God Develops Changemakers, Cooperate!

GOD DEVELOPS CHANGEMAKERS, COOPERATE!

By Pastor Peter Tan-Chi

The main message today is about how God develops change makers. Change makers are individuals who are designed by God to make a positive difference in the lives of others. God's plan for everyone is to be Salt and Light, meaning to impact people for eternity and make a meaningful difference in their lives. The key is to be intentional in wanting to be a change maker and cooperate with God's work. God is always at work, whether we like it or not, but it's up to us to be willing to cooperate with Him in order to become effective change makers.

GOD USES PROBLEMS

(Judges 6:1-2, Hebrews 12:5-11)

God uses problems to wake us up and get our attention. He allows problems in our lives to create holy discontent and make us realize that something is wrong. Problems are meant to sanctify us and make us better, not bitter. God loves us so much that he will not allow us to remain unchanged. Problems are a form of discipline from God, and they are a sign of his love for us. As Hebrews 12:6 says, "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son." So, if you are facing problems in your life, remember that God sees your potential and wants to train you progressively. He wants you to partner with him and seek him in all circumstances. Don't wait for problems to become severe before turning to God, but seek him daily and trust that he will use your problems for your growth and transformation.

GOD SEES YOUR POTENTIAL

(Judges 6:12-16, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29)

Gideon was initially insecure and felt inadequate, but God saw his potential and called him a valiant warrior. Gideon, however, doubted himself and questioned God, focusing on his weaknesses and his family's low status. But God reassured Gideon and told him to go in his strength because God had sent him. Gideon's initial response is a common reaction when we feel inadequate or unworthy of God's calling. However, God's perspective is different. He sees our potential in Christ and is willing to use us despite our weaknesses and limitations. We need to humble ourselves and trust in God's strength and guidance as we step into the plans and purposes He has for us.

GOD TRAINS US PROGRESSIVELY

(Philippians 1:8, Judges 6:25-26)

The Lord said to Gideon on the same night, "Remember step by step before you fight the middle Knight, you learn to obey me first, okay, step by step". Gideon was instructed to take his father's bull and tear down the altar of Baal, the male god, and the Asherah, the female goddess, that they worshiped. The principle taught here is that before you can worship God, you need to remove the idols, or the "badass," in your life. Martin Lloyd Jones defines idols as anything in our lives that occupies the place that should be occupied by God alone. Idolatry can take the form of trusting people, possessions, or positions to do for us what only God can do. The most dangerous idol in our lives is self-centeredness and self-sufficiency. Pursuing happiness as an idol can lead to self-worship and sin, but holiness, setting apart our lives for God, leads to true happiness as a byproduct. Progressive training is part of God's work in our lives. God uses problems and challenges to shape and mold us. God sees our potential and trains us progressively to become who He wants us to be. God's progressive training involves removing idols from our lives, trusting Him, and pursuing holiness rather than happiness.

PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD

(Judges 6:34-37, Judges 7:2-8)

So, lastly, God wants us to partner with Him. What do I mean by partnership with God? Well, I have a simple formula for it. Partnership with God simply means that God is the big boss, and this is the formula: partnership with God means you are committed to God's will. You want to do it in God's way, and you want to do it in God's time and with God's power. That's what partnership with God is all about.

Let me repeat. God's will. How do you know God's will? You study the Bible and you need confirmation. I'll tell you how to confirm God's will for your life. God's way. Doing God's will means you have to do it in God's way. It cannot be your way. What do I mean by God's way? Well, let's say you see a problem and God wants you to solve the problem. What is God's way? You have to do it in love. You don't gossip, you don't leave in rebellion. God's way is humility and lovingly.

God's time. God works in amazing time. And God's power. What is going to be the result? God's victory and God's amazing glory. Do you know that Joshua, when challenged by God in Judges 6:36, this is what happened? Gideon said to God, "If you are going to save Israel through me, partnership, God is at work, but you want to use me as a partner, as you have spoken. And behold, I am putting a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only and it is dry all around, then I will know that you will save Israel through me." Now, you may not understand what he's talking about. It's called the famous test of the fleece. Have you heard of that expression? Gideon was saying to God, "To prove and let me know that you really want to use me and you have called me, let's put this fleece out at night, and in the morning when the surrounding area is dry and the fleece is wet, then I'll know you're calling me." Do you understand? Scientifically impossible! How can the surrounding area be dry and the fleece be wet? Wow! But God did it.

