WHAT IF WALA NG 'NEXT TIME'?

You've been assigned in advance by your Life Group Leader to lead the prayer on one of your Bible Studies, then sabi mo "next time na lang sis.."

You have also been scheduled to lead the worship team on your Sunday Service, pero sabi mo "next time na lang po.."

Next time na lang, busy ako..

Next time na lang, may work kasi ako eh..

Next time na lang, wala akong time..

Next time na lang, hindi kasi ako prepared..

Next time na lang, hindi pa ako ready..

Next time, next time, what if wala ng next time?

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Minsan naisip ko.. pa'no pag sinabi ni Lord sa'tin na..

.. next time na lang kita kakausapin, anak.

.. next time na lang kita ibe-bless.

.. next time na kita patatawarin sa mga kasalanan mo.

.. next time na lang kita papagalingin.

.. next time na lang kita poproteksyonan.

.. next time na lang kita bibigyan ng wisdom, strength, at favor.

.. next time na lang ha, waka kasi Akong time.

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PERO hindi ganon si Lord. Instead, He is a God of many chances. And with Him, though we fall short many times (as in paulit ulit), He will always give us the opportunity to start all over again, the next time.

God is always choosing you. You are a precious gem in His sight, you are honored, loved and important. Since He chose us, my prayer is that we would always..

.. choose God, all the time.

.. prioritize God above anything or anyone else, all the time.

.. draw ourselves near to God, all the time.

.. delight ourselves to God, all the time.

.. love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, strength, all the time.

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Kaya next time, 'pag inassign ka ni leader sa isang gawain, know that it is both an honor and a privilege to be used by God in His ministry. Just respond to the call, no more next time. Because when God called you, He will definitely equip you, He will train you, He will be with you, you just have to say "Here I am. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).

PHILIPPIANS 1:6

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

PHILIPPIANS 2:12-13 (NLT)

12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

JOSHUA 1:6 (NLT)

“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.

Faith-ing your Silent Battles

Christians are not exempted to experience life's battles. In fact, at times, mas matindi pa.

Minsan, the battles we are experiencing or have experienced leads to depression. And this can make it very difficult to accomplish the daily tasks of life, including the ministry.

In the book DOWNCAST: Biblical and Medical Hope for Depression by Jennifer Huang Harris, she wrote that depression leads to isolation, as it causes the sufferers to withdraw from others. The stigma surrounding depression often reinforces the isolation.

Also, Jennifer addressed significant myths and misconceptions related to depression in the article Do Real Christians Get Depressed?. But I won't be listing down all the myths and misconceptions that she mentioned, rather you can just read this beautiful article right here.

The question is - if a depressed person doesn't have a solid support system from their family, where do they go?

Unfortunately, the church, rather than being a place of healing for those who suffer, can become a place of judgement because of the misconceptions that “real Christians” do not get depressed.

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Now don't get me wrong. What I would like to share here is my personal experience - how I dealt, survived and fought my own silent battles in the light of God's Word.

I am writing this to encourage every soul who is undergoing depression to turn to Jesus and His Word - the ultimate antidote!

There was a time in my life where in I allowed the enemy to take control of my mind and he won most of the time. That time was last year.

I am a loser.

Nobody cares for me.

Everything is my fault.

I am no good - wala akong silbi.

I don't know where to start.

Everything is just falling apart.

I felt helpless and hopeless. I lost interest to do my daily activities - work, household chores, sometimes with the ministry. Tamad na tamad ako kumilos, I always found myself staring at nothing - tulala sa kawalan. I'm feeling physically drained. Losing my energy even if I am not accomplishing anything. Experienced extreme pressure from family members, been wounded by hurtful words. Been self-loathing. Had a strong feeling of worthlessness. And I harshly criticize myself for all mistakes done.

So with all the pressures and negative thinking, I just shut down my world and isolated myself in my room 90% of my waking time. I don't want to talk to anybody at home. I'm losing the discipline to move forward and the passion to continue life. I just wanted to quit and end up everything, basically.

Do I lack faith in Jesus? Wala ba akong prayer time? Wala ba akong maayos na relationship with the Lord? Well, that season taught me that we should not be too quick to judge Christians who are undergoing depression and has been experiencing life's set backs.

Yes, I do have a prayer life and quality devotion time. In fact, I have never spent time with the Lord, never prayed to Him, never cried to Him for help, never asked Him to rescue me like I did during that season. And I praise and thank Him for that.

One thing I've learned that you can never really experience true freedom and deliverance from the bondage of the enemy unless you surrender everything to Him, kahit umiyak ka pa ng isang balde.

And that's the compelling reason why I am writing this blog.

