Better late than never.

2 Samuel 5:12

"Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people in Israel."

Today was a great day for praise and worship at Cornerstone Community Baptist Church. Not because of some event or occasion that we celebrated, but because today's sermon (2 Samuel 5) highlights the rise of David as king of Israel. 

For an unbeliever, this may seem little, if none, of any value. But if you've studied Scripture, you'll know that this marks the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. This event opens up the path for the true King when he arrives. And that true King that we must all acknowledge is Jesus Christ. Our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer.

During the course of the sermon, our Pastor said something that really struck me. He said, with regards to accepting Jesus Christ as your King, that “It’s better to come late, than to never come at all”. Well, quite frankly, I think this is true. As for me, being on this earth for 22 years without purpose or direction seems to be pointless. All those years of senseless living were wasted years. Thank God that on my 23rd year of existence, I was saved through believing the King. His Son, Jesus Christ. In a way, though I think I was quite late because I could have served my King earlier, it's much better than living my life not knowing the King at all.

As said in 2 Samuel 5:12, just like David's establishment as king over Israel, when Jesus Christ returns and is finally revealed to everyone, he will be acknowledged as the King by every nation on earth. But don't be misled by the word "King" here. Though he will certainly rule over us, it is not only for his sake, but eventually for ours. Because only by submitting to Jesus Christ's authority, can we be saved from eternal damnation. He is not a King that just rules over God's people. He is the King that serves God's people.

Once the King is revealed, those who are with him and submit to him will be saved. Just like the nation of Israel through King David. But those who don't will surely be punished and destroyed. They would share the same fate that the Jebusites and Philistines had when they opposed the authority of King David. So, having these said, you should ask yourself. Are you coming to submit yourself to the King or not?

Reflect on this: Who is your King? If it's not Jesus Christ, who is it? How does Christ rule over your life?

Prayer: Oh, Lord of Lords and King of Kings. I fully submit myself over your authority as my King. Not because I am forced to do this, but because this is what you want for me. I ask for forgiveness for the time it took for me to come to you, my Lord.

Dear God, thank you for the promise of salvation. Thank you for sending us our King, Jesus Christ. And just like what King David did to Israel, I pray to you, Oh Lord, to save us and unite us.

Lead us to freedom, my King. Lead us to victory. Not victory over literal battles with others, but victory over the enemy of sin. For in you, we put all our faith. For in you, we know that victory is guaranteed. All hail the King. Our King. Amen!

Sharing what God has given you.

Luke 3:11

"And He answered them, "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever who has food is to do likewise.""

Sharing the things that you have certainly gives a nice feeling, especially, if you have some to spare. Whether it be food, money, shelter, or clothing, you really never know how much would that be of help to another person. But given that it's a good deed to share. This is also what God wants us to do in our life.

Today, I've shared two things. One of them was money given to a relative in need. And the other one was the Gospel. I shared it to my cousin because I felt that he needed it due to personal problems. He was feeling "empty" after a break up with someone. And since I've been through that not so long ago, I've decided to share it to him and see if it will have the same effect on him.

Both of these would be of great help to the other person. To be able to share material things is nice. But for me, the latter one was the best thing to share to any person needing help.

In Luke 3:11, John the Baptist told the people wanting to be baptized to share what they have to those who are in need. God wants us to share our "tunics" if we have some to spare. But what's most important to share is our "food" as Christians. Food that is abundant, gives life and that saves. And my interpretation of "food" here is the Gospel. His Word.

This part of Scripture must serve as a reminder to us that everything we have is given by God's grace. He is so merciful, loving, and gracious that He provides us everything that we need. And though we receive these things individually, it is much better to share these blessings to others, especially the Gospel. Not just because it feels great to give, but because it glorifies God in the process.

Reflect on this: What helps you to share your blessings to others? Do you try to share the Gospel aside from sharing material things? How does God give you the ability to share?

Prayer: My Lord, thank you for the abundant provision you faithfully give to us. It may or may not be in the form of material things. But still, we are thankful to you for providing us your Word. The blessing of the Gospel. And this is more than enough for us. For your Word gives us life, contentment and "food" that we would ever need in this world.

As you provide me all these necessities in life, my God, may I also repay your kindness by sharing these blessings to others. And may they accept these blessings with thanks not to me, but directly to you. For you deserve the credit alone, my Lord, my King. Amen.

True faith?

Matthew 14:31

"Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

In Matthew 14:22-36, we are shown how followers of Christ tends to doubt His power and glory at times. Here, the disciples saw that Jesus walked on water. But instead of praising this miraculous display of his power, they suddenly turned afraid of Him. Doubting the power of the Lord in the process.

