Joy - June 11, 2014

Scripture: Psalm 84-86

5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 

6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
7 They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.
11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you. - Psalm 84
16 Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant;
save me, the son of your servant.
17 Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame,
for you, O Lord, help and comfort me. - Psalm 86

Message:

What joy for those who belong to GOD, those that trust and depend on GOD.

Observation:

Great are the blessings, joy and privilege for those that trust GOD. There is great favor and blessing that await those that trust in the LORD.

Application:

We have to put our trust in GOD, we shouldn't trust in man or anything else. We ought to put our trust in GOD. 

Where is Your Trust? - June 10, 2014

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 16-20
9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. - 2 Chronicles 16
Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
- 2 Chronicles 20
Message:The LORD will help those who trust Him

Observation:
The LORD searches the whole earth, what is He looking for? He is looking for those who are committed to Him. Meaning those who trust in HIM and depend on Him to help them. Why does the LORD look for those whose hearts are like that? Why does the weak hearted and faint attract HIM? Not because they are weak or faint but because He wants to help those who know and acknowledge their need for HIM. On earth we have many things to rely on, and we can secure about the walls that we may have in our lives to protect us, money,fame, influence, family, career, anything that makes us confident and not making us trust GOD is a competition with GOD.

Application:

We ought to put our trust and faith in GOD alone. Yes we have to work hard, we have to earn money but these things, achievements or earthly treasures and gains should not make us proud and confident that we do not look to GOD for security anymore. We may have all the money, all the wealth, but when we need a miracle more than what money or wealth can buy, there's only one Being who can grant that miracle for us and that is HE who is the maker of Heaven and Earth. When we depend fully on GOD, HE will always be there to take care of us and even fight for us when things are going bad. We can be sure that GOD will come through for us because we trusted HIM, HE will make sure to never fail us. Where is your trust? 

Honor - May 15, 2014

Scripture: Esther 6-10
1 King Xerxes imposed a tribute throughout his empire, even to the distant coastlands. 2 His great achievements and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, whom the king had promoted, are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Media and Persia. 3 Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants. - Esther 10

Message:
Great achievements and Honor are gained through great fear and trust in GOD.

Observation/Promise:
When we seek to honor GOD and work for the good of others and to risk our lives for the welfare of our people, GOD will honor us with position, wealth, security and great success in what we do in life. Just as how Mordecai had served for the good of His people, so great was the honor and respect GOD gave to him for being selfless and responsible. 

Application/Command:

Seek GOD, Honor Him first more than your desires. Work for the good of others, speak up for the welfare of your people. When we put GOD first in our lives, we receive great favor and blessing from Him. When we seek the good for others and their welfare more than our own, great honor will be given to you from our most honorable Lord.

Seek GOD - May 10, 2014

Scripture: Isaiah 29-33
22 “My people will no longer be ashamed or turn pale with fear.
23 For when they see their many children and all the blessings I have given them,
they will recognize the holiness of the Holy One of Israel.
They will stand in awe of the God of Jacob. 24 Then the wayward will gain understanding, and complainers will accept instruction. - Isaiah 29

15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.
18 So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.

21 Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say,“This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.- Isaiah 30

2 But Lord, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you.

Be our strong arm each day and our salvation in times of trouble. 

14“Who can live with this devouring fire?” they cry. “Who can survive this all-consuming fire?” 15 Those who are honest and fair, who refuse to profit by fraud, who stay far away from bribes, who refuse to listen to those who plot murder, who shut their eyes to all enticement to do wrong—16 these are the ones who will dwell on high.

The rocks of the mountains will be their fortress. Food will be supplied to them,
and they will have water in abundance. - Isaiah 33

Message:

The LORD wants us to depend on Him not on any human or thing else.

Observation/Promise:

When we trust in the LORD He will bless us because we wait and depend on His help and on His power alone. The LORD wants to instruct us, to guide us in everything that we do. 

