My Sanity

“Arise, shine” For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1-2).

Throughout the book of Isaiah we see God pleading for His people to rise up from what they had previously known and the oppression they had been under and to put on their strength, because God wanted to make them a people known of His glory so that others would come to know Him through it.

There are times we allow ourselves to be ruled by life’s circumstances; wrongs done to us, anxieties of tomorrow and sometimes fear of what today might bring. But God, through these wonderfully, redeeming words has a promise for us to hold onto. I believe He eagerly wants us to know, that even though darkness surrounds us, He desires to arise over us in His glory!

Can you imagine living with a constant awareness that God’s glory was upon you every moment?

Throughout the Old Testament Scriptures, we read that the glory of God was not only an exhibition of His splendor and majesty, but also was a manifested glory that came in several forms, sometimes like a cloud or fire. Always. When the glory came to the people, they would be guided, protected, would receive revelation, instruction, and were able to walk according to the ways of God, because God was present with them and all the people knew it!

God longs to arise over us in His glory in order to cause others to look upon us and be drawn to Him, King of Glory, and when they see us, they will see His Glory and are beckoned through us to come and draw closer and deeper into His very being and likeness.

Now, we have the fulfillment of a promise not only experiencing with assurance the glory of God arise and come over us, but His glory dwelling deep within us; His very fullness. We carry the incredible presence of God wherever we go, and it is in His presence, the presence of Almighty God where people are changed and transformed, just as they were when they were in the presence of our Lord Jesus.

May we glimpse always at the image of God deep within us, His wondrous glory and catch sight of the unexplainable but all wonderful mystery of being fashioned in His likeness amidst the darkness in our own lives and may we rise up in strength and beauty of His Glory!

Let the glory of God infiltrate you and fill you so that His very nature becomes your nature. Behold the glory of God! Arise and shine!

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your wonderful glory and your presence here with me. I don’t want to go anywhere or do anything without Your presence going with me. May I always remember this incredible promise you have given me, and may I arise and shine and come more deeply into your likeness. Amen.

Written by Brigitte Straub

“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close”
(Revelation 3:8, NLT).

Today´s Word:
I believe that God is ready to present you with new opportunities. He wants to open new doors before you. It doesn’t matter what’s happening in the world around you, God’s Word remains true!

Remember, in an instant, God can bring the right people into your life, the right opportunities, and the right resources to take you to a whole new level. But in order to go to a higher level, you have to have a higher way of thinking. You can’t allow worry and fear to fill your thoughts because fear actually blocks the door of God’s blessing.

Instead, fill your mind with the Word of God. Let His truth empower you because His ways are always higher than our ways; and I believe that even now, He is working behind the scenes on your behalf!

Today, choose to keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Begin to thank Him for the opportunities that are just ahead for you. Shut the door on fear and let God lead you by His peace through the door of opportunity He has prepared for you!

Prayer for Today:
Father in heaven, thank You for opening doors for me that no one can close. I believe that You are faithful, and You reward the people who seek after You. Fill me with Your peace and joy today as I learn to follow You in every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

“But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it”(Numbers 14:24, NAS)

One time in Scripture, Moses sent twelve men to spy out the Promised Land. The people of Israel were camped right next door and excited about possessing the land. But after 40 days, ten of the men came back with a negative report. They said, “Moses, there are giants in the land, and we’ll never defeat them.” That negative report spread throughout the rest of the camp, and the people began to murmur and complain.

But one of the spies named Caleb said, “Moses, we are well able to defeat these people. Let us go up at once and take the land!”

It’s interesting that they all saw the same land, the same circumstances, yet they had totally different views. How could their reports be so opposite? Here’s how: Caleb had a different spirit. He saw things with a different perspective. Others were focused on the giants, but Caleb was focused on his God.

The people who complained never actually made it into the Promised Land, but Caleb did. He accompanied a new generation that chose the blessing of God.

Today, choose to have a different spirit. Don’t listen to what everyone else says, listen to what God says. Choose to believe His Word, and He will carry you into your promised land!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY “Father in heaven, today I choose to tune out the negative voices of the world. I choose to trust in You even when no one else will. I thank You for the good things You are doing in my life and trust that You will fulfill every promise You’ve made to me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. -Jesus Saves!