God has His ways of rescuing us. God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, saved me and pulled me out of that situation. Walang nagawa ang mga kasinungalingan ni taning. Kung nagawa ni Lord sa'kin 'yon, He can also do that to you.

His Words spoken to me cut through my heart, and instantly I was enlightened. All the negative thoughts mentioned above, were washed away immediately on my mind. I was blind, but now I can see. Hallelujah!

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Child of God,

1. Whenever you think that nobody cares for you, remember to cast all your anxiety to Him because He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

2. Whenever you think that you don't know where to start, God Himself, the fountain of infinite wisdom and knowledge, promises to personally instruct and teach His children.

Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

3. If you feel that everything is falling apart, remember that the God of heaven and earth will personally hold your right hand to help you.

Isaiah 41:13 - For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

4. If you think that you are loser, remember that you are precious in His sight, you are honored and He loves you.

Isaiah 43:4 - Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.

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I don't know what you are going through right now, kapatid. Maybe you chose to isolate yourself in the process of dealing with depression. Maybe you don't want to talk to anybody in the fear of being judged, or ayaw mo lang i-explain yung nararamdaman mo sa ibang tao. Believe me, been there, done that.

But one thing's for sure, the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12).

I pray that you will possess the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). I pray that you will be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2). I pray that you will think whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, whatever is excellent and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). And I pray that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

All these we ask and pray, in Jesus' most powerful name. Amen!

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How are you coping up with your life's challenges? Do you have prayer requests? Feel free to leave a comment.

God bless you!

It's Okay To Not be Okay

Pagod? IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY, kapatid.

Definitely, we've experienced plenty of setback in our life especially this time, 'di ka nag-iisa.

We define setback as an interruption in progress -- it could be in your family life, finances, business, relationship, or career to name a few. No matter how many setbacks we've experienced in our lifetime, what's important is that we persist in the face of these adversities and we keep on going when we feel like quitting.

Pero, pa'no ba ma-achieve 'yun?

These are NOT the ultimate list, though, but we would like to share with you 5 ways on how to bounce back from any setback. You can also share yours at the comment box below. 😊

REDEFINE WHAT FAILURE MEANS TO YOU.

When rejections come, or your client says no, or you lose the financing, house, or whatever it is that you wanted, slow down and notice what isn’t working.

Sometimes, failure directs us to find new ways, or to redirect our energies. It's a reminder of our commitment level, to re-establish our dedication. We can start on the solution and new approach, and focus on the next big thing that will carry us in the direction that we want to go.

God says on His Word that He is making new things in your life.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT)

“But forget all that — it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."

EXPERIENCE DISAPPOINTMENT, BUT DON'T WALLOW IN IT.

Allow yourself to experience the frustration and disappointment that comes with failure, then get up and get going again. Don’t deny your emotions, but make sure that you also come up with a #GamePlan. Have another avenue, activity, or interest to pursue so you don’t get stuck in the despair. God knows your pain. He knows your worries and anxieties. Go to Him and tell all your worries, because He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

REST AND GET SOME SLEEP.

Often we lose perspective, and our ability to creatively solve a problem because we are just too tired or hungry. Rest well. A little physical activity is another way to release the angst and gain the clarity you need to persist. Pahinga rin 'pag may time at lapit kay Lord.

Matthew 11:28

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

GO AGAIN.

When your proposal is turned down, make the suggested improvements, then send it out to another company or prospect.

When the promotion goes to someone else, sign up for a class that gives you an added skill.

When your partner breaks it off, schedule a dinner with a sibling or close friend and soak up their love.

When you are doubting yourself, feeling like a failure, get up and go again. With persistence, you can overcome any setback.

Joshua 1:9

"Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

PRAY.

Ultimately, we need the power that is higher than us. Let’s ask God to ignite again the passion in us, to motivate us, and to keep us going.

Psalm 145:18-19

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them."

I may not know your current situation, but I am certain that the setback is allowed and permitted by our sovereign God for our own pruning and discipline. I pray that we will all endure and persevere with help of our Lord Jesus.

How do you cope up lately? How do you take care of your mental health? Share mo naman. 😉 God bless you!

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Some are taken from this article:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/imperfect-spirituality/201502/5-ways-bounce-back-any-setback

Practice What You Preach

Have you ever tried joining an outreach program just because you are required to attend, and as a result, excitement wasn't really there in your heart? Believe me, na-experience ko 'yan. For some reasons, I honestly didn't have the push to attend one On-the-Road Activity of our school, but good thing I did. Everything changed when I was at the actual venue already. My heart just pumped so fast and I enjoyed every single moment of that activity. Thank You Jesus for the grace! 