The LORD wants to provide everything we need, He wants to bless us and shower us with His kindness and love but there is a requirement for those that seek His love and blessing. The LORD will only give His love and blessings to those who are truly seeking Him.

Application/Command:

We have to be dependent on GOD alone. We have to follow the ways of GOD, to be honest and fair in all our dealings, even in the thoughts of our hearts. We have to be righteous not by our own strength but by GOD's grace. We have to seek His will and follow Him diligently. We have to seek justice when there is evil in the land. We need to stand with GOD and His agenda. We cannot seek to live our lives for our own pleasure and benefit but for His pleasure and glory. We have to seek GOD and His righteousness, our lives should cling to Him and not on anything else in this world. 

Close to GOD - May 9, 2014

Scripture: Psalm 15-172 

1 Adonai, who can rest in your tent? Who can live on your holy mountain?
2 Those who live a blameless life, who behave uprightly,
who speak truth from their hearts
3 and keep their tongues from slander; who never do harm to others

or seek to discredit neighbors;
4 who look with scorn on the vile, but honor those who fear Adonai;
who hold to an oath, no matter the cost;
5 who refuse usury when they lend money and refuse a bribe to damage the innocent.
Those who do these things never will be moved.

Message:

The Secret to being close to GOD.

Observation/Promise:
Humans are not perfect. In fact we fail more than we succeed, we are evil more than we are good. But who can rest in the mountain of GOD or who can enter His most Holy presence? Who is worthy? Is anyone ever worthy? There is no one, no one is worthy but those who trust in His Son Yeshua who is worthy can enter the rest of GOD. For when we trust in His Son Yeshua, we begin to be transformed by His grace. We do not act as we used to, His grace and amazing power changes us into the likeness of Him.

Command/Application:

We are not perfect, but with everyday we live, we have to strive to be holy not by being perfect because we can never achieve holiness or perfection on our own. But by being dependent on GOD's grace and humble to accept and receive His mercy and forgiveness when we diligently ask for it each day. For every breath we breathe and the thoughts that my come in and out of our minds may not be pleasing to the LORD. How easy is it for us to judge others when the weakness that they have is our strength but when we remember to be merciful to others because GOD has shown us the same mercy, we ask forgiveness because we understand just how frail and sinful we are. It is not by being righteous that brings us close to GOD, it is by humility and trust in His Son Yeshua. The One who saves.

True Worship - May 6, 2014

Scriptures: Romans 11-13

22 Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. 23 And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree. 24 You, by nature, were a branch cut from a wild olive tree. So if God was willing to do something contrary to nature by grafting you into his cultivated tree, he will be far more eager to graft the original branches back into the tree where they belong. - Romans 11
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. - Romans 12

Message:

Trusting in GOD and His kindness.

Observation/Promise:

GOD can cut off and graft in the people who pleases Him. Those who rejected Him even though HE chose them has been cut off from the presence and blessing of Almighty GOD. But those who seek GOD and truly worship Him by obeying His commands, not doing religious works to be praised by others, are those that have truly worshiped GOD, they have chosen GOD. It doesn't matter if we are chosen or not, what matters is our choice to obey GOD or not, to really seek Him with all our hearts and trust Him with our lives.

Application/Command:

Do not think like the world thinks or adopt their worldly ways which is contrary to the LORD's commands. When you constantly seek and obey GOD, keeping your mind and body pure, then you have given true worship unto GOD that is acceptable and pleasing before Him. When we set our selves apart from the world's ways, we bring ourselves closer to GOD and GOD can transform and change the way we think until we begin to live differently from the world by understanding His good and perfect will for us. But when we are engaged in the world, we do not allow GOD to change us. He wants to work in you, be holy, set yourself apart from the world and let GOD transform you. Trust in GOD for He is kind to those who obey Him and trust in Him. 

The Mystery of GOD - May 5, 2014

Scripture: Matthew 11-134 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 6 And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.' - Matthew 11
48 Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?”49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 50 Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” - Matthew 12
16 “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. 17 I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it. - Matthew 13

Message:
The great mystery of GOD.