Then he said, "Now, Lord, let's do it another way." What's the other way? The other way is to make the fleece dry and the surrounding area wet. Okay, so God did it. Do you see what I'm saying? Gideon wanted to be sure. So, the first time, every place is wet except the fleece. Next, only the fleece is wet, but the surrounding area is dry. So, Gideon said, "Okay, I'm sure. I'm sure. I'm sure of it." Is it wrong to ask God for confirmation? Yes or no? You see, Gideon was not testing God. Gideon wanted to be sure. If I were you, I would do this in my own life. I ask for confirmation because sometimes we can be presumptuous.

CONCLUSION

God uses problems in our lives to wake us up, sanctify us, and make us better. He sees our potential and wants to train us progressively, removing idols from our lives and leading us to pursue holiness. He desires for us to partner with Him, committing to His will, doing things in His way and His time, and relying on His power for victory and glory. Just like Gideon, we can seek confirmation from God and be willing to step into the plans and purposes He has for us, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

QUESTION:

1. What is the challenging situation you are facing right now? What has been your perspective and response?
2. What struck you the most about God's work through Gideon? How can you relate this with your present situation?
3. What has God convicted you to change or continue in your perspective and response to your present challenges?

Do Not Be Afraid I AM with you

Isaiah 41:10

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

When I was a child I'm afraid like going to school in a classroom. So my earthly father accompany me. As grown ups same thing happens when we are new to work we are afraid, going to a new business venture, starting your website, or a book, worst even facing your critics. Yes all I need is a hand that I can hold on in any circumstances. This time I close my eyes and hold on to the Word of my Heavenly Father and His invisible right hand that hold my hand and assured me "Do not be afraid for I AM with you"

It happens in the life of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Moses, Caleb, and John to name a few saints and it will happen to us when we hold on to His Word. He is always there present to help us overcome our fear and be courageous for the favor of our LORD is with us, His people.

So whatsover you are undergoing take His Word "Do not be afraid for I AM with you" "Be strong and courageous for I AM with you"

It is comforting to be in the presence of GOD when HE is with you. Yes we may encounter hills and valleys of life but it is comforting to know that we have a living GOD who is with us and in us. I with like to share a song entitled "Do not be afraid for I AM with you". I hope and pray that you will be encouraged. Do Not Be Afraid I AM With You ~ A song

Prayer: FATHER help us remember that when we are weak and weary we can come to YOU. To hold Your Hand when we are afraid and discouraged. Yes we are revived encouraged and strengthened when we come into Your presence, to overcome our battles in life by Your presence. Amen.

Daily Encouragement

 

Trust In The LORD

Prayer can move mountains of impossibilities as our Divine God intervenes in our present situation. But trusting the Lord whether He will intervene or not is the greatest virtue or power within us, as the Holy Spirit grants us strength to be still with the presence of God. Believing, relying upon, and trusting in Him under His Divine Sovereignty. That can be achieved when we commune with Him as we read His Word and commune with Him in prayer.

When We Think We Don't Need GOD

When I'm fulfilled and blessed it makes me think I don't need Him. But it is through God's blessings, that I am truly blessed, and when I think of this, I am needier than ever.

It's Easy To Forget GOD

"They were filled and their heart was exalted; therefore they forgot Me." (Hosea 13:6) It's easy to forget to talk to God. When everything is going our own way; But that's the time we really need Him most; Lest we depart from Him and go astray. There is never a day when you don't need to pray.

