Small Victories, Great Triumph!

Life is sweet after you overcome a struggle, no matter how small, that makes you discover something new about yourself.  You know that it wasn’t in you to win but you did because you trusted in the LORD.  Every challenge is strategically placed there by our loving Father, so we may find out something unique in us which He designed to better equip us for a life of victory.

Each victory, no matter how small, is a building block to a better tomorrow.  Each victory makes us realize how fragile life is and how precious each moment can be.  Many times, we lose the battle; and we really lose it when we don’t learn its lesson.  Each hurdle is a gift to be cherished and an opportunity to be opened.  To shy away is already a defeat by itself because it prevents you from becoming.

Becoming is just like a caterpillar who looks so beautiful by itself, squirming and eating away at a leaf.  One might wonder.  Why must it stop and turn into a pupa; hiding as if in suspended animation?  But in a few days, it comes out with wings, metamorphosed into a beautiful butterfly, able to fly!  No longer earthbound, it spreads its wings and leaps into a sky full of opportunities.  It is fulfilling its destiny!

You and I were never meant to be earthbound.  A child once said that the Bible is actually an acronym for:  B – Basic, I – Instruction, B – Before, L – Leaving, E – Earth.  How apt!  You and I were meant to soar to greater heights by the power of the Wind.  Without the Wind, we will fall back to earth; but with the Wind, flying is not a struggle but a pleasure!

The more independent you are of GOD, the more you lose.  The more dependent you are on GOD, the more you win!  The more you win, the more you discover your real you.  As you soar with GOD, you discover your destiny, not invented by your own fallible imagination but a destiny prepared for you beforehand by the most loving Father of the universe!

“Have you never heard or understood?  Don’t you know that the LORD is the everlasting GOD, the Creator of all the earth?  He never grows faint or weary.  No one can measure the depths of his understanding.  He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; He offers strength to the weak.  Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up.  But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength.  They will fly high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Eternity – On the Edge of Time

ETERNITY – ON THE EDGE OF TIME

Have you ever wondered what eternity is like? What is eternity anyway? To most of us, eternity is a never-ending experience in real life; a continuation of what joyful experiences every man presently has. Most people associate eternal life with a life after death. The fact that we talk about it in terms of the past, present and the future only indicates our finite and limited perspective.

What is the biblical idea of eternity? The first book of the Bible, Genesis, chapter 1:1 says, “In the beginning, GOD…” Before there was anything, before there were angels or man or any other creature or any creation, there was only GOD. GOD was in the great expanse everywhere. The angels sing GOD was, GOD is and always will be! GOD is the great Sovereign who created time and all the laws of time. All of creation is bound by time and none may transgress it except if willed by the One who created it. The Mighty GOD and everlasting FATHER will rule forever with fairness and justice (Isaiah 9:6b-7). Our great GOD inhabits eternity and His rule is characterized by fairness and justice. In GOD’s presence, there is security, stability, equitability, holiness, love, joy and peace. Eternity is GOD, for everything flows from Him. Eternity is knowing and loving GOD. For now, we only know a little but when we enter eternity, we will really know as we are known by GOD. GOD is the source of all good and useful knowledge; knowledge that reaps good results. Even now, the secret wisdom from GOD is reserve only for those who seek Him earnestly and walk with Him daily. We can gather our thoughts but it is the LORD who gives the right answer (Prov 16:1).

Without GOD, there is no eternity. So, a people without GOD is without hope.

For now, there is a time for every activity under the sun. There is a saying, “everything is timing.” You may have the resources to invest but if you don’t have the wisdom to discern the right timing and the right opportunity, you will not expand and multiply your resources. There may be a good business opportunity, but if you don’t have discernment to “see” the right time to invest in the market, you might end up losing your money. To know the right time is very tricky because as humans, we don’t control the variables even in one circumstance. We don’t see beyond “now” although we can surmise and presume based on historical data but the assurance of success only belongs to GOD. The problem with historical data is that it is past and the past does not necessarily repeat itself. There is always a new twist hanging in the balance. Our world has become more complicated. Information is available in an instant through cyberspace but whether man has grown in wisdom is a big question mark. The recent world financial crisis is still growing and no man has brought forward any viable solution. All proposals are uncertain and many of them are a rehash of failed courses of actions of previous recessions. Our leaders are hoping against hope that this time it may work. Man is a slave of time. Man is in a rat race.

How can man get out of the rat race? There is wisdom in the words of the Teacher of Proverbs: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight” (Prov 3:5,6). It is so presumptuous for man to think that he is the captain of his soul and the master of his destiny. If man can’t control one iota of circumstance, how can he control his destiny? However, man has one God-given ability that does determine his destiny – the freedom of choice. All of man’s life is a product of his choice whether good or bad.

Therefore, choose your eternal destiny!

Are you surviving or thriving?

In an age where information doubles at an unprecedented rate; where the old rules of economics hardly work in a multi-layer, global market; where old norms of business paradigms are constantly challenged; where constant stress threatens the health of every worker, are you keeping pace? Are you merely surviving? Or do all the challenges drive you to strive and thrive in enemy territory?

In a constantly changing world, it is a great comfort to know that our GOD never changes. When all you have to look forward to is work and more work. It is certain that you will experience more and more stress each day. The good news is, GOD can be your compass to point you in the right direction. He is the great Guide who has walked the path before us, who has climbed every hill and mountain and forged every river we will cross in our entire life. JESUS beckons, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). This is in direct contrast to the standards of the world whose only concern is the revenue bottom line.

The question is who is your boss? You see, there are only two bosses. Either, you serve GOD or you serve the devil. Unfortunately, the devil is a very cruel and hard taskmaster. He will keep you working like a hamster running endlessly on a never-ending spinning wheel, and mind you, never getting anywhere! The devil will promise you the world but his track record reveals that he is the father of lies. He already stole your birthright in Eden and he aims to ultimately destroy you. He paints a beautiful picture of your future while craftily sabotaging what little honor you have left.

But if you work for GOD, He promises to “give power to those who are tired and worn out; He offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31). As JESUS said, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world! I came so that you may have life and have it abundantly.”

Do you have a life? Or do you just exist? Life comes from GOD and only GOD can give a real meaningful life. Give whatever is left of you to Him and He will make you whole and complete. No man will ever know victory until He follows the victorious One!

Someone once said, “Live passionately, love completely, learn humbly and leave boldly!” Only those who are walking boldly with GOD daily can pursue this goal.

December 31, 2008 Meditation on John 5:39,46

December 31, 2008

“You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures points to Me! If you believed Moses, you would have believed Me because he wrote about Me.” – John 5:39, 46

From beginning to end the Scriptures tells the story of GOD who courts His people with love and compassion. The Story tells of a GOD who would send His only SON to suffer and die at the hands of the people He loves. For ages the Israelites have been expecting the Messiah that the Scriptures foretold.

JESUS was the Rock that provided water to the millions who thirst in the desert. JESUS was the Manna provided by the FATHER, the living Bread from heaven to nourish His people. JESUS was the Lampstand that provided light to the world. JESUS was the mercy seat that covered the Torah. JESUS was the innocent Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. The lamb was to be stretched on a cross and roasted whole with no bones broken. JESUS was the altar that provided water for the cleansing of all guilt of the priests. JESUS was the incense, the eternal intercessor who prays for us in heaven. Even the furniture in the Holy Place was arranged in a cross!

When we read the Scriptures, we need to open our eyes to the truth – GOD loves us with an everlasting love!

December 30, 2008 Meditation on John 5:19

December 30, 2008

“The SON can do nothing by Himself. He does only what He sees the FATHER doing. Whatever the FATHER does, the SON does.” – John 5:19

The GODHEAD is in complete unity. As JESUS walks empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT, He obeys the FATHER absolutely even to the point of death.  This is the model we should follow if we are sons of GOD.

Our spirits should rule our wills and our emotions and thus empower our bodies to do what is good and right in the eyes of GOD.  This mode will only succeed if our spirits are empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT.  Man was never created to be independent but to be forever dependent on GOD.

If we walk with GOD every moment of our lives, we would learn how to live. We would become like Enoch who walked daily with GOD and who was taught personally by GOD, knowing heavenly mysteries. Paul also walked with GOD and was brought to heaven and mysteries were revealed to him. You might think that they are exceptions. But GOD knows those who are His and He reveals His secrets to men who would give 100% of themselves to Him. Are you such a man?

October 2, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 16

October 2, 2008

I said to the LORD, “You are my Master!

All the good things I have are from You.

LORD, you alone are my inheritance,

My cup of blessing.

You guard all that is mine.

I will bless the LORD who guides me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

I know that LORD is always with me.

I will not be shaken for He is right beside me.

You will show me the way of life,

Granting me the joy of your presence,

The pleasures of living with You forever.

- Psalm 16:2,5,7,8,11

The key to a life of abundance is the PRESENCE of the LORD. Indeed, the LORD is my portion, I shall not want!

When we observe all the chaos happening in the marketplace; when we look at families breaking up; when we see our friends getting seriously sick; when we quarrel with our spouse and face the pressure of raising children, we sometimes wonder how we can get through the week. GOD never created man to be independent. GOD used to walk with Adam in the cool of the day. Adam consulted GOD on everything. Enoch walk with GOD. So did Noah and Abraham. All through the ages, the men who walked with GOD were commended not because they were brilliant but because they walked in faith with GOD.

The only way you’re going to walk like your FATHER is if you walk with the FATHER!

October 3, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 18

October 3, 2008

“You rescue those who are humble,

But You humiliate the proud.

LORD, You have brought light to my life;

My GOD, You light up my darkness.”

- Psalm 18:27, 28

When you realize your helplessness and surrender to the will of the LORD, He will rescue you. The enemy attacks us when we are at our most vulnerable, so be on your guard. The LORD’s presence is your shield!