Observation/Promise:The greatness of GOD and His goodness remains constant despite of the situation we are in. Whatever we may go through in life, GOD is good and great and He remains the same yesterday today and forever. John who was suffering in prison began to doubt Jesus if He truly was the Messiah. Wonderful things were happening to other people except him, but he wasn't prepared to suffer for Christ just as much as the disciples of Jesus suffered after Jesus' resurrection. If our faith is not full and we allow doubts to come through us, then we cannot stand firm in our faith to the point of enduring suffering for His name sake.

Application/Command:

We need to have sure and complete faith. We cannot doubt a little here and there for doubt will cause you to be stumble and fall. Be sure in the ground of which you are standing. Our faith has to be full. We cannot compare ourselves with others for GOD is doing a great work in each and every one of us. Suffering can also be part of GOD's will for us but we have to be sure that we are truly walking in His will. And being sure of knowing His will also leads us to understand and see why we have to endure suffering. We don't complain or doubt GOD when suffering comes to us, we endure and hold on to GOD. We may not be able to understand everything because GOD is a great mystery, but our faith will allow us to trust Him in spite of everything. 

GOD of Israel - May 2, 2014

Scripture: Psalms 12-145 

5 The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless,
and I have heard the groans of the poor.
Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.”
6 The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.
7 Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed,
preserving them forever from this lying generation - Psalm 12
5 But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.
6 I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me. - Psalm 13
7 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When the Lord restores his people,
Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice. - Psalm 14

Message:

The Lord hears and acts for the ones that call unto Him! He will not fail on those who seek and trust Him.

Observation/Promise:

The LORD sees, He does not ignore or is not unaware of everything that goes on in the earth. We see violence and injustice all around the world but the presence of Evil does not mean the absence of GOD. He is waiting for the perfect time, to act and be known as the just and righteous GOD. There is assurance and confidence in the word of GOD. Let us trust in Him, let us cling to His word, for perfect peace comes only from knowing who He is and standing firmly in His promises, for HE will never fail. There is no GOD like the GOD of Israel, who comes from Mount Zion to rescue and restore His people, causing them to rejoice and shout with joy!!! 
Application/Command:

If you want to experience the true and living GOD, then you have to seek this GOD of Israel, for He is not only GOD to Israel but the GOD who created everything and loves everyone whom He created. HE is first known to be the GOD of Israel so that there is a distinction between Him and the other false gods. He chose Israel to let Himself be known throughout all the world but He is not an exclusive GOD only to Israel but to all those who believe in Him and seek His face, trusting in His character and strength. 

Faith is Trust - April 29, 2014

Scripture: Romans 9-10

30 What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. 31 But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. 32 Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law[o] instead of by trusting in him. - Romans 9
10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”[e] 12 Jew and Gentile[f] are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[g]
14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” -Romans 10

Message:

Made right by Faith and not by Keeping the Law.

Observation/Promise:

It is by believing in your heart that you are made right with GOD and by confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and Messiah that you are saved. We cannot be saved by trying to earn it, we cannot earn salvation. It's not by our own efforts, by religiously following the traditions of the law. For we know that deep inside we cannot keep the law, we covet when we cannot be happy for others, we kill when we are angry about our brothers. But even with our human evil nature, we trust GOD to save us, it is His Spirit that enables us to overcome the law. It is not by our own human effort but it is the divine Spirit of GOD working in us changing and transforming us to glorify GOD.

Application/Command:

Believe in the Lord Jesus and be saved. Do not harden your heart but trust in the goodness and promises of GOD. We are not saved for nothing but we are saved always for GOD's purpose, for His glory and for the good news to be spread around you. Let your works and words glorify GOD for what comes out of you is really what is inside of you. Real Faith can be measured by how much you trust GOD with every area of your life, with your finances, with your time, with your family, with everything you hold dear and important. If you have faith in GOD then you will trust Him to bring everything according to His will and perfect time.