I must confess that I too, am guilty of this kind of reaction at times. Especially during work days when I'm assigned to complete difficult and urgent tasks. The fact that I doubt myself is bad enough. But what's worse is that I am not putting that much faith in God. I still doubt Him. Not just at work, but in some parts of my life in general. In a way, I am underestimating his power and sovereignty. And I am ashamed of this.

For if I were truly belong in Jesus Christ, I should not doubt His power over all things in my life. His sovereignty and faithfulness should be more than enough of an assurance that He will take care of the things in our life. But this does not mean we should not exert effort. It is given, that we should also do our part in His grand scheme of things.

Amazingly, my doubt at times is always replaced by awe. Because just when I thought my work or things in my life seems hopeless, God intervenes and blesses me wisdom, knowledge, and strength to accomplish it. God is so faithful to that he shows to me that I should not doubt His power. Ever. For He will never leave me or forsake me. Especially when I need Him. He just wants me to put ALL of my faith in Him and his Son Jesus Christ. And this is true for all of us.

When God tells us to walk on the "waters" of our life, we should do this wholeheartedly. Fully trusting God and His power over all things. Because this gives praise and glory to Him. That we are willfully submitting our lives to Him. We must not commit the mistake that Peter did in Matthew 14:30. The mistake of not having true faith in the works of Jesus Christ in our lives, for we will surely drown.

Reflect on this: Do you believe that God has total control of everything in your life? If not, who does? Have you ever experienced God's power over your life? What helps you to fully trust and put your faith in God?

Prayer: Sovereign God, I thank you for having total control on all the things in my life. Thank you by putting up with us though we tend to be doubtful and unfaithful to you. This just shows your compassion, love, faithfulness to us.

Forgive us, Oh Lord, for even thinking of having doubts in You. Let us be reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 14:31, that we should not be of little faith. Instead, change our hearts, change our beliefs, change our ways. Let us come towards you by walking above the treacherous "waters" of life with full confidence in Your power. Remind us that by putting all our faith in you, we will surely be safe from drowning.

Praise be to you, my Lord, my Redeemer, my Savior. Amen.

Work-Life Balance?

Mark 8:36

"For what will it profit a man if gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"

These past few weeks at the office really took it's toll on my time with my family. I get so engaged at work that I lose track of time. More often than not, I arrive late at home. Causing me to miss the opportunity to see my children awake.

For me, family is very important. Next to God, I put my family second in priority. Given that I'm a single parent, every minute spent with my kids are precious to me. Since I started to commit myself to being the father God wanted me to be, I wanted to spend more time with them. To play with them. To eat with them. To pray and worship God with them. I want to catch up on the  time I wasted treating them bitterly in the past.

However, since I just recently changed my way of work (from functional consultant to a developer), I do tend to extend my working hours due to the enjoyment and fulfillment of what I do. And since God gave me this opportunity, I want to make the best out of it. I want to seize it so to speak.

But, is enjoying work really worth it if the price to pay is losing time with my family?

I think what was said in Mark 8:36 clearly answers my question, with a question. Yes, I do enjoy countless hours of working at the office. I can be blessed by God by allowing me to be promoted at work. Which will eventually result on having a higher paying salary. I may gain the trust and confidence of my co-workers and leaders. But at the end of the day, the question that I ask myself is this: "Are these things really more important than my family?".

Indeed, we tend to take pride with the job that we do. We want to do our best while we're at it. But if losing our loved ones; friends, parents, relatives, or even kids in the process is not good at all. For what is the purpose of having all the fame, glory, and riches of the world if we won't have anyone to share it with? Also, this can sometimes lead to idolatry. Thinking that our job is the most important thing in our life. And this is not what God wants for us. He wants us to live our lives only for Him.

May the Bible always remind us of our true priorities in life. Remember, everything in this world only exists temporarily. Though God will never go away, nothing in this world will ever last aside from Him. This includes our loved ones. So, make the most out of every moment with them. As much as possible, take time to pray and give thanks to the Lord for the opportunity to be with them. There's nothing bad in doing hard work. But if we'll lose our "soul" in the process, we should think again.

Reflect on this: Do you spend quality time with your loved ones? If not, why? When was the last time you went home early just to enjoy the remaining part of the day with your family? What is your priority in life?

Prayer: Oh Lord, thank you for questioning my beliefs by what you have said in Mark 8:36. Thank you for making us realize that we should not lose focus on what's important in this life. We must always put you, our God, as top priority. But what's next to you is real important too; our family.