Even the spiritually mature may find himself deceived especially when he lets down his guard. His “light” may actually be darkness. The only sure cure for spiritual blindness is the light of GOD’s word. To those who humble themselves and ask for spiritual discernment, the SPIRIT readily reveals the nuggets of wisdom in Scriptures. There is no substitute for GOD’s presence!

October 4, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 19

October 4, 2008

“The heavens declare the glory of GOD;

the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

The Law of the LORD is perfect,

reviving the soul.

The commandments of the LORD are clear,

giving insight to life.

They are a warning to those who hear them;

there is great reward for those who obey them.”

- Psalm 19:1, 7, 8b, 11

All galaxies, the known universe and all created things are witnesses of GOD’s glory and the existence of His immutable laws. The Law of the LORD is perfect and all created things are subject to His Law – the law of gravity, thermodynamics, time and space, etc. Without exception, all operate under GOD’s Law. They are a warning to those who hear and a reward to those who obey them. GOD is pure and systematic and orderly. His Kingdom is filled with pure pleasure and benefits to those who surrender to His rule.

Our GOD is an awesome GOD!

O LORD! I am so insignificant but You reached down and condescended in Your mercy so I may enjoy fellowship with You. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer!

October 5, 2008 Meditation on Philippians 4:12

October 5, 2008

“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” - St. Paul, Phils 4:12, 13

These were the words of St. Paul while imprisoned in Rome for the sake of the Gospel. These days, many are preoccupied with so many toys to play around with. Many think that these “toys” are necessary in life. The more “toys” you have, the richer and happier you’re supposed to be. On the contrary, many who have acquired a lot of toys have realized the elusiveness of the state of contentment. In fact, the more toys you acquire, the more discontented you become. People are simply gripped with the desire for more toys!

St. Paul said, “I have learned the secret of living in every situation…” How could a man whose freedom has been taken away from him and who is fed sparingly with prison food say, he has learned to live with plenty or little. At the time he wrote the letter he was running on empty! His next confession clarifies everything – “I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” Paul’s secret is in his relationship with his Master, JESUS. His contentment does not come from self-sufficiency but rather from a total dependence on his LORD. JESUS said, “My grace is sufficient for you for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

October 6, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 20

October 6, 2008

“Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed.

He will answer him from His holy heaven

and rescue him by his great power.

Some nations boast of their armies and weapons,

but we boast in the LORD our GOD.

Those nations will fall down and collapse,

but we will rise up and stand firm.”

- Psalm 20:6-8

In the midst of a constantly changing world, it is a great comfort to know that our GOD never changes. Today, the world has become a global village and any turmoil whether political or economic affects many nations. Cyberspace has made the world small. There is a deluge of information that is unprecedented since the beginning of time.

The still on-going economic turbulence being experienced in the United States is causing uncertainty in the economies of all nations big or small. Our currencies are pegged to the US dollar and our biggest single market is the United States. If Americans don’t buy, we all suffer. If the Americans overspend, we all suffer! Many watch US TV programs and movies and hence, are either negatively or positively influenced. All of us look up to the US for stable leadership. But what happens when the very nation we look up to is being shaken to its roots? What happens when the traditional business models are challenged and the true and tried solutions don’t work?

When Pharaoh didn’t know what to do with an impending famine, GOD provided a Joseph. When Nebuchadnezzar was shaken by a horrible dream, GOD provided a Daniel. These are men of integrity who were completely sold out to GOD and whose word is their bond; men who cannot be bought and who were not afraid to go against the norm of a politically correct society. How we wish we have this kind of men today!

Joseph and Daniel were ordinary men. They were different because they were of GOD’s kind. If you are, then you can be a Joseph or a Daniel for you have the mind of Christ. GOD can use you to make a difference wherever you are.

David was a man after GOD’s own heart and to him, only GOD delivers from death. King Saul attempted to kill him backed up by a huge army while David hid in caves. David became king while Saul eventually killed himself. GOD gave David countless victories against his enemies. GOD was his Rock and only Redeemer!

Through all ages, GOD has always been and always will be our only Savior. It does not matter whether our enemies are in the thousands. History has already been concluded in eternity and GOD already won!

October 7, 2008 Meditation on Matt. 20:26

October 7, 2008

JESUS said, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.”

- Matthew 20:26

The hottest topic today even in churches is leadership. Everyone wants to hear and read about leadership, but the LORD JESUS taught and modeled SERVANTHOOD. It is not popular because it means laboring in the heat of the day and many times, even at night among ordinary people. You do not get famous serving the downtrodden and oppressed of society. The people you serve are usually rebellious, complaining, ingrates and many of them smell terrible. It is not the way up (at least in the eyes of the world) and you do not get to mix with the rich and famous. How terrible!

Servanthood is primarily investing in the lives of all sorts of people in every strata of life under GOD’s toughest discipline.

SERVE TO LEAD!

October 8, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 11:3,4,7

October 8, 2008

“The foundation of law and order have collapsed,

What can the righteous do?

But the LORD is in His holy Temple,

The LORD still rules from heaven.

For the LORD is righteous and He loves justice.

Those who do what is right will see His face.”

- Psalm 11:3, 4, 7

When the rich and powerful rule business with greed unabated; when leaders think of self first and never mind all others and sell the interest of the people to the highest bidder; when people raise their fist and demand even what do not belong to them; when citizens smirk and wink at each other and disregard the law for flimsy excuses; anarchy and helplessness prevails in the hearts of the people. What can the righteous do?

GOD cannot be mocked. The LORD examines the hearts of men and judges them according to their deeds. The LORD is patient and is longsuffering but the cup of His wrath does get full. But blessed is he who dwells under the shadow of the Almighty for the LORD is his fortress. The LORD said, “Call to me on the day of trouble and I will rescue you and you will honor Me.”

Whoever calls on the Name of the LORD will never be disappointed!

Meditation on 1 Peter 1:23-25

“For you have been born again. Your new life did not come from your earthly parents because the life they gave you will end in death. But this new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of GOD.”

- 1 Peter 1:23

You and I exist because of the word spoken by GOD and we become alive in the spirit by the living word. GOD spoke out His will and all things visible were created out of nothing. The word is our life! Every word that proceeds from the mouth of YHWH is eternal and even if only one is nullified by YHWH something would cease to exist in our universe, even us. All created things hang in a balance but the LORD JESUS holds all things by the word of His power.

Meditation on Psalm 25:14

“Friendship with the LORD is reserved for those who fear Him.

With them He shares the secrets of His covenant.”

- Psalm 25:14

As we obey GOD, He brings light to our path and gives us wisdom, pointing out the right road for us to follow. His truth sets us free to do what is right. As we trust in Him, His energy flows in us to strengthen us and ensure that we are enabled to accomplish His purpose. No one who trusts in Him will ever be disgraced!

The secrets of the Kingdom are hidden from those who have rejected the LORD’s will for their lives but are available to those who have surrendered their will to Him. The Original Designer only reveals the intimate details of His will and purpose to those who take the time to walk with Him and commune with Him in every area of their lives. GOD created time for man so that he may learn to number his days according to GOD’s ways and works. Time spent with the LORD is always well spent!

October 14, 2008 Mediation on Psalm 27:1

October 14, 2008

“The LORD is my light and my salvation.

Whom shall I fear?”

- Psalm 27:1

Open our eyes, O LORD, that we may see the host of armies of angels of our LORD Sabbaoth. Strengthen our arms for battle. Stir up our faint hearts and bring the light of wisdom into our minds and deliver us, O LORD! We trust in you alone.

When we feel helpless against all that is happening around us, we turn to the LORD. When we toss in our beds and sleep evades us, we turn to the LORD. When we are oppressed by the people around us and when the pressure of finding a decent living mounts higher and higher, we turn to the LORD. When our body is sick and we see no relief from the pain and no cure in sight, we turn to the LORD. When our own family rejects us and we feel so alone, we turn to the LORD. We turn to our heavenly FATHER who promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Yes, there is no other redeemer and no other GOD but our LORD!

October 15, 2008 Meditation on Ephesians 5:1, 2

October 15, 2008

“Follow GOD’s example in everything you do,

because you are His dear children.

Live a life filled with love for others, following the

the example of CHRIST, who loved you and

gave Himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins…”

- Ephesians 5:1, 2

Today, I am reminded of that Pastor Kevin Conner said, “The Christian life is the life JESUS lived on earth, now living in you.” Truly, as we simplify our complicated lives according to the model of our LORD JESUS, we find liberty to do what is right and purposeful. We will shed off all the extra baggage that often hinders us. The world is calling us all out, “We play the flute, why don’t you dance?” Every advertisement we see tells us how to be acceptable by their standards. It beguiles us to a life of continues wants that is never satisfied. But really, there is only one thing that is needful – the presence of GOD in our lives, moment by moment. JESUS said, “Whoever is thirsty, come to Me!”

October 16, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 30:4,5

October 16, 2008

“Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones!

Praise His holy Name.

His anger lasts for a moment,

but His favor lasts a lifetime!

Weeping may go on all night,

but joy comes with the morning.”

- Psalm 30:4, 5

Trials come to all of us but GOD is faithful and He gives us the grace to overcome it and His joy for strength and courage to conquer the enemy. Many times we think that because we have undergone a similar trial before, we shall triumph again but such self-confidence and independence is misplaced. Pride is exactly the response that the enemy is looking for. King David knew that every time he forgets to trust in the LORD, he stumbles and if not for the LORD, he would have fallen to the dust. There is no other Savior but the LORD and there is no other god besides the LORD! JESUS is our stability for all time and He is the immovable ROCK!

When we lose sight of you, O LORD, we lose sight of who we truly are, for we are called by your NAME, O LORD GOD Almighty!

October 17, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 31:3-5

October 17, 2008

“You are my Rock and my Fortress.

For the honor of your Name,

Lead me out of this peril.

Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,

for I find protection in You alone.

I entrust my spirit into your hand.

Rescue me, O LORD, for you are a faithful GOD.”