Christian's Hope

I do not want you to be ignorant,... Lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. The Christian's hope is in the Lord - We rest secure in His sure Word; Although we're tempted to despair; We do not doubt that God is there. Christ, the Rock is our sure hope. (1 Thes 4:13)

Be Joyful

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Rom 12:12)

Do Not Worry

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:26)

In GOD I Trust

In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What man can do to me.(Psa 56:11)

Quiet Time Devotionals Index

 

Welcome to Pastor Rick's Devotional

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Of the four types of people you need in your life, which do you have the most of? Which do you have the least of?  https://bit.ly/2XolviN

What has God taught you that you’d never have learned without humility? https://bit.ly/2ACAdtW

Is there something God has taught you that you haven’t put into practice yet? If so, are you willing to take that step so you can keep growing? https://bit.ly/3cyxxdV

What fears are you finding difficult to overcome in this time of crisis? https://bit.ly/3cCmHno

How have you been motivated by someone's courage and faith? https://bit.ly/3f0Q2sW

The story of Daniel inspire us to be couregous putting our trust and confidence to GOD also leading others to GOD. https://bit.ly/2Y9ognq

In what ways do you need to change? https://bit.ly/2AUHdm4

A message of hope that will inspire us to live. https://bit.ly/3f6h7uY

What are some other ways you can be friendly with your neighbors that may be unique to your situation? https://bit.ly/2UxXjsq

What is holding you back from connecting with your neighbor? https://bit.ly/2B2vSjC

How to overcome prejudice? http://bit.ly/2XW6C7E

When have you been judged by your appearance instead of being judged based on what you’re like on the inside? How did that affect you? https://bit.ly/2UY4fzF

Why do we so often equate love with approval? Why is this dangerous? https://bit.ly/2N1j3ch

What is your reaction when people start a conversation about race? What do you think is the first thing God wants you to do when people share their experiences with prejudice? https://bit.ly/3e1eTgi

What is one area of your life where you need to show more grace? https://bit.ly/37BRcZt

Are you weary and worn down? Nourish your soul and stay emotionally healthy by starting and ending each day with the Word of God. https://bit.ly/30RQypv

Why do you think God wants you to talk about your feelings, frustrations, and fears with other people and not just with him? Why did he create you to need other people? https://bit.ly/2zJCaV8

What are the uncontrollable things in your life that have caused you stress because you’ve been trying to control them? https://bit.ly/2Vin2Wz

How does it help when you figure out beforehand how you will manage your feelings of anger? https://bit.ly/37YHcdj

Why does feeling secure in God’s love help you show more love and patience to other people? https://bit.ly/3eqcXhB

How is your faith in God transforming you? https://bit.ly/37Vphnr

Do you have a hard time believing the Bible is for your benefit? What can you do to deepen your understanding of how the story of God’s Word applies to your life? http://bit.ly/3fPDaGL

What does it mean to humbly accept God’s Word? Why does humility matter? https://bit.ly/3dzLtVs

What good would you like to see come out of these difficult times? Tell God what’s on your mind. https://bit.ly/2CBZRzK

What are the shadows you’ve recently been facing? Why are they so daunting to you? https://bit.ly/2ZkjR1M

What are some ways your life shows you have meaningful relationship with Jesus? https://bit.ly/2BfmUA0

Why do you think responding in gentleness rather than anger is so disarming? Why does it get people’s attention? https://bit.ly/2BabsG8

How might someone be affected by your forgiveness? https://bit.ly/2NFmMMV

What are some of the fears you’re feeling right now? What keeps you from giving them to God and trusting him? https://bit.ly/2AjpnJj

What do you need God’s wisdom for today? Take time to ask him for wisdom in the specific areas you are struggling with. Then, spend time in God’s Word so that he can reveal his wisdom to you. https://bit.ly/2Zv0Rxy

What do you know about God’s character that can help you choose joy, even in troubled times? https://bit.ly/38mopso

What are some things you can do to help you know more of God’s Word? https://bit.ly/3itmqY4

Think of your most important friendships. Are those people causing you to worry or worship? https://bit.ly/38qVRxU

What is one step you can take this week to help you remember to seek God’s wisdom before you make a decision? https://bit.ly/2BIMn57

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, people have experienced significant losses that are natural to grieve. How will things change if you give your grief to God? https://bit.ly/3faJzwc

How are you tempted while at home during the pandemic? What are ways you can refocus away from these temptations? https://bit.ly/2O3lE5X