The struggle - April 27, 2014

Scripture: Job 7-8

1 “Is not all human life a struggle? Our lives are like that of a hired hand,
2 like a worker who longs for the shade, like a servant waiting to be paid.
17 “What are people, that you should make so much of us,

that you should think of us so often?
18 For you examine us every morning and test us every moment.
19 Why won’t you leave me alone, at least long enough for me to swallow!
21 Why not just forgive my sin and take away my guilt?
For soon I will lie down in the dust and die. When you look for me, I will be gone.”
Message:
The test and punishments of GOD are the struggle of Humanity.

Observation/Promise:
We are being tested from time to time. GOD wants to form our character and make our faith into gold. Job had the hardest test, GOD was confident in Him, He was going to pass the test. If GOD is confident in you, then He will allow you to go through tough times, because HE knows that you will emerge from the storms of life, stronger, wiser, discerning, and glorifying GOD. GOD is never out of control. Everything that happens in our lives is under the permission of our great and loving GOD.

Application/Command:

We can complain but let us remain faithful to GOD. No matter what happens in life, may the LORD grant us a spirit of perseverance and faith. May our trust for the Lord Almighty deepen as we hold on to His mercies and cling to His love. Let us be humble, may we never think we deserve better than what we have now. Let us learn how to ask GOD to deliver us from every trial winning every battle always in the end.

Rest in GOD - April 26, 2014

Scripture: Job 5-6

9 9 He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles.
10 He gives rain for the earth and water for the fields.
11 He gives prosperity to the poor and protects those who suffer.
12 He frustrates the plans of schemers so the work of their hands will not succeed.
13 He traps the wise in their own cleverness so their cunning schemes are thwarted. 
- Job 5
8 8 “Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire.
9 I wish he would crush me. I wish he would reach out his hand and kill me.
10 At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain,
I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11 But I don’t have the strength to endure. I have nothing to live for.
12 Do I have the strength of a stone? Is my body made of bronze?
13 No, I am utterly helpless, without any chance of success. - Job 6

Message:
In troubled times, Rest in the Sovereign GOD whose love and faithfulness never end.

Observation/Promise:
GOD is sovereign, He destroys the plans of the wicked and helps the poor. But sometimes, GOD cannot be comprehendible when He also allows the righteous to have troubles and trials just like Job, and leave the poor to their own ways especially if none of them ever plan to change their ways. GOD is just and sometimes we may not understand His ways because they are mysterious most of the time. But GOD is good always, faithful to the very end and His love never fails and with this we can trust in the character of GOD, we can trust the Love of GOD for us. 

Application/Command:
When in troubled times, we only have to Trust in the goodness of GOD. We have to trust in GOD's love, He has proven this love on the cross. We don't have to ask if He still loves us, the scars on Yeshua's hands and feet prove this. GOD wants the best for us, He has to teach us now so that we can be better in the future. Though we may walk through deep oceans sorrows, GOD will split it this ocean open and carry us through it. Though we may have our own share of troubles, HE will deliver us from all of it. GOD is faithful, even though we are not. When we have no strength to carry on, we can rest in GOD.

Salvation - April 20, 2014

Scripture: Isaiah 12-17
1 In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord!
You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me.
2 See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid.
The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.”
3 With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!
4 In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is!
5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things.
Make known his praise around the world.
6 Let all the people of Jerusalem[a] shout his praise with joy!
For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

- Isaiah 12

Message:

The Salvation of GOD has been brought to mankind by the person of Jesus Christ.

Observation/Promise:

No matter what situation you are in, GOD's salvation is yours. No matter what problem or trouble a child of GOD is going through, they will always overcome and rise above from it for this is the promise of GOD to those that love Him and belong to Him.