- Psalm 31:3-5

King David’s extreme experience of being hunted down like a dog, has taught him utter surrender to the LORD. The LORD became his shelter and mighty fortress especially when his enemies were all around him. There was a time when the entire Israeli army fled before the Philistine army and only David and Eleazar (one of the mighty men) son of Dodai stood their ground. Two against an army! But they had an ace – YHWH. Nobody can withstand the LORD ALMIGHTY! That day, they fought till their hands were too tired to lift a sword and the LORD gave them a great victory. The Israeli army only returned to collect the plunder! (2 Sam 23:9-10)

Do you feel surrounded by the enemy? Are you tired of fighting for what is right and good? Do you hear the beat of the drum? Can you hear the trumpet of deliverance? Yes, it is the LORD of GLORY! He is ready to save! He said, “Call to Me on the day of trouble and I will rescue you and you will honor Me!”

October 18, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 32:8, 9

October 18, 2008

“The LORD says, “I will guide you along

the best pathway for your life.

I will advice you and watch over you.

Do not be like a senseless horse or mule

that needs a bit and bridle to keep

it under control.”

- Psalm 32:8, 9

Everything in this world breaks down to decay. Sin is rottenness deep inside that starts to spread like cancer to every cell of your soul. David said that it sapped his strength as water evaporates in summer heat. Sin works especially at night and fills your heart with guilt so much that sleep flees from you. Sin consumes your soul that you actually get sick thinking about it and it affects your whole system spiritually and physically. But when you confess your sin and stop trying to hide it, GOD will forgive you and suddenly your guilt is gone!

It is said that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. GOD promises to guide us along the best pathway for our lives. His SPIRIT will whisper wisdom to our spirits as He watches over us moment by moment. Let us not dig in our heels when we sense His gentle prodding. When we are familiar with the word, we know what the SPIRIT is telling us. Today, when you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts!

October 19, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 33:4,6

October 19, 2008

“For the word of the LORD holds true

Everything He does is worthy of our trust.

The LORD merely spoke and the heavens were created.

He breathe the word and all the stars were born…”

- Psalm 33:4, 6

Rejoice for the LORD rules and He is just and upright and faithful forevermore! He looks down from heaven observing all men and He understands their hearts. Though the LORD is great and awesome, He condescends and desires to commune with the lowly and contrite of heart.

For all ages, the LORD has proven that His word is true and what He said comes to pass. What other GOD has ever made Himself known to man and reveals His counsel? The SPIRIT has gathered GOD’s wisdom in a book and everything in it is for the benefit of all those who earnestly seek Him. Today, the SPIRIT is saying, “Come away with Me and learn wisdom! Leave all the cares of the world and be single-minded. Let Me take you exploring the recesses of My heart. For those seek me with all their heart will find Me and know that I love them deeply.”

October 20, 2008 Thoughts on Eph 2:2, 2Cor 4:4

October 20, 2008

“…you formerly lived according to this world’s present path, according

To the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the ruler of the spirit that is

now energizing the sons of disobedience… (Eph 2:2)…

the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe

so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of CHRIST, who

is the image of GOD (2Cor 4:4).”

Have you ever wondered why Satan is called the prince of the power of the air? Look at how he and his minions manipulate the media to blind the mind of unbelievers and to influence the heart of believers. The enemy orchestrates the affairs of this world through counterfeit kingdom ideals like liberal theology, evolution, green initiatives, new age music, fashion trends, TV programs, sophisticated paper investment securities, etc. He primarily uses the media to advance his false ideals. These ideals are not entirely evil but are mixed with truth in order to give it credibility. However, the main motivation is greed, look good, feel good. The movie, Wall Street, typically twisted biblical truth and proclaimed that “GREED IS GOOD!” Today, the financial meltdown is a direct result of greed, both in the private business sector and public sector. Everybody wants to blame everyone else. Nobody wants to be held accountable. But the truth is, it is the biggest scam that has ever been perpetrated on planet earth!

The Scriptures declare “…in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, without self-control, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving GOD. They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power.” (2 Tim 3:1-5a)

I echo St Paul’s instruction, “Avoid people like these.” (2 Tim 3:5b) Immerse yourselves in Scriptures so that you will not be deceived. We are not ignorant of Satan’s evil schemes.

October 21, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 34:17-18

October 21, 2008

“The LORD hears His people when they call to Him for help.

He rescues them from all their troubles.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;

He rescues those who are crushed in spirit.”

- Psalm 34:17-18

In times of desperation, you may feel forgotten by GOD, but know that all trials are temporary and your endurance will produce a Christ-like character. You are the apple of GOD’s eye and He will give you the grace and energy to overcome the test. GOD’s discipline is always good although you may not see it now.

I have found that when I focus my eyes on the goal and destiny that the LORD has for me, every trial becomes a stepping stone to reach it. Instead of complaining, I become inspired and energized to pray and depend on the LORD who rescues me. When you know who you are and where you’re going, you don’t stop but keep on keeping on till you reach your goal.

October 23, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 36:9

October 23, 2008

“For You are the fountain of life,

the light by which we see.”

- Psalm 36:9

The LORD is righteous in all that He does. He pours out rain on both the righteous and evil. He is patient and desires all men to come to repentance. He has caused the Gospel to be proclaimed throughout the whole world through all kinds of means such as media (radio, TV, cable), but primarily through His own children by word of mouth. The Bible has been translated into most major languages and even in many dialects. GOD’s free offer of salvation is available to all men. JESUS said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me!”

But the world system has systematically clouded the mind of all men. Although the wicked have no fear of GOD, He gives them time to realize the crookedness of their ways. Otherwise they will be thrown down, never to rise again.

October 24, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 37:3-7

October 24, 2008

“Trust in the LORD and do good.

Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD,

and He will give you your heart’s desire.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust Him, and He will help you.

He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn,

and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the LORD,

and wait patiently for Him to act.

Don’t worry about evil people who prosper

or fret about their wicked schemes.”

- Psalm 37:3-7

The carnal man trusts and delights in himself. It is all about I, me, mine, myself. He has no peace unless he is able to watch and control his environment with his five senses. This kind of pursuit is full of vanity and will result in futility because man has his limits.

The godly breathes and walks in faith and he knows nothing else because if he acts otherwise, he will be a fish out of water. The godly finds joy simply in the continuous presence of the LORD in his life. He sees all things in the light of how GOD has revealed them through His word. The godly believes even when the sun does not shine. He believes even when he cannot feel love around him. To him, JESUS is his beginning and end. There is no other option. GOD is his portion.

October 25, 2008 Parable of the Son of Ham

Have you ever seen a people so eager to do evil?

For they run after every wicked scheme

As if it was the right thing to do.

They have become so skillful in hiding their evil motives

with smooth words and their evil acts with philanthropy.

They say in their hearts, “There is no God!

We will do as we please.”

They profess wisdom but find no comfort in their decisions.

They argue among themselves applying salve to cancerous wounds.

They profess a religion that proclaims salvation from men.

They have forgotten their God and abandoned their salvation.

Who is the son of Ham?

The people look to him for deliverance.

He speaks glibly with smooth words and

persuade the people with a forked tongue.

He promises real change; a life of prosperity,

a path that will make the nation great again.

The son of Ham is consumed with an ideal

- one nation under one ruler to lead all other nations.

“Let us make a name for ourselves. We can do it!” he says in his heart.

He offers a solution to a world in crisis – a crisis of greed.

Can a nation become truly great without the great and awesome GOD?

Have they forgotten that it was I who created everything?

It is I who establishes nations and it is I who creates light and darkness.

Woe to the people who follows after their own lusts and

justify their wickedness with false peity.

There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end leads to death!

Let the wicked continue in their wickedness.

The son of Ham offers a path filled with abundance and pleasure

- a world of renown.

He takes an oath of allegiance to rule under God

with a divided heart.

Should a leader take his oath lightly?

In his heart he despises God.

When the people look to man for a solution,

They are doomed!

There is no deliverer but GOD! There is no other

Eternal Rock but JESUS!

“Return to Me, says the LORD, and I will return to you!”

ἄγγελος

October 26, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 39:1-3

October 26, 2008

I decided,² “I will watch what I say

and make sure I do not sin with my tongue.³

I will put a muzzle over my mouth

while in the presence of an evil man.”⁴

I was stone silent;⁵

I held back the urge to speak.⁶

My frustration grew;⁷

my anxiety intensified.⁸

-Psalm 39:1-3

Everyday we are confronted with the unsaved world around us. To keep silent about the

LORD JESUS runs counter to everything we believe in, who we are and the destiny GOD

gave us.

Like David, when I kept silent, my heart burned within me and it was like a fire in my

bones. I could not keep it in. I must not withhold it for to withhold it is to withhold life.

Most men would cringe at the thought of snuffing out the life of another human but many will not have second thoughts in just keeping mum about the Gospel. Maybe, they don’t realize that they are withholding eternal life from another human whose soul is precious to GOD. But that’s exactly what Christians do when they disobey the prodding of the Holy Spirit to give testimony about JESUS.

Some Christians do witness a lot but do not follow up these same people. When a person is born again as a new babe in Christ, he/she needs to be nurtured just like a newborn baby who needs spiritual milk. To neglect this duty is to commit spiritual abortion.

GOD help us from our complacency!

October 27, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 37:18-19

October 27, 2008

“Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent

and they will receive a reward that lasts forever.

They will survive through hard times;

Even in famine they will have more than enough.”

- Psalm 37:18-19

We listen to the radio and TV and most of the time we hear bad news about the economy, corruption, robberies, killings and many more incidences that keep our nerves heightened in stress. These are all information that affect us one way or another. The sons of this world will rant and worry during these times of global crisis but those who trust in the LORD will have more opportunities to do good and prosper.

I do not mean to belittle the problems that confront everyone. I just want to point out that nobody has yet offered a really comprehensive course of action to effectively solve the problems, especially the economic meltdown bearing on all nations. We do get a lot of rhetoric from politicians and a lot of blaming from different sectors but nobody has yet seen light at the end of the tunnel.