What qualities should you look for in a friend you can confide in? Ask God to develop those same qualities in you as you become a better friend. https://bit.ly/38Lmqht

Why do you think God gives us our whole lives to make a decision about Jesus, but he doesn’t give us a second chance to decide after death? https://bit.ly/3emYLVV

How has your understanding of heaven changed after reading this devotional? https://bit.ly/38U9NRb

What has God told you to do that you haven’t done yet? What is keeping you from doing it? https://bit.ly/2WlbOkk

What do you expect God to do in your life? How do your expectations reflect his greatness? https://bit.ly/2CC3UMw

What is something you’ve been praying about for a long time? How might you need to refine your request? https://bit.ly/2OBbtFO

How are you using your gifts and abilities to serve God and others? https://bit.ly/2BaAyod

Why is there freedom in doing what God created you to uniquely do? https://bit.ly/30py8KX

What are the seemingly difficult circumstances of your life that you have seen God use for good? https://bit.ly/2WBGmyl

Make a list of the needs you see that disturb you. Then, pray and ask God to show you ways you can use your gifts to make a difference. https://bit.ly/2CvrjPW

If you already know what God has called you to do with your life, how are you pursuing it? What keeps you from living out your calling? https://bit.ly/2CTfqTS

What are the things that will last in your life? https://bit.ly/2CxOmtI

What do you think of when you hear people talk about a “day of judgment”? https://bit.ly/2ZVLYpt

Why is God’s goodness a key motivation to pray? https://bit.ly/30KZ87R

What are some ways you believe God will bless you in the future? Thank God for those things—even before they happen. https://bit.ly/3g2x8mJ

What character traits or circumstances affect your willingness to give control of your life to God? https://bit.ly/2P04GFU

What’s the scariest part of following God’s mission for your life? Why? https://bit.ly/332U8hJ

Why would God want us to have the choice to love and follow him? https://bit.ly/3gd528l

When have you seen God calm a storm once you obeyed what he’d told you to do? https://bit.ly/2XdkFoM

Is there any area of your life where you feel hopeless and in need of prayer? Who can you ask to pray with you persistently about this issue? https://bit.ly/2XgyAdI

Why do you think we resort to rote, predictable prayers so often or so easily? https://bit.ly/30kbNzN

What Scriptures do you find particularly comforting when you’re feeling down? https://bit.ly/2EJRof3

Why is it tough sometimes to put your mind on God’s goodness when you’re facing troubles? https://bit.ly/30qaAXr

Do you need a second chance now? Repent, and talk to God about it. Then choose to wake up every day with a profound gratitude for the opportunity God has given you. https://bit.ly/3gulAZA

What is preventing you from seizing the opportunity to do what God has called you to do? https://bit.ly/2DopXqL

Do you easily and willingly accept the warnings of others? Why or why not? https://bit.ly/3gGUDCc

Because God has been patient with you, what are some ways you can be more patient with others in your life? https://bit.ly/2XCXjJe

Describe a time when your plans and God’s plans didn’t match. How did that work out? https://bit.ly/30ED8wq

Pause for a moment and consider if you need to forgive anyone today. If so, are you willing to take that step? https://bit.ly/2DOKRPP

Of the causes of hopelessness identified in today’s devotional, which one do you think applies to you right now—or which one feels most familiar from past times of hopelessness? https://bit.ly/3fN4wg2

Thought To Ponder: Do Not Worry

Do Not Worry

I want you to think that these words are from our Lord God. I want you to enjoy those words of God and be fresh in your mind that gives strength to your spiritual and physical body. We can not eliminate the fear of our daily future such as work, bills, even our rent, but we can change the focus of our minds, instead of the problem we respond our minds to promises of God.

It is not good to think of God's promise and to think of bad things in the present, it leads to fear, anxiety, and the sad to say paralysis of our minds and our physical bodies. Where do you want your life to go? In orderly and prosperous living or in worry? If in prosperous and orderly life I want us to create a good idea only about orderly and prosperous living from the promise of our God. You have nothing to think about other than living well and prosperously.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8

Thought to Ponder: God's Blessing Now and Forevermore

 

God's Blessing Now and Forevermore - Tagalog Version

Our LORD JESUS CHRIST, demonstrate His love, He provides even from our wedding, to heal us from our present condition, to provide for our daily needs including our food to eat, for our profession and even for our business needs, for securing our tax, raising us up from our death and debt, and most of all securing us for eternity.