Application/Command:

Sing to the LORD and praise His name You who know GOD and love GOD. Do not be tossed by the problems and trials that you are going through. Trust GOD and His power to Save for He has already saved you through Yeshua Your Mashiach, and He can save you again and again from anything you are going through. He is Your GOD so let His power and works be known to you, experience His greatness. Even if all is not yet well now, you can be sure that in the end you will end up singing and praising GOD for this is GOD's promise to all those that follow and trust Him.

Endurance with Joy - April 15, 2014

Scripture: Romans 5-6
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
- Romans 5

Message:
Enduring through Trials without sinning but by trusting in GOD.

Observation/Promise:
We are all tried and tested in our life. Especially when we believe and follow the Lord Jesus who went through the worst things any human being could ever go through when He was on earth. But our trials and troubles are there to mold us and shape our character. One they are to help us develop endurance. It's human nature for people not to endure because they don't like to endure, it's not a pleasant feeling, it's a feeling of being pressed. But when we learn the secret of endurance, something changes within us and it changes our character. Not our personality, taste or likes, but something deep within us such as our character is being shaped into what is good. When our character is being developed, it pushes us to rely on GOD even more and strengthen our faith and hope in HIS salvation. It makes a person that trusts GOD all the more and that kind of person is someone that is humble and wise just like Joseph, Moses and Abraham.

Application/Command:

Learn to endure the trials in your life not just with sorrowful prayers lifted up to Heaven every time you are going through a difficult situation. Learn to endure with a smile, with rejoicing, and laughter because then you know that these trials are for a specific purpose allowed by GOD to make us into the best that we can be. Learning to endure in trials with joy is a proof of one's deep trust and hope in GOD. No sane person on earth will laugh when their house got burned down, or when an accident wrecked their car. But a person of deep trust in GOD will be able to thank HIM even after the difficulties in life because deep inside he/she knows that GOD has a greater purpose that will result in greater and wonderful things.

Trust and Faith in GOD - March 30, 2014

Scripture: Ephesians 1-3
7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 13 So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
- Ephesians 3
Message:
Trusting GOD will somehow require some suffering. We cannot endure suffering for GOD unless He has empowered us to do so.

Observation/Promise:
Christ will make His home in our hearts when we chose to rely and depend on GOD for strength and refuge and not on worldly and humanly ways. It gives Him great honor when our trust is completely upon Him. It's very hard to trust GOD especially when all we can hold on and cling to is His word, His promises, when we are used to relying on earthly things that assure us that everything will be alright. We can only live the fullness of life when we have complete trust and faith in GOD more than anything in this world.

Application/Command:
Put your faith and trust in GOD.Do not rely on other things, let your soul and heart find rest in the word of GOD alone. Treasure His promise to you like gold and silver, cling to it as if it were jewelry in your heart. He is able to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine, just believe that HE only has what is best in store for you. Seek and find refuge in His strength, in His loving arms, and be at rest in His word.

At just the right time - March 25, 2014

Scripture: Esther 6-10
2 In those records he discovered an account of how Mordecai had exposed the plot of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the door to the king’s private quarters. They had plotted to assassinate King Xerxes.
3 “What reward or recognition did we ever give Mordecai for this?” the king asked.
His attendants replied, “Nothing has been done for him.”
4 “Who is that in the outer court?” the king inquired. As it happened, Haman had just arrived in the outer court of the palace to ask the king to impale Mordecai on the pole he had prepared.
9 ‘This is what the king does for someone he wishes to honor!’”
10 “Excellent!” the king said to Haman. “Quick! Take the robes and my horse, and do just as you have said for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the gate of the palace. Leave out nothing you have suggested!”
Message:
The LORD hears and answers the prayers of His people at just the right time.