Forgive us Lord, if we tend to look at other things that seem of great importance to us. Making us idolaters in the process. Forgive us if we tend to take for granted the time you've given us to spend with our loved ones. Lord, redirect our focus on the more important things in life. Things that of greater value. Things that glorifies and honors you. We pray for your guidance, God, in everything we do. Amen.

Apples of our life.

Hebrews 2:18

"For because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted."

Whenever I hear the word temptation, the image that instantly comes into my mind is an apple. Growing up as a kid, I thought the the apple was similar, if not, the fruit what Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Temptation can be of any form. It can be anything in this world that fall into anyone of these three categories: Attracting, Enticing, Alluring. From an obvious standpoint, it's everything that is pleasing to the senses. That's why Adam and Eve ate the apple. Because it seemed so good. So then, what's so bad about temptation?

Let us bear in mind that the reason why sin entered the world and what made us sinners is temptation. The devil used temptation to disguise what was sinful into a good thing. Temptation gave birth to sin. Sin gave birth to death. Since everyone of us are sinners, we are all dead. We are forever separated with God. We all fell short of His glory. And this "death" of ours is the primary reason why Jesus Christ had to die on the cross.

Hebrews 2:18 makes me think about the "apples" in my life. I still tend to go back on my tempting old habits. I still get enticed by things which seems pleasing to me, but not in the eyes of the Lord. As much as I want to run away, I always end up giving into it. And I have to admit, it's very hard for me to resist temptation. And that is the point.

We cannot resist temptation alone. But what was said in Hebrews 2:18 can be our guarantee that though it is hard, it is very much possible to resist it. This is through Jesus Christ. Note that even Jesus Christ was tempted (Matthew 4:1-11). But he had the strength and will to turn away from it.

When we're faced with temptation, we must not try to stand against it on our own. For this can be futile. What we can do is to turn from temptation to Jesus Christ. Remember, even He was tempted. So he can understand what we're going through. He is the only one who can help us resist the "apples" offered in our lives.

Reflect on this: What are the "apples" in your life? Do you freely accept them? Have your ever called out to the Lord to help you resist these delicious "apples"?

Prayer: Lord, today I am blessed by what was said in Hebrews 2:18. I felt secured that you offer us help when we are faced with temptation. I am reminded that even you were faced with this kind of struggle. But unlike me, you stood tall and turned away from it. It just shows that you are truly powerful and Holy God.

Help me, Oh merciful God, to resist the "apples" of my life. Forgive me for the times I gave in my Lord, for in those times, I trusted in my own strength. Which eventually lead me to sinning against you. Instead of indulging in them, let me enjoy your presence. Your love. Your Holiness. Let me be satisfied in you and you alone. Grant me the strength, Lord, through Christ, to overcome temptation together with you.

Let all the glory be to you my Lord! Amen.

A joke or an insult?

Ephesians 5:4

"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving."

Nothing really beats a good laugh. Whether you're watching a comedy show, listening to the funny comments of a DJ while tuned in to a radio program, or just having a good chat with friends or family.

Most of the time, a good laugh is caused by a funny joke cracked up by someone. More often than not, a joke tends to become an indirect attack to person which we think is funny or is worth laughing at. Sometimes, people tend to forget that emotions can be hurt in the process.

And I am guilty of this most of the time. I tend to crack up jokes which seems funny but can be really offensive or insulting to another person. For the sake of laughter, I tend to forget that I can be hurting someone else's emotion.

Ephesians 5:4 serves as a wake up call for me and for those with the same "joker" attitude.

Paul tells us in Chapter 5 that we should have a Christ like attitude and behavior. This of course includes the way we speak to others. Specifically, in verse 4, Paul tells us that we should watch our mouths when talking to others. We should not speak or act in a way that may degrade, offend, or insult another person. For this kind of behavior does not please the Lord. Instead, things that would build up or give blessings to others should flood our mouth.

We must always remember that if we really are in Christ, we should only do things that would be pleasing to God. And hurting someone's feelings is not pleasing at all. It's nice to have a good laugh. But if you'll eventually hurt someone and insult God in the process, you might want to just clear that thought from your head.

Reflect on this: Have you ever told a joke to someone that really offended him/her? If yes, what did you feel? Are you living the way God wants you to live by telling jokes that can be insulting?

Prayer: Lord, what Paul said in Ephesians 5:4 convicts me. I am indeed guilty of having filthy, foolish, and crude words come out from my mouth. Instead of giving thanks to you, I insult you in the process. And I ask forgiveness for this.