Three (3) Ways Christians Give the Devil a Foothold in Their Lives

"Anger gives a foothold to the devil"
Ephesians 4:27 (NLT)

By JB Cachila, Christian Post

The Bible tells us that we, as children of God, should have nothing to do with the devil. We are to grow strong in the Lord, mature in the faith, and ever-increasing in Christ-likeness. As such, we must make sure never to allow the enemy some room in our lives.

There are some times, however, when we unwittingly give the enemy a foothold from where he can influence our decisions. Think about it.

What's a foothold?

A foothold can be best understood by imagining yourself being chased by a bad person. You run up to your room and try to close the door, but the person sticks his shoe at the bottom end of the door so you can't close it. That part of his foot that prevents you from closing the door effectively is called a "foothold."

Footholds are very dangerous. It allows thieves and other evil people the chance to threaten you, cause you to fret or panic, throw things at you, and give them an opportunity to eventually break in.

If footholds allow wicked people to do such things, you can just think of what the devil, persistent as he is, can do when he secures a foothold in your life. Don't allow him!

Effectively closing the door

To help you deny footholds from the enemy, here are some practical things you can do.

1) Forgive

Unforgiveness and bitterness give the devil footholds big enough to pull his body in. Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us,

"Be angry but do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your anger. Do not give place to the devil." (MEV)

Choose to forgive. Don't hold grudges. Release the offenses made against you. Release it all unto the Lord (see Romans 17-20).

2) Think of what is right

Thinking of things that are sinful and ungodly also give the devil a foothold. The saying "an idle mind is the devil's playground" might not be a Bible verse, but it is true.

When our minds are idle, they aren't really idle: they become unprotected fields where any thought can run freely. When our thoughts run wild, we will find ourselves thinking of what is wrong sooner or later. We've got to proactively guard our minds and hearts!

Friends, we are to guard our hearts diligently (see Proverbs 4:23), take every thought captive and make it obey Christ (see 2 Corinthians 10:5), and choose to think of what is Godly and pleasing to God (see Colossians 3:2).

We should always meditate on God's Word (see Joshua 1:8); filter what we see, hear, and listen to (see Matthew 6:22-23; 1 John 4:1); and choose to think of what is good:

"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

3) Desire what pleases God

Wrong or ungodly desires don't give the devil a foothold – it gives him control over us! We must keep our desires in check. What we desire always reveals what's in our hearts (see Luke 6:45), and so if we desire what is wrong we've got to deal with our hearts.

We must also remember that whatever we desire tempts us. James 1:14 tell us that "each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed." Be careful what you wish for.

Reference: Christian Post

Resentment and Bitterness Makes Your Life More Miserable

 "A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier."

Proverbs 27:3 (NLT)

 

I have previous dealings with my partner in business that in the beginning as we draw the picture of how the business would grow, managed, and share are all perfect, ideal, and great until challenges hit us. When things get rough all ideal characters that you're looking for a partner as we go to a smooth sailing turn into roller coaster, including the ideal character that we had before when things are running smooth turned into a monster. To save myself from this kind of mess I withdraw myself from partnership, and I think that it is the solution, to bring back my peace of mind, but it didn't.
As time goes by I always think of what happened with our partnership and it makes me resentful and bitter, to the point that I become so critical with others. I always put up my walls in terms of relationships instead of building bridges. Until one day I got confronted by the Word of God of this word..."A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier." - Proverbs 27:3

 

We become more miserable when we cannot move on and hang on with our past experiences. In one of my reflections during my quiet times, there's this nudging deep within me, and that is to forgive. When we learn to forgive we let the other person set free, but most of all, it allows you to be free, since you no longer resent nor bear the emotions out of the experience you had before, and then move on with your life. It doesn't mean that you forget the learning from our past experiences, we learn from it and we even forgive most of all ourselves, as we utter our desperation and bitterness to our living GOD who can give us the power to forgive and set free from the bondage of emotions of resentment and bitterness.