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” - John 14:15

Our Lord never insists on our obedience. He stresses very definitely what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We have to obey Him out of a oneness of spirit with Him. That is why whenever our Lord talked about discipleship, He prefaced it with an “If,” meaning, “You do not need to do this unless you desire to do so.” “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . .” (Luke 9:23). In other words, “To be My disciple, let him give up his right to himself to Me.” Our Lord is not talking about our eternal position, but about our being of value to Him in this life here and now. That is why He sounds so stern (see Luke 14:26). Never try to make sense from these words by separating them from the One who spoke them.

The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself. Jesus Christ will not force me to obey Him, but I must. And as soon as I obey Him, I fulfill my spiritual destiny. My personal life may be crowded with small, petty happenings, altogether insignificant. But if I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God. Then, when I stand face to face with God, I will discover that through my obedience, thousands were blessed. When God’s redemption brings a human soul to the point of obedience, it always produces. If I obey Jesus Christ, the redemption of God will flow through me to the lives of others, because behind the deed of obedience is the reality of Almighty God.

– OBEDIENCE OR INDEPENDENCE? - November 2nd reading from the updated edition of ‘My Utmost for His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers
Edited by James Reimann, Published by Discovery House Publishers. ISBN 1-58660-829-0
http://www.dhp.org

Do you struggle with following God’s calling if it means moving out of your comfort zone?

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV).

Some women find great comfort in what might be called “settledness”—all the moving boxes quickly unpacked, pictures on the walls, furniture in place. For them, to contemplate the idea of uprooting family again is not only unpleasant, but scary. Other women—perhaps a minority?—can hardly wait to see what new people, events, or houses lie around the next corner. When their job, or their husband’s, requires a move, they march ahead with enthusiasm and vigor.

Theologian John Calvin encouraged Christians to be both “trekkers and settlers.” He envisioned Christians moving with determination into population centers, commerce and education to influence all of society and then—as God instructed His people centuries earlier—“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens…marry and have sons and daughters…seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you” (Jeremiah 29:5-7, NIV).

First century Christians were scattered because of persecution. The apostle Peter reminded them that even in the midst of that danger, they were chosen by God and that their faith would result in “praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7, NIV).

We experience a variety of seasons in our lives—sometimes we are called to be trekkers and other times we are settlers. Our call as Christians is to be always alert to the whispers of God and be ready to move—or stay. Wherever God places us, we can be confident that His Spirit will supply our needs so that we can be a blessing to those around us.

-Written by Marilyn Ehle

1. Endure: Don’t lose heart. Keep praising God for His goodness. (James 1:1-4)

James encourages us to “consider it all joy” when we encounter trials that test our faith. That may sound difficult. But as we endure these trials, pressing on in faith and believing God has our best interests at heart, we will emerge from the experience “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Often, God allows us to go through difficult challenges because those very experiences shape us to receive the answer He has already prepared. Even in the midst of pain, if we can press on — praying, standing on His Word, believing His promises — we will see His goodness bring us to a better place.

2. Stop worrying: Ask God for wisdom concerning your situation. (James 1:5)

God gives wisdom to everyone who asks Him. He gives it generously. He doesn’t think any less of us for asking. In fact, He loves it when we come to Him with our concerns. But the catch is, we have to ask for wisdom to get it. Too many of us reason out problems and come up with solutions on our own — coming to God only as a last resort. God tells us in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” If we come to Him as soon as we encounter difficulties, He promises to give us His perspective on our situation. He can show us ways to deal with our trials that may never have occurred to us.

3. Deal with doubt: Come to God in faith — and expect an answer! (James 1:6-8)

When you ask God for help, remember that He is faithful. When Jesus invited Peter to walk with Him on the water, Peter was able to do it — as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus and focused on his circumstances — looking at the waves around him and the water beneath him, he sank. When you ask God for help, focus on His Word and what He is speaking to your heart to believe for, rather than letting your faith be determined by your situation.

4 Remember: God is not limited by your circumstances. (James 1:9-11)
By the world’s standards, wealthy people have the greatest range of opportunities because they have the resources to make their dreams come true. They can afford the best the world has to offer, and can gain power and influence through their wealth. In contrast, God is not impressed by a person’s wealth, but rather by our willingness to believe Him and by obedience in what He has told us to do. If we are rich in faith, there are no limits to what God can accomplish through us!