Observation/Promise:
We are all undergoing hard times in life but when we are pressed on every side, is the best time to all the more press in on GOD and rely on HIM. When we press in on GOD, we seek GOD, we cling to Him for salvation. Sometimes He doesn't act right away, sometimes it feels like HE doesn't hear, but every prayer and tear that comes out of your heart, are all stored and kept into GOD's heart. HE is moved by every cry, every sigh, offered to Him. He is not slow in action, HE is making everything work at it's perfect time. Just like Mordecai, he wasn't given the credit due him when he saved the kings life, but at just the right time when he was supposedly planned to be killed, the King honored his life by letting his killer do the honoring. The most ironic of all events has happened and it happened at just the right time.

Command/Application:
If you are crying out to GOD and asking Him for something, wait upon the Lord. Be faithful in your prayers and do not give up because at just the right time, HE will do a miraculous thing. When you depend on Him for salvation, when you trust Him for deliverance, He will come for you like a Knight and shining armor, He will save without failing. GOD is perfect, all that we need to do in our part is to endure and pray, pray for breakthrough, believe, and do not stop believing, look up and expect for GOD's salvation. 

HE is who HE is - March 19, 2014

Scripture: Psalms 146-148
3 
3 3 Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.
4 When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.
5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
6 He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.
7 He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners.
8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
The Lord loves the godly.
9 The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. - Psalm 146
3 He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
4 He counts the stars and calls them all by name.
5 How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!
6 The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust.
10 He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might.
11 No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. - Psalm 147

Message:

Our GOD is great! He is worthy of all Praise! For the many reasons there are, it is because HE is, who HE is!

Observation/Promise:
There is hope and sure assurance when we trust in GOD alone. People may have all the power in the world, but they are limited to the time GOD gave them on earth. He alone has all the power, therefore we should trust and hope only on Him alone. There is much joy for those that hope in GOD, for GOD is perfect, HE will never fail. Even when circumstances are pulling you down, He remains the same and HE is trustworthy of all our hopes and desires. He will fulfill every promise He gave you and even more provides for the needy and poor and those that you don't even care about He cares for them all. He is delighted not on the proud but on the humble, those that fear Him are close to His heart. He will do great things, the miracle that you need can only be found in Him. Your strength in waiting can only be found by Him alone. 

Command/Application:
Trust in GOD, put your hope in the LORD who alone is reliable for everything we have to hope for. HE is worthy of our trust, HE is the unfailing Being. When you have a need, ask this of Him instead of gaining it through human ways. Pray and keep on asking whatever that you need. Hold on to the promise of His word. His word, cling to them. There is no greater assurance in life than the word of GOD and His love for us, for there is no one like HIM. HE is who HE is, forever faithful forever the same. Focus on HIM, do not let circumstances move you, let HiM alone move you, let Him alone have your heart. 

In your youth, Live in the ways of GOD - Feb 27, 2014

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11-12
5 Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.
6 Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.
7 Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.
9 Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. 10 So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. - Ecclesiastes 11
Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”
13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. - Ecclesiastes 12
Message:
God's works in mysterious ways and in all you do, do it out of reverence for GOD for He will judge us according to what we have done on earth.

Observation/Promise:
God does all things, He is working out everything according to His purpose. Are we working according to His purpose? Are we one with His will? God has given us youth and vigor, strength and energy and we can do anything with it as we please but everything we do can be a waste when we are not working in line with GOD's heart and will for us. It is wonderful to enjoy life, it's good to wake up early, to see the day dawning. Be eager to live and be excited for the future. But whatever we do on earth, we must give an account to Him who is the giver of our life. So it is good to sow seeds early in life, because whatever we sow, we will reap later. 

Command/Application:
Sow! Start sowing early in life. Invest, and divide your investments. Do everything you can do today, do not wait for the best time to do things. Let GOD work out things for you for He is the one working behind all things. God's ways are mysterious, just trust Him. More importantly than money, Invest in your spirit, which is eternal, for whatever things you invest in the spirit, you will reap eternal rewards in Heaven. The young because of their energy is prone to anger, we can be angry for a time but we can it go right away. Chose to keep your body healthy by not letting anger take it's grip on you. And in your youth, thing of pleasing your creator, the GOD who loves you more than anyone does because you are going to grow old someday and what more can you do when you are already in this dying age? Above all, fear GOD, and walk in His ways. 