It is my prayer that as we walk through life we learn to lower down our walls and build bridges that connect to others, after all that's the grand design of our living GOD to us.

Do Not Be Discouraged When Opportunities Is Against You

 

Matthew 20:1-16
Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard to further explain what the Kingdom of God is like.

A landowner goes out early in the morning and hires men, agreeing to pay them the daily rate - a silver coin for a day’s work.

He hires them at various times throughout the day - 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm and promises all of the workers a fair wage.

When the end of the day came, the landowner said to his manager to pay the workers, starting with those who had been hired last. Those who began working at 5 pm were given the daily rate - one silver coin.

When it came to those who had been hired first (early in the morning) they thought that they were going to receive more. When they too were given the standard daily wage they began to grumble. They were angry because they had done a lot more work than those who had started later in the day.

The landowner did not listen to their complaints and reminded them that they had agreed to the daily rate of pay when they were hired. He said, “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?”

The landowner then says, “The last will be first and the first will be last.”

                                                          - o -

The first time Pandemic breaks, I was looking for a job online. After several days of attempts, I found one, let's call it Virtual Assistant Company One, and after a while after I have my interview, and got an e-mail that I failed the interview. Then another e-mail came that I am welcome to another Virtual Assistance company and let's call it Virtual Assistant Company Two, then I met several people that became my friends. All of us while waiting for opportunities to be called for final interview, we're just like hanging out with each other over Zoom, but then one by one they were called to work and I'm the one left alone.

For me to be self-sustained I tried to build up businesses like Delivery Service System from Baguio, Metro Manila, and Davao City by simply hiring riders for a commission out of their delivery service but it's not working. Then I tried to partner with a guy in Cebu City with 10 years of experience in the BPO industry and we put up our own Virtual Company but it's not working as well due to lack of customers. Then I tried to reactivate our website as before and even buy a new domain name to introduce other non-essential products and let's just call it Goodie Goods Online Shop but it's not working too.

We got our bills filled-up to the point that we have pressures coming in from our landlord a leasing company. To my disappointment, I would like to go beyond and not to go back but I cannot. Then a small voice from within me told me to go back to my previous where we just hanging out. I'm not a typical person who just goes back, but I'm a typical type of person that if you don't want me I just move forward, but things are not in my favor, and I have to swallow my pride and apply again.
During my initial interview after I apply the position, I got excited since my interviewers were my previous folks that we're just hanging out. I prepared for this meeting with all my efforts including the demo database that I'm going to show them but to my surprise, it's just a casual interview. Then the final interview but when I was going to be interviewed the employer already decided not to interview the rest of the applicants and just take the first candidate.

On my second final interview another came in again ahead of me but still the employer just interviewing me for the sake of the interview, and his questions are like a harsh that I have to reason why I should be hired by him. I got discouraged and asked the LORD if it is actually for me or if He's leading me to another job. But something came in that very moment a thought that leads me to the Parable Story of the Workers in the Vineyard. Each worker agreed to be paid a one denarius for a day's work. There's a workers who came in the morning and there's a worker who came late in the afternoon but the employer welcomed him and allow him to join the work. And at the end of the day, each of them paid a denarius. What a comforting Words that came from our dear LORD, as if "My son I have to save the best work for you though you are the last" and I can relate to the person who receives the denarius as the same with the others for a lesser work. That's what the goodness of our LORD to His children!

It is my prayer that as we go to the journey of life w may be able to see GOD's goodness in our life regardless of what circumstances we are in. Since our living GOD can turn even disadvantages into advantages. He can turn the cross of defeat in the sight of Satan to the cross of victory! Amen.

 

Why Asking Questions Makes You A Great Listener by Pastor Rick Warren

"A person’s thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out.”

Proverbs 20:5 (GNT)

One of the clearest signs of a great listener is when someone knows how to ask open-ended questions.

To really engage someone in conversation, you have to stop asking questions that only require a “yes” or “no” answer. Those questions won’t get you anywhere! Instead, you have to start asking open-ended questions that allow someone to really share beyond a one-word answer.