If you turn to our present leaders for a solution, you are very optimistic when you consider their track record. Besides, to expect a politician to provide an economic solution is like expecting a plumber to fix your TV. But world leaders are gearing towards a global approach to solving the present crisis. They are looking at creating a central bank to govern all other banks on the planet to prevent financial upheavals worldwide and achieve better control. Do you realize what this is leading up to? One centralized governing body to manage all financial institutions = one currency, leading towards one world government. Technology has made this possible.

But should Christians be troubled? I say, nope! It has been prophesied in Revelation and we welcome it because it means that our LORD is coming soon! The LORD promised to keep us in times of turmoil and that’s exactly what will happen because His word says so. The LORD knows those who are His!

ἄγγελος

October 28, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 42:1,2

October 28, 2008

“As the deep pants for streams of water,

So I long for you, O GOD.

I thirst for GOD, the living GOD…”

- Psalm 42:1-2

The Psalmist is expressing his deep longing for the presence of GOD. When we always seek GOD in worship, He transforms our desires and imbeds a beautiful habit deep within our being. Our thought patterns and speech patterns begin to change and pretty soon, our deeds reflect JESUS in us. Exposure to the light and holiness of GOD created a remarkable effect on the face of Moses every time he communed with GOD. His face shone with such brightness that the people were afraid to look at him. He had to cover his face with a veil so people will not react in fear. In a similar way, a godly person who spends time daily with GOD will take on the personality of GOD and his spirit is transformed (2 Cor. 3:18) to a greater degree each time. People around him will begin to notice the difference because he lives and breathes GOD.

How about you? Do people notice a difference in you?

October 29, 2008 – A Man’s Horizon

October 29, 2008

One evening, there was a man, who was kneeling bent down in prayer in the solitude of his bedroom. His spirit was crying out to the LORD. While deep in prayer, he saw a vision. He climbed a mountain with the LORD JESUS until they reached the peak. While he was admiring the surrounding beauty, the LORD asked him, “What do you see?” He replied, “LORD, I see the beautiful green forest around us, and I see the unending mountain ranges and valleys curving around them.” “You shall go through the forest, climb these mountains and traverse the valleys. Do you see the horizon?” Yes, LORD, the man replied. “The horizon is a picture of My eternal love for you. Wherever you go, I shall be there. In every moment, every heartbeat, I AM there. You shall know, how it is to be my son and you shall speak every word that I will give to you. Have no fear of what people may say or what they may think. You shall speak what I speak,” said the LORD. The man said, “As long as You are with me, LORD, that’s alright.”

Life is not all about you and I. It is all about GOD and learning to be like Him. This is what Enoch sought and learned and GOD took him home.

October 30, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 44:1-3

October 30, 2008

“O GOD, we have clearly heard;

our ancestors have told us

what you did in their days,

in ancient times.

You, by Your power, defeated nations

and settled our fathers on their land;

You crushed the people living there

and enabled our ancestors to occupy it.

For they did not conquer the land by their swords,

and they did not prevail by their strength,

but rather by Your power, strength and good favor…”

- Psalm 44:1-3

GOD’s deliverance of His people in Scripture is recorded for our instruction. However, GOD’s deliverance takes many forms and it may not be pleasant at that time. It requires a faith that perseveres through various oppositions. We love to remember the good times but GOD transforms us through various trials.

Many do not like the word discipline. In fact, some avoid it like the plague. Discipline requires us to face our fears and biases. Discipline is almost always bad timing for us but the fullness of time for GOD. Nevertheless, discipline is the best antidote for foolishness. Proverbs tells us that foolishness is bound in the heart of a child and if not corrected will blossom to full rebellion. Scripture tells us that man is conceived in sin and if left by himself, his thoughts and habits will continually develop towards evil.

If we are honest to ourselves, we know we need a lot of transforming and the only way to do it is the JESUS way. A life without trials is no life at all!

October 31, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 45:6-7

October 31, 2008

“Your throne O GOD, endures forever and ever.

Your royal power is expressed in justice.

You love what is right and hate what is wrong.”

- Psalm 45:6-7

The Scriptures declare that the very foundation of GOD’s rule is justice and peace. The chief character of GOD is holiness and its fruit is justice, peace, love and mercy. GOD’s expression of power can be observed in His beautiful creation. There is order and balance in everything. The sun bursts out a constant amount of heat to illuminate and benefit the earth without scorching the life out of it and its distance is maintained. GOD hanged all the heavenly bodies on nothing and kept it in perfect order. And the purpose to all these is to maintain a habitation for the man He loves, whom He created in His image for His glory.

To govern without justice is to court anarchy and disorder. To govern without righteousness is to bring darkness and chaos into every sector of society. Leaders have plenty of excuses not to do what is right. They are full of empty rhetoric but wanting in true measurable performance. There is no sense of accountability. They rule as despots not caring who they may step on or kill. Many are not really leaders but gangsters. With all these characters, who needs the devil?

But as citizens of heaven, what are we doing? Do we pray for our leaders? It is not about them. It is all about GOD! If we pray righteously, GOD will hear us for the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. As citizens, are we dispensing justice? Do we pay the right tax? Do we pay the right salaries to our employees? Do we consider them as family? In our own little corner of the world, do we shed the light of GOD?

When we stand before GOD, does He recognize us as His children?

November 1, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 46:1-3

November 1, 2008

“GOD is our refuge and strength,

always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear even if earthquakes come

and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!”

- Psalm 46:1-3

A Christian stands by who GOD is and what He has done. We love GOD because of who He is. Faith sees the power and how it is applied in justice and trusts because GOD never changes! I know I will always see the goodness of GOD in the land of the living.

I love to pray because when I pray, I enter eternity with GOD. I begin to see as He sees and feel as He feels. I enter a dimension without time and space; no worries and no impossibilities. In prayer, nothing else matters but GOD. Everything is determined by Him and nothing can happen without Him allowing it; and if He allows it, it only means He has given us the grace to overcome the trial. Prayer is where I am with GOD without shame, without fear and in complete surrender. In the presence of GOD, I realize that everything hangs on the balance of faith as He enables me to speak words that become reality. It is where I realize it is nothing about my needs but GOD’s purpose and will in my life and the lives of those around me. In the presence of GOD, I can hear my own heartbeat and the heartbeat of those GOD brings to my attention. I become conscious of the things that are and how it should be. It is where I learned to reject everything that defiles my spirit and embrace GOD’s holiness through the LORD JESUS. In the presence of GOD, I learned to worship unabashedly without borders.

Each day, the SPIRIT summons me, “Come away with Me. Delight with Me!” Don’t you hear the beat of the drum? Its time to play!

November 2, 2008 Meditation on 1 Cor 15:44b-45

November 2, 2008

“For just as there are natural bodies, so also there are spiritual

bodies. The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became

a living person.” But the last Adam – that is, CHRIST – is a life-

giving spirit.”

- 1 Cor. 15:44b-45

Flesh gives birth to the flesh but the SPIRIT gives birth to the spirit. The carnal person will always be worldly but the spiritual person grows into the image of the second Adam – JESUS, who is the model of all that GOD is in the flesh.

The word of the promise to Abraham became reality in JESUS – the seed of Abraham. JESUS himself said to the Jews, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day and he saw it and was glad!” (John 8:56) JESUS was the firstfruit who rose from the dead so that all those who believed in Him will become GOD’s children. Therefore, all those who have the same faith as Abraham also receive the same blessing to become heirs of the Kingdom.

GOD said, “I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new obedient heart. And I will put my SPIRT in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command.” (Ezekiel 36:26, 27) This new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal living word of GOD (1 Peter 1:23b) and the word of GOD stands forever!

Of all people, only Christians have a hope.

FATHER, thank you for imbedding your DNA in us through the LORD JESUS!

November 3, 2008 Meditation on Leviticus 5:1

November 3, 2008

“If any of the people are called to testify about something

they have witnessed, but they refuse to testify, they will be

held responsible and be subject to punishment.”
- Leviticus 5:1

We have often heard the excuse, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” People have become desensitized on the immoral and even vicious crimes around them. They just don’t want to get involved for fear of reprisal. Criminals are now shrewder and they have brilliant lawyers using the law itself to escape its clutches. White collar criminals dance around the law and commit heinous crimes against unsuspecting investors even affecting the economies of nations globally. The Scriptures predicted that these criminals have no shame and have lost the ability to blush. They are supported up by corrupt politicians who cheer their evil antics.

The Scriptures declare that when the wicked rule, the people hide in fear! These criminals have no fear of GOD. If we look at history, no civilization ever lasted long when rampant immorality and crime reigns. But most people are short-sighted, even the innocent. But is there really such a person who can claim innocence?

Many times, we bring the very disaster we fear because of our complacency. When we play blind and dumb over the evil that happens around us, we ultimately pay for it. GOD is just and He cannot be mocked. One thing is certain. Each person will stand before GOD and be judged.

As a Christian, am I politically correct? Am I too conscious of what people think? Have I become callous and even use the excuse, “GOD will take care of it!” I am GOD’s representative in my own corner of the world. My hands are His hands. My mouth is His mouth. My heart is filled with His SPIRIT to express His love. Do I have an excuse? Nope! But many times, I do have excuses. Help me, LORD!

November 4, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 48:8

November 4, 2008

“We had heard of the city’s glory,

but now we have seen it ourselves –

the city of the LORD Almighty.

It is the city of our GOD;

He will make it safe forever.”

- Psalm 48:8

The city of our great GOD is Zion. But where is it? The patriarchs traveled far and wide to look for it but were never satisfied with the fortified cities of the East. Abraham was looking for a city whose architect and builder is GOD.