5 Persevere: Keep your eyes on God, and thank Him for the victory! (James 1:12)

Through persevering in prayer in each trying situation, praising God and believing in His goodness, we will build the character we need in order to receive all that God has for us without being overwhelmed. And each situation we emerge from in triumph is a small picture of the victory that awaits all believers someday when we receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him!

from: 700 club asia Scripture references are taken form the New American Standard translation of the Bible

They’re both convinced
that a sudden passion joined them.
Such certainty is beautiful,
but uncertainty is more beautiful still.

Since they’d never met before, they’re sure
that there’d been nothing between them.
But what’s the word from the streets, staircases, hallways –
perhaps they’ve passed each other a million times?

I want to ask them
if they don’t remember –
a moment face to face
in some revolving door?

Perhaps a “sorry” muttered in a crowd?
A curt “wrong number” caught in the receiver?
But I know the answer.
No, they don’t remember

They’d be amazed to hear
that Chance has been toying with them now for years.
Not quite ready yet
to become their Destiny.

It pushed them close, drove them apart,
it barred their path,
stifling a laugh,
and then leaped aside.

There were signs and signals,
even if they couldn’t read them yet.
Perhaps three years ago
or just last Tuesday

A certain leaf fluttered
from one shoulder to another?
Something was dropped and then picked up.
Who knows, maybe the ball that vanished
into childhood’s thicket?

There were doorknobs and doorbells
where one touch had covered another beforehand.
Suitcases checked and standing side by side
One night, perhaps, the same dream,
grown hazy by morning.

Every beginning
is only a sequel, after all,
and the book of events
is always open halfway through.

by: Wisława Szymborska and translated by Stanisław Barańczak and Clare Cavanagh.

-poem used from the movie called "Turn Left Turn Right"
and translated by Walter Whipple

and by the way You brought me here,
it makes me believe the best is still yet to come and I don’t want to leave.
forgive my hesitation but I’m learning to trust in You.
help me to dream these dreams because I don’t have a clue.

and if you’d be honest and say what You mean
You know I would promise I’d do anything
because I know that without You I’m giving it away.

is this what You wanted?
’cause I’m willing to change.
now that I’m certain,
that there’s much more to gain.
You’ve introduced me to the moment
oh but I’m looking to stay for good.
You asked me to stay forever.
well, You know that I would, I would do anything.

and if You’d be honest and say what You mean
You know I would promise I’d do anything
’cause I know that without You I’m giving it away.

the nights are forever and maybe I’m wrong,
but it feels like I’m so lost without You.
so I step towards the heat, it’s the way I can see,
and it makes me believe that it’s You.

and by the way You brought me here
it makes me believe the best is still yet to come and I don’t want to leave,
I won’t, but anyway…

if You’d be honest and say what You mean
You know I would promise I’d do anything
and the nights are forever, I can’t get to sleep
’cause I know there’s a reason I’m in this too deep
and I’m sure that without You, I’m giving it away…

i’m giving it away…

eternity: memory of lightwaves...

“grant me w/ Your wisdom to see the dreams that you want me to do and to envision the things that you want me to see.. be in my mind.. help me to do your will Lord and make me do it..”

I received this message just this day.. thanks to my 3rd tatay Pastor Melvs for not ceasing to bring fresh air, guidance and showing compassion always at the right time, at the right situation, and at the right moment.. Even today you’re still one of God’s way of reminding me that Jesus is still in control, and you’re one of God’s way of expressing His love to me a His child..

We learn from reading about Abraham that hope is necessary because often waiting is uncontrollable.  Did you know God didn’t tell him how long he would have to wait?  he just said, “Here’s the hope.  You just wait.”

God’s promise to Abraham was not to be fulfilled for many years.  And in some respects that promise was not totally fulfilled even in his lifetime.  You and I are the fulfillment of that promise.  According to Galatians, we are the children of Abraham.  We are the result of God having blessed Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; having blessed the nation of Israel; and then, through Israel, having blessed all of us.  We are blessed because of Abraham.  But Abraham never saw all of that.  He saw enough, but he had to wait.

Hope is the ingredient that keeps us going between the promise and the fulfillment.  Hope is the thing that gets us up in the morning when we know that God cares but we haven’t seen any evidence of it in the last few days.  Hope drives us onward when we want to stop and quit.  Hope keeps our dreams alive while we are waiting.  And we need hope because we can’t always control the timetable.