For example, instead of asking, “Did you enjoy the concert?” you could say, “What was your favorite part about the concert?” It may seem like a subtle change, but it makes all the difference in how someone opens up to you and continues the conversation.

If you really want to go deeper in your relationships and better understand your kids, spouse, and friends, then you need to put some more thought into how you phrase your questions.

Proverbs 20:5 says, “A person’s thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out” (GNT).

There’s one phrase that will make you a master listener—“tell me more.” You’ll need to use it over and over again as you interact with all kinds of people throughout your life.

When people open up to you, don’t let them stop after two or three sentences. When they finish, say, “Tell me more.” Then, after they’ve talked a few more minutes: “Tell me more.” Then, just when they think you’re done listening: “Tell me more.” Every time you ask for more, you’re going deeper and allowing them to express more of themselves.

You may tell people you really care about what they have to say, but the best way to show them is to ask for more. It tells them you’re interested. It proves you’re paying attention. And attention is love! Asking open-ended questions shows people you’re willing to give them your time, your focus, and your love so they can be heard and understood.

Draw deep from the well. Doing so doesn’t just improve your listening skills and conversations. It also transforms your relationships.

Talk It Over

• What ways can you start being a better listener this week?
• Why are people so often hesitant to keep saying “tell me more” in everyday conversations?
• How does giving people your attention show them you love them?

How God Shows His Love

You show other people love by offering the gift of your listening ear and attention. God has shown you the ultimate love by offering you the gift of eternal life. How do you get the assurance of heaven? You believe Jesus Christ died for your sins, and you receive his gift of forgiveness.

This is a promise to all people, no matter your culture, race, location, or past.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21 NIV). That is the best gift you are ever going to be offered. Don’t wait another day to claim it!

Make this your prayer: “Dear God, thank you for your goodness to me. Thank you for loving me and caring about every detail of my life. Thank you for sharing my pain. Most of all, thank you for sending Jesus to save me. I believe he died on the cross for me, and I want to receive him as my Savior. Please forgive my sins and accept me into your family. I want to learn to love, trust, and follow you for the rest of my life on Earth. Then I want to join you in heaven forever. Amen.”

PEPI Thought to Ponder: Anger Disqualifies Us To His Promise

 PEPI Thought to Ponder: Anger Disqualifies Us To His Promise

 

Numbers 20:8-12 

 

8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.

9 And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him.

10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

12 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

Anger also hinders us to receive God's blessings. Remember Moses when GOD instructed him to speak to the rock so that water may gush out so that the Israelites might be able to drink including their livestock. But Moses got out of his temper to the point that he was disqualified to enter into the promised land along with those who rebelled against GOD.

I remember that though I have a point against my previous boss, but due to my anger I lost my position, and I lost my job. If we may be able to control our feelings, we a long time ago arrived to our promised land.

The same happened to the rest of the Israelites due to their anger against GOD, GOD's answer consumed them, save Joshua and Caleb who were the ones who enter into the promised land because they believed and put their trust, hope, and faith with GOD. In our journey to life, there are times that it only lacks a few steps as we step into GOD's blessings but because of our temperance issue, we are disqualified from the blessings that GOD hath set for us. Anger is an issue of heart it is my prayer that as we ask GOD for His grace, may we ask also from GOD to grant us patience to the point that we may enter into His rest, His blessings, that He hath allocated for us, in this present world, and in the future life to come, as we dwell in His presence. Amen.

PEPI Thought To Ponder: You Cannot Put GOD On The Sidelines

 You Cannot Put GOD On The Sidelines

 

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money". (Matthew 6:24)

This day I learned a lesson that to be involved in God's ministry needs your full time and attention only to God. Yes, what the Lord said in His Word you cannot serve God and other material things, or money. In my context, I cannot do my work each day and along with it you just include God. I reasoned to God that I need to finish out my work first before getting my time with Him. Most often my time is consumed with work and failed to prioritize God as He convicted my heart to do something about it. As a result of the day, it's not good, and always fall short as if you failed.