JESUS said, “I am going away to prepare a place for you…” Like the psalmist, we could never be satisfied unless we dwell in the presence of GOD. Since the beginning, YHWH desired to dwell with men but until the last Adam, it remained a dream. JESUS made the mystery hidden for ages known to man when He said, “All those who love Me will do what I say. My FATHER will love them, and We will come to them and live with them” (John 14:23). The great mystery is JESUS in us, the hope of glory! (Col 1:27)

So where is Zion? Zion is in my heart where JESUS dwells. GOD has fortified it with His word. Everyday, he chisels my heart by His SPIRIT to sculpt it according to the image of His beloved SON. He makes Himself known to me daily so I may imitate Him. My heart is sealed by the SPIRIT, giving me the assurance that everything has been overcome by my LORD and I only need to follow His lead. He has blessed me with the joy of His presence. He is my portion and I am His possession.

November 5, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 49:6-7

November 5, 2008

“They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches.

Yet they cannot redeem themselves

nor redeem the life of another from death

by paying a ransom to GOD.”

- Psalm 49:6-7

Man occupies his life with so many pursuits but really, only one thing is totally necessary – worship of the one true GOD. Otherwise, man shall die like an animal.

So far the mortality rate, even at the most medically advanced nations, is still 100 percent. Nobody has yet found the fountain of youth. Medical science majors on research to prolong life and even courts the frontier of cloning and stem cell research in the hope of perhaps bringing a breakthrough in perpetuating life.

The Scriptures declare that GOD has placed eternity in the heart of man. But man is looking for immortality in the wrong direction. Whereas man longs to discover immortality, he wants to find it on his own terms. Sadly, this pursuit will always end in vain because immortality and eternity can only be found in its Author. The Alpha and the Omega is the only One who gives life.

JESUS said, “Anyone who saves his own life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for My sake, will find it.” Scientists know that every man has a common composition – dust. It was YHWH who breathe life into the nostrils of the first man, Adam, and he became a living being. Do you want to have life? Seek the LORD while He may be found!

November 6, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 50:13-15

November 6, 2008

“I don’t need the bulls you sacrifice;

I don’t need the blood of goats.

What I want instead is your true thanks to GOD;

I want you to fulfill your vows to the Most High.

Trust Me in your times of trouble,

and I will rescue you,

and you will give Me glory.”

- Psalm 50:13-15

The days of offering sacrifices in the Old Covenant was totally abolished by the LORD JESUS when He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice and shed His own blood for the salvation of man (Heb 9:11-12). That is why CHRIST, when He came into the world, said, “You did not want animal sacrifices and grain offerings. But You have given Me a body so that I may obey You.” Then I said, “Look, I have come to do Your will, O GOD-just as it is written about Me in the Scriptures” (Heb 10:5, 7; Ps 40:6, 7).

GOD desires a thankful heart, a humble and contrite heart; a heart surrendered to His will. The blessings of GOD only flow through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Everyone has to pass through the cross. It is the crossroad that you and I must choose. And if you choose JESUS, then GOD expects you to fulfill your vow.

The Scriptures declare, “Submit to GOD’s royal SON! (Ps 2:12a)

November 7, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 51:6

November 7, 2008

“You desire honesty from the heart so You can teach

me to be wise in my inmost being.”

- Psalm 51:6

Without the right perspective of ourselves and integrity in the inner man, no transformation is possible. We cannot live a fulfilled life if we deceive ourselves and live in a make-believe world. There will always be a time of reckoning and everything will be revealed. That is why people who insist on living a lie are so defensive and they end up covering up their lies with bigger lies. It really does not matter how big the lie is. It will soon find you out. It is like looking at our image in the mirror and pretending how good we look even when we see all the ugliness, fooling ourselves. It is like the woman looking at the mirror, asking “Who’s the fairest lady of them all?”, but are so afraid of the answer!

The LORD loves the person who is humble and contrite of heart. The one who confesses his sin receives forgiveness and prospers but the one who hides it will live a miserable life, always needing approval but never getting it and will die like an animal.

The LORD teaches the humble true wisdom that blesses his life with honor. The meek shall inherit the earth!

November 8 2008 Meditation on Joshua 1:8

November 8, 2008

“Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.” - Joshua 1:8

The Book is a compilation of GOD’s wisdom and truth, past, present and future. As I read the word of GOD, the SPIRIT convicts my heart and gently teaches me the way that can only be known if I act it out in my life. The more I think about it, the more I find myself agreeing with the LORD. “What you’re saying, O LORD, is right and just and good.” Thinking about it makes me “see” new horizons of logic that does not seem logical to the natural mind. One thing is evident, when I confront myself with the word of GOD, I realize how puny I am and how great GOD is! The LORD said, “Ask of Me, and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3).

I find that as I obey His word, the LORD confirms the effect of it in my life with circumstances that molds me into the man He wants me to be. It is as if the LORD is guiding me down a river. He manages the current, the banks of the river, the sudden appearance of threatening rocks, the wind that makes the waves foam, surge and roar. All that time, He is there and I experience the joy and thrill but also the fear and sudden threat of a fall. But I know deep in my heart that He will never let me fall into the whirlpool of death. I am comforted with the knowledge that He is my FATHER and I am safe with Him.

“Your words are what sustain me. They bring me great joy and are my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD GOD Almighty!” - Jeremiah 15:16

November 9, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 1:3, 8, 9

November 9, 2008

“What do people get for all their hard work? Generations come and go but nothing really changes. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are never content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.” – Ecclesiastes 1:3, 8, 9

Scientists think they discover something new but it has always been there waiting for us to explore. GOD created all of it and each has a role in the order of creation. Everything has order and balance but nothing is new. Scientists just discover the system and order of things and its application to our life but GOD has provided for everything so that man may live in perfect harmony with each other and with his environment. All the revealed things are for man to explore but the secret things belong to GOD.

We think that we have advanced much in terms of science. The whole library is contained in one CD and almost all information is available on the internet. We pride ourselves with our advances in communication. Snail mail is passé and the world wide web makes everything available at our fingertips. Nevertheless, man’s brain – the most sophisticated computer on earth – still processes information slowly lest it burns itself out. Even if you have the latest quad-core CPU, our capabilities still move at the normal human pace. Speed is not always efficient and power is not always useful especially in view of human frailty.

Indeed, we have seen much and heard much, but our senses are never satisfied, always seeking new thrills like an addict. Man never seems to learn. He commits the same error again and again and history repeats itself. In all of man’s wandering and unfulfilled dreams, we can conclude that the answer cannot be found in man alone or in his environment. Man’s grasp is limited by his reach and his dreams, bounded by his five senses.

Man can only find rest in GOD alone. When he beholds the face of his Creator and Savior, then and only then, will he truly rest from his labour.

November 10, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 1:8

November 10, 2008

“The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.” (Ecclesiastes 1:8)

To whom much is given, much is required. The more wisdom, the greater the weight of responsibility and accountability. More information is not equal to more wisdom but it is equal to more stress. Speed through cyberspace causes more stress at work than anything because people tend to be more impatient in demanding availability and quick responses. Yet to make wise decisions one needs time to gather data for thorough evaluation. Haste clearly exposes us to more errors. We are occupied with so much text messaging and calls so that there is no rest even at night!

GOD created us with a body clock so we know when to work, when to play and when to rest. To ignore it is to expose ourselves to ill health, bad decisions, financial woes and spiritual peril. Clearly, GOD desires us to live an abundant life so we need to focus on the right things at the right time. This is GOD’s wisdom!

November 11, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 2:3

November 11, 2008

“While still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness.” (Ecclesiastes 2:3)

Does this sound right to you? You may be surprised. Though most people would not subscribe and confess outright this line of thinking, many do practice it. They want to look wise while acting foolishly. It is really nothing but making excuses. Like a doctor who knows for a fact that smoking kills, yet smokes all the same. How can this be? One might ask, “Is there wisdom in foolishness?” Can a man play with fire in his bosom and not get burned?

So, are people reasonable? My mind says, a man should be, but my heart knows otherwise as it observes how man is so prone to do evil rather than good.

November 12, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 2:1,9-11

November 12, 2008

“Come now, let’s give pleasure a try. Let’s look for the good things in life…anything I wanted, I took. I did not restrain myself from any joy. I even found great pleasure in hard work, an additional reward for all my labors…but it was like chasing the wind…” - Ecclesiastes 2:1, 9-11

You work up a lot of sweat and lose a lot of wind and a lot of sleep. For what? Man is like sheep that is so concentrated on eating the rich luscious grass before him that it does not realize the whole meadow full of delicious grass. Focus is good but too much focus will deprive you of the big picture also. There are five tones but a whole world of music is produced when these tones are combined into its various nuances. Each tone is boring to hear by itself but a continuous string of tones create a melody that can revive the spirit. Many of us have experienced eating our favorite food to our hearts delight. But when we eat too much, even the most delicious food will begin to lose its flavor. Many of us are busy with so many activities daily but are they really that important to your life?

All things will perish and rot but the spirit of man is immortal. The spirit is most precious to GOD. Perhaps we should ask ourselves. Are we so busy that we forget to develop relationships that last for eternity? Would you join GOD to save man?

November 13, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 2:12-23

November 13, 2008

“Wisdom is of more value than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. For the wise person sees while the fool is blind. Yet both of them die. I turned in despair from hard work. It was not the answer to my search for satisfaction in this life. For thought I do my work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, I must leave everything I gain to people who haven’t worked to earn it. So what do people get for all their hard work? Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night they cannot rest…”- Ecclesiastes 2:12-23

If you are looking for satisfaction in this life through the people, things or any worthy pursuits that you can do around you, then you will end up in despair. For GOD never designed man to operate independently of Him. You and I know that if you apply a refrigerator as an oven, you will end up getting a frozen chicken instead of a roasted bird. If a woman looks for her significance and security on the man of her dreams; she will end up with a nightmare! No man alive, no matter how handsome and macho, could ever fulfill a woman’s dream. She would be expecting the man to fulfill what only GOD can do. In the case of the man, no amount of work or career could ever compensate you for the life you will lose. We may work. We may marry. We may pursue pleasure, etc. But if we pursue these things out of the context of GOD’s design as prescribed in Scripture, we will never be satisfied. There is no perfection in this world. Only perfection will satisfy man. Only GOD is perfect!