Dear God, change the way I speak to others. Instead of malicious, green, or insulting words come from my mouth. Let it be words that show care, love and humility. Let your words resonate in my heart so I could share them with others. Let thanksgiving flow from the inner depths of my soul towards other people. Glorifying you, God, in the process.

Guide me Lord, show me the way you want me to live. I put all my faith in you. For you alone can change me. Lead me. Save me. Amen.

The usual Monday blues.

Psalm 16:8

"I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken"

Have you ever had that feeling that you'll have a very busy week because of the degree of work you've done on a Monday afternoon? Well, I do. Being in the IT industry, you never really can tell whether you'll have an easy going week or not. Not unless you start your Monday fully loaded with tasks (paperwork, meetings, etc.). But regardless of the type of work you do, and when worst comes to worst, what do you do?

Most people rely on their ability to multitask or to handle things at a very organized way based on priority and urgency. Some practice the way of delegation, though this is more common for higher level positions on a company. And unfortunately for some, the term "come what may" seems enough.

Let's face it, managing tasks can be a bit overwhelming. In fact, it's a common problem for the most of us. For me, before the work day starts or when things get a little out of hand and I can't seem to find the right way to do stuff, I just take a moment, bow down, and close my eyes to pray. Prayers. Simple right? But this is the most underestimated way of handling the pressures of work in the corporate world.

As said in the first part of Psalm 16:8, we must always put the Lord before us. This applies to everything and anything. Whether be it a meeting at work, exam at school, or even caring for our kids at home. We should always ask God to guide us in everything we do. We do not do this so God can give us a favor to do things for us. But it's more on the fact that we glorify Him by acknowledging that we can't do anything without Him. We are helpless without God.

When we raise our concerns and weaknesses to God, He hears them. He gives us the strength to brace ourselves so we would not be easily shaken by earthly struggles. Work included. He will give us the wisdom and knowledge to work things out. He will provide comfort when our minds and bodies reaches it's limit. God is more than willing to help us when we ask Him personally.

So before you do anything at the start of the day, spend time with God. Ask for His help. Give thanks for the opportunity of glorifying Him. God hears. God listens. All we have to do is ask.

Reflect on this: Have you ever thought of praying before facing the day at work? If not, why not call to God? Have you ever had the feeling that God helped you all through out the day because tasks seemed to be so easy to accomplish?

Prayers: My Lord, thank you for the strength that you always provide for me. Today, I am reminded that I cannot do things alone. That I can't do a thing without you guiding me. Oh God, with your grace and mercy, I know I would not be easily shaken. For you are my rock.

Dear Lord, always remind me that in everything we do in our lives, we should always put you first. Because as what you did for us, though we have sinned again and again, you have set us first before anything else. Not allowing us to pay the penalty of sin by sacrificing your Son, Jesus Christ. Showing your true mercy and grace in the process.

Lord, thank you. For in you and you alone, we will always find strength. Praise be to you. Amen.

Raising a child when you're a child yourself.

Proverbs 22:6

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

It's quite a challenge to raise children nowadays. Well, given the kind of environment and society we live in, it's a challenge for every parent to raise their kids appropriately. Especially when you want your kids to grow as responsible and God believing adults. Parents must work hand in hand and in prayers to ensure that their child can withstand the exposure to a very ungodly world.

But what about single parents? It's tough to raise kids alone especially when you're the only one providing for your child in all aspects of life (financial, emotional, and spiritual). But given that you are single, what if you're a  teenager too? That's double or even triple the pressure.

I've experienced this firsthand. I was 16 when I became a father. At age 18, I was already a parent of two. It's very, very, very difficult. I had no means whatsoever to provide for my kids. Both financially and emotionally. Thank God that my parents were kind enough to provide my children's needs and to support my education as well. And now, as a 23 year old man, I'm raising my kids together with my parents.

However, the point here is this. How do you raise a child when you're a child yourself? Back then, I was totally clueless. Well, to be honest, I'm quite clueless in a few areas of parenthood as of today. Immature to be exact. I was usually screaming at the kids. Constantly hitting them when I see them doing something wrong. I even went as far as cursing them. There was a big gap between us. This continued up until early this year.

Thank God that this immature behavior of mine diminished slowly when I renewed my faith as a Christian. I thought to myself, there must be a Godly way to raise my kids. Also, compared to my children, I am also a child in the eyes of God. Constantly committing mistakes. Yet God has been faithful and compassionate towards me. This thought of mine was reinforced when I saw the movie "Courageous" in our church last February. As it showcased the importance of being there for your children as a father. Not just in terms of presence at home. But more on the presence in their lives.