Last December 14, 2019, all KKB / YAN Batch 1 students of Bro. Eddie School of Ministries International had the chance to visit Bulacan Medical Center as part of our On-the-Job Training.

It was a one-of-a-kind, life changing experience that made me realize so many things about the ministry that is very close to the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. I thought to myself that we don’t have to be in far-flung areas or remote places just to reach for the lost souls, sometimes they are already in our neighborhood and within our reach. Thanking God for the opportunity to be a channel of hope, blessing and encouragement for those who deeply needs it.

Bulacan Medical Center

When we went up the ward to pray for the patients, I really felt the strong presence of the Holy Spirit. I’m sure everybody did as well. All of us just wanted to go to each bed and pray for the sick. People were depressed, they felt helpless and hopeless and you can trace worries on their faces. They do not know where to get their hope from, where to get money to pay for their bills, to buy for their food, or medicines. Nadurog ang puso ko. Sa lahat ng pinagdadaanan ko that time, I can tell that I am more blessed in so many ways. It was a humbling experience. A time to be grateful to the Lord for every blessings that He gave to me and my family – both seen and unseen.

There was one woman who was suffering from blood infection. I cannot forget her because when we started praying, we just can’t stop the tears running down our cheeks. Umagos na ang luha. Nadama namin ang matinding pag-ibig ng Diyos. May mga pagkakataon na wala nang salitang lumalabas sa bibig ko, tila ang pag-agos na lang ng luha ang nagsilbing panalangin namin sa Diyos. She was hurting, not physically but emotionally. I believed in my heart that she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in her life as her Lord and personal Savior. We ended the prayer with a tight embrace which I think she needed at that time. I wasn’t able to get her name and number, though.

Thank You Jesus for allowing us to be part of this activity. I can’t put into words how this experience made an impact in my heart.

In our goal to be like Jesus, this hospital visitation definitely increased our love and compassion for others, the very reason why it is part of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide's CORE Values.

Lord I pray that as we continue to serve You, make our heart to be more loving, to be more compassionate, and to be more willing to serve others before ourselves. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Below are some of the verses we can use and claim with faith when we are praying for the sick:

PHYSICAL HEALING

1. Exodus 15:26 ~ "He said, “If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you.
2. Exodus 23:25 ~ "Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you…"
3. Jeremiah 30:17 ~ "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD"
4. 1 Peter 2:24 ~ "He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
5. Isaiah 53:5 ~ "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."

EMOTIONAL HEALING

1. Proverbs 4:20-22 ~ "My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body."
2. Proverbs 17:22 ~ "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
3. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ~ "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."
4. Isaiah 33:2 ~ "LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress."
5. James 5:6 ~ "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

New Year, New Hope

Awake until the wee hours of the morning today making posts for the Facebook page I am managing. But I know that I cannot just post a #VOTD for the sake of posting -- that needs a Word meditation, it needs spending time with God's presence. So while meditating, many Bible verses struck me -- God's Words that I know my heart needs at that moment. I am immediately comforted. I felt peace.

But just before I went to bed, one verse caught my attention. I know it's the Lord speaking to me and I just found myself crying in the dark.

Isaiah 45:5 (NIV)

 I am the Lord, and there is no other, apart from Me there is no other God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged Me.

Then, I broke down. The Lord still cares for me because He gently rebukes the coldness of my heart. I have not been spending time with Him before 2018 ends. I have been spending it through the worldly and temporary satisfactions of this world. I've mentioned in my previous entry that I've made wrong and unwise decisions during the last quarter of 2018. The challenges I've experienced made my heart to be distant from the Lord instead of abiding in Him during those challenging times. I did not sought His will. I have pursued my own ways and desires. I seldom pray, and that made my heart dry.

Praise God for He still speaks to me through His Word, though I have ignored Him many times these past few days. Truly the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Oh how I am sorry Lord. Forgive me Lord, please give me another chance to correct the mistakes I've done in the past. Thank You Father for humbling me through those challenges. I miss You, God. I miss hanging out with You. I miss our talks. I miss our "we time". I love You, God. I love You, Lord.

Isaiah 45:3-4 (NIV) 

3 I will give you hidden treasures, riches store in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. 

4 For the sake of Jacob, my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge Me.

Thank You, God. I praise and thank you. Please lead me to spend time more with You in the secret place. May this failing heart of mine acknowledge Your marvelous doings in my life, all of my waking time. I want to know You more, I want to grow deeper with You. May I not forget all Your benefits. May I proclaim Your saving acts in the presence of the great assembly. In Jesus' mighty Name, Amen!