SOAP on 2 Kings 18

SOAP 

Scripture

5 Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before or after his time. 6 He remained faithful to the Lord in everything, and he carefully obeyed all the commands the Lord had given Moses. 7 So the Lord was with him, and Hezekiah was successful in everything he did. He revolted against the king of Assyria and refused to pay him tribute. 8 He also conquered the Philistines as far distant as Gaza and its territory, from their smallest outpost to their largest walled city.
- 2 Kings 18

Observation:

Those who trust in GOD are those who will worship GOD alone, not relying on the power of mankind, organization or group to help them but depending only on the unseen most powerful GOD. Those who trust in GOD are faithful to HIM, obeying all His commands, and never worrying about what others might do. Those who trust in GOD are blessed because GOD is with them, granting favor and blessing in all that they do. They will be set free from the oppression of their enemies because GOD will fight for them. They will not only have freedom but they become conquerors.

Application:

I will do my best to trust GOD, to worship Him with all of my heart. To not let anything come between my time with GOD, to prioritize my relationship and devotion to Him. To trust GOD is to have no fear of what harm may come my way knowing that GOD holds everything in HIS hands and that He loves me, whatever He allows to happen in my life is best for me. When I trust GOD, HE will deliver me from my enemies, anyone who ever tries to oppress me will not be successful. When I trust GOD, I become more than a free man, I am a conqueror.

Prayer:

Dear Abba my GOD, Please help me to trust you, because it is hard for me to do so especially when I cannot see you. Help me to cling on to Your word and to devote my life only to Your purpose because when You are my priority, nothing on earth will ever shake me or hold me captive for by Your Holy Spirit I am more than a conqueror! In Jesus, Amen!

Applying SOAP to Psalm 84

SOAP - Scripture, Observation/Promise, Application, Prayer

Scripture: Psalm 84

O: 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
A: 2 I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord.
      With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.
O: 3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her                young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
O: 4 What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. O: 5 What joy for those whose strength comes from theLord, 

     who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

    6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing         springs.The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
    7 They will continue to grow stronger, 

    and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.P: 8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. 

P: 9 O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield! 

    Show favor to the one you have anointed.

O:10 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!
A: I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
    than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
O:11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory.
    The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
O:12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.

The Right Time

5 5 Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens
or speak with such arrogance.’”
6 For no one on earth—from east or west,
or even from the wilderness— should raise a defiant fist.

7 It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall.9 But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked,
but I will increase the power of the godly.”

- Psalm 75

It is easy to be angry and get back at the people who have wronged us or hurt us. We decide what we should do to pay back our enemies for what they've done but it is not right to take vengeance into our own hands or raise our fist in defiance to anyone. Just because we think we have power to hurt the ones who hurt us does not mean we should do so because there is a JUDGE and HE is ever present, ever living, ever seeing and HE alone can rightfully take matters into His own Hands. No one on earth should raise a defiant fist - this is what Psalm says. Anyone who does so is proud and is also bound to be judged by GOD.

Taking vengeance on our own behalf only shows that we do not respect that there is a GOD who sees everything and that HE is a great Judge who will never fail to do His part. HE will judge and HE is judging us even now. If you belong to GOD, then HIS ways to you as His child is different, HE disciplines those HE loves. But to those that do not belong to HIM, HE pronounces judgement. As a child of GOD, if you feel like you are oppressed under a mighty power and you cannot break through even when you are crying out to GOD wondering why He hasn't done anything. Well, He hasn't done anything just yet but rest assured that He is not sleeping nor is HE powerless to do what HE is. He is waiting for the right time because He is not only doing something to rescue you, HE is also doing something in your character. So do not lose heart, keep your faith in HIM, and remember what HE has done, because GOD will break the strength of the wicked at just the right time.