I believe that God wants us to bring out the father in us. To bring our children close to Him. And this is what He advised  us in Proverbs 22:6. This is our responsibility. He wants us to raise our children accordingly. And I strongly believe that when we do raise our kids in a Godly way, they too will pass this to their children and grandchildren. Glorifying and honoring God in the process.

As of today, I'm closing the gap between me and my children. I'm connecting to them through reading devotional books and stories, spending time with them during my off days, and bringing one of them to church every Sunday to worship the Lord with other Christians. But I admit that the struggles are still there. There are occasional times that I tend to raise my voice, be impatient with them, and ignore them. But I'm in constant prayer to the Lord to give me patience, maturity and compassion for my kids.

Reflect on this: Are you raising your child by using force or violence? If you do, have you ever thought about how God is patient and compassionate towards you?

Prayer: Lord God, I give thanks for your compassion and mercy towards us. Though we are like ignorant children committing mistakes in front of you, you still treat us with love and care just like a father would.

When I break something, You come and pick it up for me. When I hurt myself, You come and treat my wounds. When I cry, You provide comfort. When I'm hungry, You provide food. Thank you for being a parent to each and everyone of us.

Thank you God for sending our brother Jesus Christ to save us from sin. Hear my prayers Lord. Give me the same compassion, love and mercy you show me to my children. Let me offer them to you so I could glorify and honor you.

Praise be to you. Amen.

Where do I start?

1 John 1:9

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Start over. This word is commonly used when you; transfer to a new neighborhood, school, work, or even at the start of a new year. The worst scenario you might use this is when you end up a relationship with someone. The only question here is where do you start?

As for me, I used this word when I renewed my faith. When I became a Christian. I think it was about 3 months ago, on my birthday, when I said to myself, "What to do in life when your 23?". During that time, I was just recovering from a deep period of depression. I was so lost. I felt like I hit rock bottom. I did not know what true happiness means. I was constantly looking for something that I did not know. In short, something was missing in my life but I don't know what it is. But thanks to a friend of mine, I was saved.

However, the process of change is not easy. I'm not pertaining to religious practices or procedures required in becoming a Christian because there's no such thing. It's more on the internal change. A change of heart. And up to this day, this is my struggle.

As said in Matthew 15:19:

"For out of the heart comes evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander"

The heart is the root of sin. It all begins in the heart. So if we really want to start over, we should start from the heart. However, this change of heart can't be accomplished by our actions alone. In fact, we can't. It's the work of the Holy Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can change our hearts. All other actions on our part are just plain useless.

And I'm guilty of this. I'm trying to change myself on my own. Take note of the word used, "on my own". I'm avoiding temptation so I won't sin. In other words, sin management. That's why instead of turning away from temptation and from my old ways and habits, I just end up doing it all over again. Because I trust in my own strength. And I'm just tired of this cycle. I don't want to start over and over. Once is more than enough.

What I fail to realize is that Christ had already payed for my sins when He died on the Cross. And If I really did accept Jesus Christ as my Savior and Redeemer, what's holding me back in fully accepting God's grace and mercy? Why can't I finally turn away from my old self and live a new life for Him? Am I just ignoring the Holy Spirit? Or maybe, it's the feeling of stubbornness and unworthiness.

This is where 1 John 1:9 gives us assurance.

All of us are unworthy. All of us are sinners. And we can't change this. This is the reason why God sent His Son in the first place. To pay the price that we can't afford to pay on our own. What we can do is to repent and ask for forgiveness. And the most important thing is to accept Jesus Christ, because it is only through Him that we can truly be forgiven. Only then can the Holy Spirit work in us. We should not pity ourselves because we can't seem to do what's right. Instead of wasting time contemplating on what you have done wrong, do what's right and pleasurable to God with the help of the Holy Spirit. So where do you need to start? I know now. Start with the heart.

Reflect on this: Have you ever felt that you've done nothing right though you always exert effort? Are you doing the best "you" can to avoid temptation and sin? If yes, have you considered calling out to the Lord and the Holy Spirit to help you rather than doing it on your own?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the assurance of 1 John 1:9. You never guaranteed to us to not sin again. But you offered us forgiveness and mercy, given that we ask for it.

Thank you for the faithfulness though we are unworthy. We give thanks to you for cleansing us of our sins through Jesus Christ. We pray that the Holy Spirit take control of our actions as we submit our lives to you.

We put our faith in you Oh Lord. For in you, we are guaranteed to start over a new life. All praise be to You. Amen.


Note: My inspiration in creating this blog for daily reflections is Mr. Mark D. Roberts. I've used the format from his page in order for this blog to be as simple as possible. http://www.thehighcalling.org/users/mark-d-roberts