–from: Pastor Melvs

Two days ago… uncertainties, doubts and fear sets in.. It was that night again that I experienced that low feeling of self esteem.. In my unguarded decision I allowed to dwell again on my what ifs questions and selfish acts of fear for one whole night feeling helpless..  It came to a point where in my heart says “have faith” but my mind keeps on rationalizing things.. haha.. I was praying that time but I don’t know where to start and what to pray  anymore.. I felt alone and tired.. I texted two of my closest friends and asked them to help pray for me.. For I remember that I should bring to light the thoughts in my mind and ask for someone w/ the same faith to do it.. Two of my friend texted and phoned me and shared some words of encouragements.. my thirst for security and rest quenched a little and after a few hrs.. the here we go again mode sets in.. hahaha… anyways, to make my sharing short.. I fell asleep while praying.. haha

But to be really honest, It was those moments when I thought that I was so alone and feeling down that I found myself closer and intimate to My Adonai; revealing His assurance and words of comfort that everything is going to be alright… That dark place I felt am alone, that time I thought am helpless, that situation I thought it’s hopeless turned out to be the perfect and wonderful time to praise and worship God.. As God promised us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

“All of my life, in every season, You are still God - I have a reason to sing. I have a reason to worship….”

A thousand times I’ve failed
Still Your mercy remains And should I stumble again
I’m caught in Your grace
Everlasting
Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending

Your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else
My purpose remains
The art of losing myself
In bringing You praise

In my heart and my soul
Lord I give You control
Consume me from the inside out
Lord let justice and praise

Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out

Everlasting
Your light will shine

when all else fades
Never ending
Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart
Is to bring You praise

From the inside out

Lord my soul cries out to You…

An honest reading of the Bible reveals a God who does not shy away from awkward questions. In fact, he almost seems to welcome them. The ruined lives of Job and Naomi pose disturbing questions about God without censorship–a surprising indication that the disconcerting questions journalists are asking about God are not off-limits for us either. An honest reading also reveals a God who doesn’t explain himself. He didn’t tell Job about his earlier conversation with Satan (Job 1:6-12) and he didn’t give Naomi three good reasons why her world fell apart (Ruth 1:1-5). Both sufferers went to their graves with their whys unanswered and the ache of their losses still intact. But somehow, because they met God in their pain, both also gained a deeper kind of trust in him that weathers adversity and refuses to let go of God. Their stories coax us to get down to the business of wrestling with God instead of chasing rainbows and to employ the same kind of brutal honesty that they did, if we dare.

Having faced the personal misery and relational pain of doing things my way and having carried the heavy burden of making pleasure my idol. I’m far more willing to pay the price for transformation. There’s pain in either direction. I may as well embrace the pain that leads me to God instead of suffer the pain of being drawn away from him.

So I hope you’ll take these words as an encouragement. Pain in this world is a foregone conclusion. The only question is whether we choose to live a life of redemptive pain or of self-destructive pain. I pray you’ll choose redemptive pain.

I’ve come to realize that when I refuse to face the pain of transformation, eventually I must endure the misery of my immaturity. I can walk like a Christian, or I can eat and drink in moderation, or I can spend time in a hospital.

I have found, from far more experience than I care to admit, that sin over promises and under delivers. It shouts its promises but then mockingly reneges on its pledge. Obedience whispers its alternative but then shouts its affirmation.

Any movement that stresses Christ likeness comes with a cost. While we often laud Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic “The Cost of Discipleship,” I sometimes wonder how many Christians still read it and, even more, how many truly believe it. What I’m about to say may sound like heresy, but I believe it will be truth medicine for Christ-followers: character transformation, though dependent on grace and God’s empowerment, requires a lot of hard work, vigilant oversight, rigorous thought, self-discipline, and a life marked by repentance. It also entails surrendering to a God who is more concerned with our character than with our comfort.

In the Hebrew language there is no word for spiritual. If you would have said to Jesus, “Jesus, how is your spiritual life?” [He would have said,] “What? What do you mean?” Because to label one area as spiritual is to label others areas not spiritual. It’s absolutely foreign to the world of the Scriptures. It’s absolutely foreign to the worldview of Jesus.

The assumption is that you are a fusion of two realms. And a human being occupies a totally unique place in the entire universe. Everything we do, we do as an integrated being–one hundred percent physical, one hundred percent spiritual. The first Christians latched on to this right away: “Whatever you do in word or in deed, do it in the name of Jesus Christ.” Every act is a spiritual act (see Colossians 3:17).

“Surrendering to the Transforming Presence of God Every Day of Your Life”
-Gary Thomas

Show me how to love like You have loved me…

simple and clean