Anything done under the sun that does not last for eternity is vanity. If all of life is spent on acquiring more toys that does not satisfy, then that life is lost forever.

November 14, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 2:24b-26

November 14, 2008

“Then I realized that pleasure is from the hand of GOD. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from Him? GOD gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to those who please Him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, GOD takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please Him.” Ecclesiastes 2:24b-26

Righteousness, peace and joy are gifts from GOD. Whatever joy the sinner has, is fleeting because the opposition of GOD is his lot. And the devil is a cruel taskmaster. Only the righteous have eternal joy because his pursuits are prepared beforehand by GOD. All circumstances in his life are optimized to transform him into the best person he can be in GOD’s plan. Man is mortal but the saint is forever!

November 15, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

November 15, 2008

“There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.” Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2

Everything has a schedule in life. Time is spent but can never be saved. Once it passes, it is gone forever. St. Paul said, “Make use of every opportunity.” Many things are so urgent and people demand our time. The question is, are they important? We are all so busy but do our activity impact eternity? Are we inspired by the SPIRIT in the things we do, or are we just driven? Let’s examine ourselves and do the things that last!

November 16, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 3:3-5

November 16, 2008

“As long as the earth remains, there will be seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night…(Gen 8:22) there is a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to rebuild; a time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to turn away…”(Ecclesiates 3:3-5)

All under heaven is govern by time without exception and each activity that does not stem from the inspiration of the SPIRIT will not reap optimum harvest. It is the Creator who guaranteed the order of all created things and without Him, no endeavor will bear fruit and prosper as it was designed. JESUS is the beginning and the end of everything. All started in Him and GOD calls each event back in its turn.

When man realizes that GOD caused all things by His word and nothing came into being that did not come from within Him, he can begin to cooperate with GOD and know that he has, within him, also the creative power to perpetuate what GOD has done and continue to do in creation.

Scientists think they can deviate from the order of creation at will. They have already cloned cells and they are experimenting on gene engineering and stem cell research. They think they can perpetuate life apart from the natural reproductive process. They think that GOD is irrelevant because they think they can produce life without Him. Yet, in all their rationalizations and experiments, they have miserably failed again and again to produce life uniquely and authentically new. They can only duplicate but never out of nothing! In their case, they have grown old with all their academic feats and seemingly brilliant accomplishments but have learned so little.

GOD sits on His lofty throne and observes the vanities of man. There is an appointed time for all men and each one will be judged according to what he has done under the sun. The meek shall inherit the earth!

November 17, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 3:14

November 17, 2008

“I know that whatever GOD does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. GOD’s purpose in this is that people should fear Him.” – Ecclesiastes 3:14

Outsiders to GOD’s economy have reason to fear Him knowing that they have completely missed His purpose for their lives. The Original Designer fashioned man from His thoughts expressing the idea of His own likeness. The idea became an image of a person who would have the ability to think for himself, to create concepts, to speak forth those ideas into a blueprint and manufacture things that would benefit his own kind, his environment but mostly, will give glory to his Maker. He wanted a person who would have the ability to reach out and relate to his Maker. GOD wanted someone to love and to be loved, so He created man in His own image and likeness!

What a joy it is to know that I am beloved and I can love GOD with all my being! He is not a Sovereign who watches from a distance. He is my FATHER who watches me closely and delights to speak to me openly. He loves it when I open myself up to Him honestly like a child. He gave me His own life and I cannot help but give Him mine. I am wonderfully and fearfully made. I have the mind of CHRIST.

November 18, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 3:16, 4:1,4-5

November 18, 2008

“I also noticed that throughout the world there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! Again I observed all the oppression that takes place in our world. I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors have great power, and the victims are helpless. Then I observed that most people are motivated to success by their envy of their neighbors. Foolish people refuse to work and almost starve. They feel it is better to be lazy and barely survive than to work hard…” – Ecclesiastes 3:16; 4:1, 4-5

The portrait of a world without GOD is a hopeless world where evil runs havoc. It is a society where the strong and powerful exploits the poor and keeps them poor. It is a society where the rich and powerful come together in concert to gain more advantage over others. It is a society where they use the laws they enact with allied lawmakers to manipulate the system to gain more riches. It is a society where life is cheap, sexual pleasure is readily available at a price and the marriage partner can be replaced if the price is right. It is a society that worships good food, gadgets, fashion and beauty as dictated by dysfunctional groups of homosexuals and lesbians. It is a society that smiles on relativity and the political correctness but frowns on truth. They have the form of worship but are devoid of its power. They are just playing religion.

Sounds familiar? Welcome to the world of Now! This world is what the Scriptures call meaningless! You know why? Because they have missed the boat going to Paradise and instead boarded the boat bound for Never Never Land.

JESUS came and offered men eternal salvation but they prefer their own fantasy. They want to listen to teaching that tickle their ears. But in due season, GOD will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.

The prince of the power of the air has blinded the eyes of unbelievers so their senses will become numb to the truth. He is very adept at controlling media and more so because the sons of GOD are not in media. The Church has largely abandoned this sector to the devil. The enemy gets louder everyday in attacking mainstream Christianity but the Church is mostly silent. When GOD said, “Blessed are the meek,” He didn’t mean that His sons should surrender to the devil and it didn’t mean being quiet either. JESUS said, “The SPIRIT of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me; to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”

We are to herald GOD’s salvation in every aspect of life now and into eternity. Are we ready to march with the SPIRIT?

November 19, 2008 Meditation on 1 Corinthians 2:10-12

November 19, 2008

“But we know these things because GOD has revealed them to us by his SPIRIT, and his SPIRIT searches out everything and shows us even GOD’s deep secrets. No one can know what anyone else is really thinking except that person alone, and no one can know GOD’s thoughts except GOD’s own SPIRIT. And GOD has actually given us his SPIRIT (not the world’s spirit) so we can know the wonderful things GOD has freely given us.”- 1 Corinthians 2:10-12

It always amazes me how people desire to know GOD and yet would short-change themselves by going to seminars about GOD, buying books about GOD, even enrolling in Bible School to know GOD, seek out ‘prophets’ to know GOD’s will for their lives, etc. I call this mentality a part of the mall syndrome that is pervading our generation. It is a lot easier to ask somebody else about GOD than to spend time communing with GOD.

Many Christians don’t have a right perspective about themselves in relation to our heavenly FATHER. Many would agree that they have the SPIRIT indwelling them but they are not convinced whether the SPIRIT would really talk to them. In short, many have an intellectual agreement about being Christian but have not really expressed true faith in a living GOD who would come and commune with them. To many, talking with GOD is reserved only for the religious elite!

The truth is, GOD desires to commune with all His children. There is no such thing as a child whom the FATHER would ignore. The Scriptures teach that GOD has given us his SPIRIT who will reveal to us not only the present but even the future; who would come alongside to guide and teach us so we can overcome every challenge in our lives.

The FATHER always has time for you. Do you have time for Him? Don’t seek for second hand advice. Get it directly from the FATHER who designed you wonderfully and beautifully with His own hand. Don’t be a stranger!

November 20, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 4:9,12b

November 20, 2008

“Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor… three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9,12b

There is more chance of success in any endeavor if done in concert with many partners. Even so, anything pursued without GOD becomes meaningless for a man is loyal only to himself and will eventually turn against another especially when money matters are concerned. Since each man is created unique, every relationship is subject to a lot of friction and if GOD is not the unity factor, then the natural diversity between each person might hinder growth and threaten a split.

Don’t put your hope in man. Put your hope in GOD alone. Only in Him will you find satisfaction!

November 21, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 5:7

November 21, 2008

“Dreaming all the time instead of working is foolishness. And there is ruin in a flood of empty words. Fear GOD instead.” - Ecclesiastes 5:7

Thoughts are powerful vehicles for ideas but empty imaginings lead to nowhere. Our imagination is a gift from GOD. It is that part of our soul that is so like our creative Maker. We could use our imagination to plan the details of our future with the guidance of the SPIRIT and be fruitful. GOD gifted certain men with excellent ideas that has changed the course of our history such as Thomas Edison who used his imagination to invent the light bulb and many other gadgets that has improved the life of every human even today. Would you be that kind of man? Or you can just daydream or even fantasize and use your imagination to conjure things that bring destruction instead of benefit to mankind.

Likewise, much talk without proper thought patterns and careful planning for action equals empty rhetoric. Much talk lead to plenty of errors.

GOD gave us the power to dream and imagine but to use it wantonly is sin. Life has a delicate balance and too much of anything leads to abuse. The mind is powerful in the natural but to have the mind of CHRIST is to think like GOD!

November 22, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 5:10, 19-20

November 22, 2008

“Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness! … but it is a good thing to receive wealth from GOD and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in lot in life-that is indeed a gift from GOD. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for GOD has given them reasons for joy.” – Ecclessiastes 5:10, 19-20

This is a picture of the nasty now and now even among those who claim to be Christians and love the prosperity gospel but break out in allergies of fear upon hearing of suffering. It seems that many churches unknowingly advance the principles of the counterfeit kingdom by consistently teaching blessings without purity and discipleship without cost. The advancement of GOD’s kingdom has always costs the lives of many of His children because they know that their earthly life is but a shadow and a temporary event that should be spent in destroying the works of the devil by bringing in the light of the Gospel. By giving away our all, we receive the inheritance of the Kingdom.

GOD blesses those who bless others especially the one who use their wealth to advance the Kingdom of GOD, not their personal kingdom.

Lesson: To love is to bless others; to hoard is to fear for your life!

