Well its not easy to let go of anger especially major offense. But when I closed my eyes to pray I remember Jesus suffering horrible death on the cross and His voice in pain saying "Father forgive them for they dont know what they are doing." Once again I was broken. But it is Jesus who fixed my wounded heart so I place my trust on Him.

  My Prayers:
   Lord Jesus, Deliver me from the bondage of anger. I dont want to become like this. Forgive me from all my sins. I want to serve you. Draw me back to you and use me according to your purpose. Guide me so that I cannot keep sinning again. All my hope is in you my Lord.. Amen.

The Parable of Talents

Ref: Matthew 25: 14-30

well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful in a few things: I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness..

Jesus told the parable of talents. This story illustrates several vital lessons.

God gives us several gifts and opportunities and He expects us thoroughly use them in service. He will generously reward us on how much we grown in spiritual life. An un profitable servant who wasted time and opportunities instead of obeying God is called "wicked and lazy"and will be punished.

God does not accept excuses even fear of failure.

But the main point of the parable is how beautifully portrays Christ returning someday to reward His faithful followers. Those who obey God and live accordingly.

To each of the profitable servant the Master will say " well done my faithful servant: you have been faithful in few things, I will make you a ruler of many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord. (Matthew 25: 21-23)

May we live according to the faith God's Spirit develop within us, exhibiting the faithfulness He desires and in the end, may each of us may hear God's wonderful approval on the great day He returns to reward His faithful servants.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Ref. Luke 19: 9-14

I tell you the truth. This man rather than the other went home justified before God. For anyone who exalt himself will be humbled and he who humble himself will be exalted.

Two men went up to the temple to pray. One pharisee and the other tax collector. The pharisee stood up and prayed about himself. " God, I thank you that i am not other like men- robbers, evil doers, adulterers,-even this tax collector. I fast twice a week and gave tenth of all i get.

But the tax collector stood up at the distance. He would not even looked up heaven, but beat his heart and said, " Lord.. have mercy on me a sinner."

I tell you the truth this man rather than the other justified before God. For anyone who exalt himself will be humbled and He who humble himself will be exalted.

This story, Jesus wants to emphasize the sharp contrast between the proud and humble. It shows how God displeases those who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on anybody else. As a followers of Christ we must put it down to our hearts the attitude of HUMILITY.

The Lord wants us to test our own action without comparing ourselves with somebody else. For each one carry its own load. ( Gal. 6:4 )

He wants to approach us to his Holy presence with the right attitude. The wisdom of humility has been taught in the bible for several times to remind us that we are justified with Christ and set aside for His purpose not because we are good person but because of God's unfaling love and mercy for us.

My Prayer:

Lord thank you for the lesson that you taught to me. That reminds me that all good deeds are nothing before your sights. But teach me to become more humble and considerate to others. Develop within me the attitude of humility and deeper understanding that we become what we are now because of what you have done. Your Mercy and Love cover the multitude of sins. May your love cover me today.. Amen.

The Parable of the Lost Son

The Parable of the Lost Son

Ref. Luke 15:11-31

A young man finally decided to set off for a distant country after he recieve his share of property from his father and squandered his wealth

in wild living.

After he had spent everything there was a severe famine in the whole

country and he begun to be in need.

So he went and hired himself out of the citizens of the country who sends him to his fields and feed his pigs. He longed to feed his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but nobody gave him anything.

With so much hardship he remembered his father that was a good man then he finally decided to set out and move back to his father.

Jesus told the story of the Lost Son to demonstrate God's UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. The Lord is always willing and patiently waiting for the lost to come into faith. Like a father, He is full of compassion.

Sometimes we feel shame and doubts in our hearts but it does'nt matter. The key word is COME. The bible said," those who come to me will never be rejected." God's promise is always true and it will endure forever. Take hold of faith and never gave up until the day comes .. that we re- unite ourselves to our heavenly father..

My Prayers:

Lord, I feel being lost.. I wander in a place and lost direction.

I need you to guide me.. draw me closer to you for you are my

hope ..oh sovereign Lord..

Accept me back and remember not all my trespassess coz you

are full of mercy. Please give me also courage to forgive others

who hurts me. I know that all my sins be forgiven by you when

I confess them.I maybe a person in turn who forgive others..

Amen..

Psalms 15:1-5

A psalms of David

1 Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live in your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks truth from his heart
3 and has no slander in his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and cast no slur to his fellow
men. 4 who despises a vile man but honor those who fear the Lord, who keep his oath even
when it hurts. 5 Who lend his money without usury and does not accept bribe against the
innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

My Prayers:

Lord its so nice to stay in your dwelling.. but i know im not deserved.

I have sinned against you and felt your presence drifting away from me.

Hear my cry oh Lord and listen to my plead.. remember not the sins of

my youth and all my rebellious ways. But remember me according to your love

and mercy because you are so good my Lord..

My heart's always desire is to stay in your house all the days of my life.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. amen!

Prayer Is a Love Connection with God

How is your love connection? Maybe you talk to God regularly, but you dont feel like you are getting through. Duty has replaced desire, and your quiet time feels dull, routine or boring. Perhaps like many people you want to pray more consistently- but even though your intentions are good, you are too busy and distracted. You want result but answers took longer than you think they should. And sometime when it seems nothing is happening you wonder your prayers are working.
When it happends it is time to get the power back into your prayers. How? By connectiong and staying connected to the true source, you could be possibly transformed..

Hope for Confusion

Lord, I am so confused! I dont know what to do. ans i need your wisdom. I know that you are God that delights in clarity and order not chaos and confusion. Lead me on the right course of action; show me when to speak and when to be silent, when to move and when to be still. I dont know what to do but you certainly do. As I wait for you for guidance, help me to listen and follow your ways...

Lord, You know how painful it is when things are not right between friends. I long for connected relationships, where people live in peace and harmony and there is no resentment between them. What a joy it is to know that I am made right with God by faith. We can communicate freely, talking and listening, enjoying each other as heart friends. I want to live in growing relationship with you. Thank you for your restoration and righteousness..