"When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8)

When Peter starts to prioritize God's ministry as he allow his boat to be used as a platform so that our Lord Jesus can preach the Gospel, later our Lord Jesus told Simon Peter to where they can catch fish during day time, as Simon Peter obey, They, (Peter and his fishermen partners) caught a large number of fish, for the first time in the entire history, to the point that their nets almost broke, and called other fishermen partners who are not with him to help them haul the large number of fish. Simon Peter saw with his own eyes the blessings of God to the point that he cannot accept the grace that God has given him, for he thinks for himself that he don't deserve it.

I realized that when I prioritized God in the first hour of the day, and as I commit all of my schedules, tasks, and decisions that I needed to do for the day, He blessed the day ahead of me as I experienced that it is only God who can make all things to work out together for good. Like what happened to Simon Peter. I need not prioritize for the work as I need to prioritize God first in my first hour of the day, as He blesses my whole day including all the work that I needed to do for the day. Our daily devotion to God sometimes we take it for granted, and we least prioritize God as we see the urgency of our work, that we need to accomplished for the day, but we don't realize that it is a privilege to be in the presence of God, and God blesses His children when we prioritized Him. As Simon Peter allow his boat to be used for proclaiming God's work, the blessings God in return to Simon Peter overwhelms him, to the point that he committed his whole life to the ministry of God. God don't want us to put Him on the sidelines, He wants your time to be with Him, so we must commit our first hour of the day totally in prayer and devotion to Him. Finally, I leave my work and decided that I need to delegate the work to my staff and trust God that as I follow Him, He will take care of the rest including my business and work to be done.

It is my prayer that our struggle to live each day caught in between God and business or work will be solved, as we intentionally prioritized God in our first hour of the day. That our Lord may grant us wisdom and strength as we come into His presence as we prioritize Him each day in our lives. Also, His blessings to carry each day's work that we need, and to use our business as a platform for God's glory. Amen.

Obedience Versus Devotion

Obedience Versus Devotion

Matthew 21:28-32

28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
“The first,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

The parable of the two sons above is an illustration of obedience and disobedience. As a believer, the issue is no longer obedience but our true devotion to our living God.

Complying to God's Word needs everyday discipline that sometimes we feel that we're just complying it by mere physical effort minus the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.

As we take time to commune with God in prayer and by meditating upon His Word, God reveals His Word to us and convicted us by His Word, the reason why there's a true change in some believer's life because they take time to commune with God daily.

The pressures of this world are too great like a current of a wild river that will derail you from walking with God unless we are fully aware of God's truth in our hearts to always seek for Him day in and day out.

Without His Divine intervention and His Divine awareness in our daily life, we may become entrapped again by the concerns of this world, and our joy and happiness in Him are zapped and snatch away from us.

It is my prayer as once upon a time in our lives, we experienced how those joy were snatched away from us, when we failed to make time with the LORD in meditating upon His Word and taking time with Him in prayer, and have gone through the busyness of this world. We don't want to happen again, that's the reason why we want to make time with God each day as God strengthens us through His Word, and by His Spirit Who now lives in us, that empowers us to live a victorious life each day. Amen.

PEPI Thought to Ponder: Awareness of GOD's Provision

Genesis 21:19 KJV
And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.

When Hagar and her son Ishmael dismissed by Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael travel in the dessert to the point that they exhausted their food and water. Hagar in her desperation set her son just few meters away for she don't want to see the boy dying out of dehydration.

God heard the cry of the boy and God speaks to Hagar and open her eyes to see the water just besides them in order for them to survived and travel to where they are going.

In 2 Kings 17:20 Elisha's servant was terrified for they were surrounded by their enemies but Elisha prayed to open his servant's eyes and so God opened his eyes and the servant see that behind their enemies were more than them, to protect them.

2 Kings 6:15-17 KJV
And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?  And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Same thing happened to the servant of Elisha when they were surrounded by their enemies. Elisha prayed that God may open his eyes to see God's mighty armies.

God's protection and provision are always with us. We just need to be aware to see His provision.

It is my prayer that God may open our spiritual eyes to see His provision in our daily life or much more in this pandemic situation. To see His working hands, His provision, To help us out of these situation. And in the end we bring Him glory, praise, and honor. Amen.