November 23, 2008 Meditation on Psalms 119:9,11

November 23, 2008

“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying Your word and following its rules. I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” – Psalms 119:9,11

GOD’s word is like pure water that thoroughly cleanses and washes away dirt. As we meditate and agree with GOD’s commands, we begin to think, talk and walk like JESUS. It cleanses all areas of our lives so that we are enabled to live holy lives. Only the pure will see GOD and that is why we undergo cleansing today and every day. JESUS gave us inspiration when He said to his disciples, “Be perfect, as your FATHER is perfect!” We are not to be satisfied at any point in our lives in this side of our existence because our goal is perfection.

But when we look at ourselves, we know that goal is impossible. JESUS said, “with GOD, all things are possible!” When we abide with the true Vine, we partake of His divine nature and holiness and that makes it possible for us to be holy and pure before GOD.

The question is, is the word in your heart and in your mind? Do you have the spiritual discernment so you can hear GOD’s gentle voice at any moment? The capacity to discern the spiritual dimension is a gift from GOD, given to those who invest their time in communion with Him, moment by moment, daily.

November 24, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 7:12,13

November 24, 2008

“Wisdom or money can get you almost anything, but it is important to know that only wisdom can save your life. Notice the way GOD does things; then fall into line.” – Ecclesiastes 7:12,13

Wisdom comes from GOD and applies to every created thing. Money comes from man to facilitate commerce; specifically, with the goal to increase revenue and get rich!

To follow GOD is life; to follow the ways of man only ends in death. Why spend your life on that which earns you nothing? Wisdom always leads to fruitfulness while money only makes man think he is rich, i.e. a rich fool!

November 25, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 8:4-6

November 25, 2008

“The Kings command is backed up by great power. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right. Yes, there is a time and a way for everything, even as people’s troubles lie upon them.” - Ecclesiastes 8:4-6

There is a saying that timing is everything. The Scriptures teach that there is a time for every activity under the sun. A ruler always has a great advantage over any citizen and what ruler does not enrich himself at the expense of his people? But GOD hates usurpers and although He is patient, there is a limit; and when the cup is full, it is GOD who initiates the removal of kings.

In the Philippines, no leader has absolute power as he is authorized by the constitution. The executive branch is only one third of the three governing branches of government. But its powers are such that a president may be able to manipulate the other two branches through its political party winning the majority of one of the legislative houses and appointing allied judges in the judicial branch, especially the highest court of the land.

When the people do not exercise wisdom in its sole elective power, the whole nation suffers. When the people do not know the real GOD who alone gives wisdom and courage to do what is right, they are helpless and live in darkness.

The Church has been tasked to preach good news to the poor; to proclaim release to those in bondage of evil; to give sight to the blind; to set at liberty those who are oppressed and to proclaim redemption in CHRIST!

The people must resist every act that defies the laws of the land in order to rein in corruption and abuse of power. Failure to act is tantamount to abdication of our God-given right. It is our choice!

However, when is the right time to act? If we believe that GOD is our sovereign LORD, then we must ask Him. Like David, when confronted with an attacking Philistine army, he prayed and asked GOD, “Shall I go up against them? Will you give them into my hand?” (2 Sam 5:19) Like David, we must believe that GOD will reveal His will to us.

At this time, GOD’s will is for His children to proclaim the good news to unbelievers so that they may enter His Kingdom. Governments come and go but the souls of men are eternal and are very precious to the FATHER. If we know our GOD and feel His heartbeat, we know we must speak His word and influence the people around us with our lives. This is pleasing to GOD and gives glory to His Name!

November 26, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 8:11,14

November 26, 2008

“When a crime is not punished, people feel it is safe to do wrong. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked and wicked people are often treated as though they were good.” – Ecclesiastes 8:11,14

The world has never been fair to good people. When things go wrong we suffer along with the wicked. Just like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and his friends, who were exiled to Babylon along with wicked Israel. The difference is, GOD’s children experience purification during bad times and hopefully rise up to be leaders in time of crisis. The wicked, however, experience oppression and become enslaved in their situation. They become helpless and hopeless.

We always have a choice which path to take. We cannot blame anyone else for our present situation. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its way leads to death! There is only one right way – GOD’s way. The Pharisees once asked JESUS, “What work does the FATHER want us to do?” JESUS replied, “To believe in the One He has sent.”

JESUS is the only One who will bring justice, joy, peace and security to our lives. Many look to government to provide everything they need. But no government, no matter how rich, can provide what it does not have! A politician once said, “It’s the economy, stupid!” But if we expect politicians to solve our economic problems, we really have a problem!

November 27, 2008 Medtitation on Ecclesiastes 9:2b-3

November 27, 2008

“Good people receive the same treatment as sinners, and people who take oaths are treated like people who don’t. It seems so tragic that one fate comes to all. That is why people are not more careful to be good. Instead, they choose their own mad course for they have no hope. There is nothing ahead but death anyway.” – Ecclesiastes 9:2b-3

This is the carnal view of a Sadducee and a typical person of the world. It is the primary reason why many live like there is no tomorrow. Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you die! Socrates once said, “Bad men live that they may eat and drink, whereas good men eat and drink that they may live.” Perspective has a lot to do with destiny. If your goal is to study, then graduate with honors so that you can have a great job, then marry and have children, then when established, take great vacations and enjoy life, you will never have the satisfaction of getting where you want to go. There will always be more to want and enjoy. Think about it. After all you’ve done in this life, and all you’ve accomplished, all you can hope for is to leave your wealth behind with people who didn’t earn the wealth and probably won’t care to propagate it. How would you feel? Isn’t that frustrating? If all you ever want can’t be had in this life, then why work for something that does not satisfy?

If your life will just end in death and darkness, it’s a pity! But thanks be to GOD, JESUS has delivered us from a useless life and given us an abundant life that starts now and will never end!

November 28, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 10:8-9

November 28, 2008

“When you dig a well, you may fall in. When you demolish a wall, you could be bitten by a snake. When you work in a quarry, stones might fall and crush you… such are the risks of life.” - Ecclesiastes 10:8-9

We live in a fallen world and danger lurks right where we work and play, even in our very doorstep. The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy. All the enemy does is create chaos in our world especially in the lives of the children of GOD.

When a Christian is not well-grounded on the living word of GOD, he is like a wave of the sea, tossed wherever the currents of the world takes him. He thinks the crests and valleys of the waves are exciting like a roller coaster ride but he doesn’t know the horrible end as the wave rages and foams. The enemy has conditioned the minds of many, even believers, that the ways of guile and form as propagated by media is the norm to ultimate success.

Wherever you are, whatever you do, be on the alert! The enemy has designs on you. They have been watching you and when you gave your life to the LORD, you became part of the devil’s wanted list. Are you armed and dangerous with GOD’s holy word? If not, you are a helpless target! If the enemy has not bothered you, you should ask yourself, why not? Every human is either kampi or kampon. JESUS said, “He is who is not with Me is against Me!”

November 29, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 10:5-7

November 29, 2008

I have seen another misfortune on the earth;

It is an error a ruler makes.

Fools are placed in many positions of authority,

while wise men sit in lowly positions.

I have seen slaves on horseback

and princes walking on foot like slaves.

- Ecclesiastes 10:5-7

No system of government is perfect. Every system has its advantages and disadvantages. But the worst that can happen to any nation is to be ruled by a fool. Many believe that democracy is the best system and that the voice of the people is the voice of GOD. Whoever proclaimed this particular statement (and this is widely propagated by media) ought to examine the events of history. If indeed, the voice of the people is the voice of GOD, then why is GOD not honored? If democracy is the best system of government, then why are the halls of Legislature, Judiciary and the Executive a den of thieves?

Someone even quoted Scripture, that the people should not rise against duly constituted authority. In the Philippines, the words “duly constituted authority” have been abused in many ways. One only has to recount the events during election, especially in Mindanao, to realize how much true authority the government has from GOD. GOD does not support usurpers!

This is the main reason why wisdom has fled from the halls of our leaders. The Church itself has not risen to its duty as a moral beacon to the people. The devil has persuaded the citizen of the separation of the Church and the State. How convenient! When leaders think they are a law to themselves, the people have no recourse and hide. Justice becomes a farce and peace itself just becomes a slogan.

The more one looks to any form of human government, the more one realizes that it is all vanity and a chasing after the wind. During election, the people sowed the wind and have reaped the whirlwind! When people expect the government to solve all their problems, that in itself is a problem. There is no one who can provide security, peace, justice and prosperity but GOD. JESUS said, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

November 30, 2008 Medtation on Ecclesiastes 11:1-2,6

November 30, 2008

Send your grain overseas,

for after many days you will get a return.

Divide your merchandise among seven or even eight investments,

for you do not know what calamity may happen on earth.

Sow your seed in the morning,

and do not stop working until the evening;

for you do not know which activity will succeed —

whether this one or that one, or whether both will prosper equally

- Ecclesiastes 11:1-2,6

Scriptures teach us that in this life, there is no certainty. Every entrepreneur knows that there is no formula to accurately predict the future of business trends especially that involving the stock market. Yes, many have proposed theories on cyclical trends and they always have explanations why it didn’t happen as they predicted. The truth is, the future is in the hand of GOD and history is His story.

Many financial counselors advice “diversify, diversify, and diversify!” And the Teacher of Ecclesiastes counsels that it is wise not to put all your wealth in one basket. GOD gave all of us a wonderful brain that is capable of great imagination and detailed planning for successful pursuits. And GOD expects each one to harness that brain for good use. There is no easy way out of any challenge. Everything undergoes a process. There are no shortcuts!

Work is wonderful and challenging but it can become routine and boring when GOD is not in it. You see, any challenge in life will only have meaning when you plan and act in concert with the SPIRIT. Only continuous communion with the SPIRIT will give us discernment to see GOD’s activity around us. GOD creates the circumstances of our lives and when we join Him in His activity, then GOD’s pursuits become ours and will prosper. After all, it is GOD who gives us the ability and power to create wealth!

