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.”