December 1, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 11:9-10

December 1, 2008

Rejoice, young man, while you are young,

and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth.

Follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes,

but know that God will judge your motives and actions.

Banish emotional stress from your mind.

and put away pain from your body;

for youth and the prime of life are fleeting.

- Ecclesiastes 11:9,10

When you are very young, you can’t wait to grow big and tall enough to do what you want to do. An adult wishes for younger days when he could do the things he could no longer do at a ripe age.

Boys were made to run up hills and climb trees and swim across rivers. With banged up shins and many scars, they roam about finding adventure in anything and everything, rain or shine. They play like there is no tomorrow without giving heed to any boundary.

The Psalmist prayed, “Teach us, O LORD, to number our days, so that we may have a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). GOD wants us to enjoy our life to the fullest but this can only happen when we apply our energy to good work that GOD has prepared beforehand for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

When you are designed to be excellent, it is very disappointing to yourself and to your Creator, to work without honor and integrity and without exceptional skill!

December 2, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 12:1

December 2, 2008

“Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor Him in your youth before you grow old and no longer enjoy living.” – Ecclesiastes 1:1

Our relationship with the LORD is our foundation for every other relationships and the source of our strength to overcome the challenges of a fallen world. Daily, we hear so many voices clamoring for our attention. We live in a fast-paced, multi-tasking world so complex that young people are stressed out even before they reach 30 years of age. Many are just driven by circumstances and have no clue how their life will come out. Many do not have a concrete written plan how to cope with the different challenges in their career and even in their family life. But even the most complex plan intending to cover every contingency is doomed to failure without the hand of GOD.

Blessed are those who have decided to focus their scarce resources to serving the LORD. The LORD has promised to rescue them from all trouble. And even when hardship comes, it will turn out for their good because they love GOD. They will surely triumph because JESUS has gone before them to clear the way. This is the reward of those who gave 100% of their lives to GOD.

There is no such thing as a full time or part time worker in the Kingdom of GOD. A true Christian is always a full time disciple and servant. The only difference is in the area of service and the gifts we use to minister to people. When you became a disciple of JESUS CHRIST, you gave Him everything. There is nothing else to give but to love!

Yet when you gave JESUS everything, you gained everything!

December 3, 2008 Meditation on Luke 9:24,25

December 3, 2008

JESUS said, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his life? If a man loses his life for My sake, he shall find it!” (Luke 9:24,25)

All our possessions in this life are counted as mere stubble to be burned. Charlemagne, an emperor of France, once wanted to rebuild the Roman Empire and he spent his life towards that end. He failed. When archaeologists dug up his grave, they found his skeletal remains sitting on a throne. Upon his lap was an old Bible opened and his bony finger pointing on the verse quoted above. Whoever buried him knew that whatever a king’s grandeur is in this life expires upon death.

Man is like a pebble thrown into a pond. It creates ripples and goes down under. Its ripples do not last long but disappears in a moment. Such is life on earth. BUT the righteous is remembered in posterity for his name is written in the Lamb’s book of Life!

December 4, 2008 Meditation on Ecclesiastes 12:11

December 4, 2008

“The words of the wise are like prods,

and the collected sayings are like firmly fixed nails;

they are given by one shepherd.”

- Ecclessiastes 12:11

The instructions of a wise teacher motivate his disciples to godly discipline and prepare them for every challenge. Many times he operates in the gifts of word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discernment, faith and prophecy. Without the SPIRIT, the teacher is just like any worldly teacher who exposes information out of his own stored knowledge. But with the SPIRIT, he has the mind of CHRIST and understands mysteries especially displaying skill in interpreting Scriptures accurately. The teacher understands that he is only as effective as he demonstrates his teachings by his lifestyle. The most effective mode of teaching is the JESUS style where principles of life are taught while in service. When John and Andrew followed JESUS, He asked them, “What do you want?” And they answered, “We want to know how you live.”

GOD has instituted laws in the universe during creation and it is the teacher’s job to expose these laws. They are fixed and those who transgress it do so at their own peril. Even though people may not recognize the laws, it still operates and is the key to balance in all of creation. For example, GOD commanded Adam to preserve the Garden, till it and replenish it. It is a mandate that is true throughout history. He who destroys trees ultimately, even though unwittingly, endangers water preservation and depletes the water table in the area. In a worst case scenario, it hastens the advance of the desert.

Blessed are the people who understand the Scriptures and obey them!

December 5, 2008 Meditation on Numbers 1:1,2

December 5, 2008

“Now the LORD spoke to Moses in the tent of Tabernacle in the wilderness of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites departed from the land of Egypt. He said: “Take a census of the entire Israelite community by their clans and families, counting the name of every individual male…”

- Numbers 1:1, 2

YHWH is deeply committed to the welfare of His people. He is concerned with every detail of their lives. The LORD is awesome in grandeur but He is also mindful of the challenges that we face daily. His Angel was always with the Israelites everywhere they went and continually protected them from the heat through the cloud by day and from the cold, through the pillar of fire by night. GOD wanted every one to know that He continually cares for them. He had to slowly take away the slave mentality of the people and teach them to act in freedom to do what is right and good.

I was once involved with the Philippine Teen Challenge Ministry and we cared for drug addicts and street kids. I observed that a person who has been deeply immersed in drugs for sometime loses value in his own eyes. He would even drink from a toilet bowl and eat dirt. Only through a regimen of tough love and discipline and a daily dose of the Scriptures, did we succeed in transforming them to civilized, productive people. It was all by the grace of GOD. I learned that only GOD can turnaround a violent and cruel addict into a godly person who is willing to serve others. I witnessed GOD’s miracle in the lives of addicts and know that none of us could get the credit.

Peter said, “Cast all your anxieties on GOD for He cares about you.”

December 6, 2008 Meditation on Numbers 2:2

December 6, 2008

“Each tribe will be assigned its own area in the camp, and the various groups will camp beneath their family banners. The Tabernacle will be located at the center of theses tribal compounds.” - Numbers 2:2

As the Israelites travelled and camped, they were to arrange themselves around the Tabernacle. Their position did not only have strategic military significance but made more sense of belonging to families and foremost, to GOD. GOD is to be the focus of their daily lives. He is to be the center of everything that they do. Each morning, when they get out of their tents, they worship toward the Tabernacle. The shekinah glory of GOD that sits above the Tabernacle is always visible to every Israelite and they knew GOD is with them.

GOD dwells in the center of every believer. He is their portion and life. GOD is involved in every facet of the believer’s life. In Him we move and live and exist. GOD is our refuge and fortress. Do we have GOD-consciousness always? Blessed is he who dwells in the shelter of the Almighty!

December 7, 2008 Meditation on Numbers

December 7, 2008

“Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered strange fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children.” - Numbers 3:4

It is a fearful thing to be under the wrath of a Holy GOD. In the case of the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, who despised GOD’s instructions and challenged his authority, it was fatal. GOD took them out completely and they had no children to continue their priestly duties. The priestly duty is a very serious job. To be anointed does not mean GOD will tolerate disobedience.

Thanks be to GOD! Today, we have a high priest who went before us into the heavenly Tabernacle to offer the final and complete sacrifice for all time – His own body and blood(Heb 8:1-6). JESUS is our high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek, who offered bread and wine symbolically to the Most High GOD as a shadow of what JESUS did at the last suffer (Gen. 14:18-22; Heb 7:1-7).

There is therefore now no condemnation on those who believe!

December 8, 2008 Meditation on Numbers 3:12,13a,7

December 8, 2008

“I Myself have taken the Levites from among the Israelites instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the Israelites. So the Levites belong to Me because all the firstborn are Mine. They are responsible for the needs of Aaron the priest and the needs of the whole community before the Tent of Meeting by attending to the service of the Tabernacle.” – Numbers 3:12, 13a, 7

When the LORD appointed the Levites for special service in the Tabernacle as priests, the calling was accompanied by responsibility and accountability. With great privilege comes great responsibility. When GOD places us in a position of authority, He requires us to obey and be accountable to Him. JESUS himself said, “To whom much is given, much is required.” The higher up the ladder, the closer the boundary. Paul instructed Timothy to appoint leaders who are beyond reproach.

Once you are called by GOD, it is irrevocable!

December 9, 2008 Meditation on Numbers 3:11-13a

December 9, 2008

And the LORD said to Moses, “I have chosen the Levites from among the Israelites as substitutes for all the firstborn sons of the people of Israel. The Levites are mine because all the firstborn sons are mine.” – Numbers 3:11-13a

In the Old Testament, the firstborn son has to be redeemed from the LORD. The firstborn represented the whole nation of Israel as YHWH said to Pharaoh, “Israel is My son, My firstborn and I say to you, let My son go, that he may serve Me…”(Ex 4:22,23). From the day the LORD killed all the firstborn of Egypt, He required redemption from Israel of all firstborn sons. But when JESUS came, He became the Firstborn of YHWH who gave Himself as a ransom for those who believe. JESUS shed His own blood so that we may be redeemed from sure death.

The redemption of the firstborn is symbolic of the coming Seed promised to Abraham, hence, JESUS said, “Abraham rejoiced to see My day and he did and was glad”(Jn 8:56). The FATHER planned that in the fullness of time, His Son would be born of a woman, born under the law and would fulfill the whole law.

JESUS said, “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; You have pierced My ears. You have not asked burnt offering and sin offering. Then I said, Lo, I come, in the scroll of the Book it is written of Me. I delight to do Your will, O My God; and Your Law is within My inmost soul”(Psalm 40:6-9)

It was expedient that one man should die for the whole Israel nation; but not only for Israel but even for the whole world!

December 10, 2008 Meditation on Numbers 4:15

December 10, 2008

“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the sacred furnishings, the Kohathites will come and carry these things to the next destination. But they must not touch the sacred objects or they will die.” – Numbers 4:15

Holiness is the primary character of GOD and any object exposed to the presence of GOD becomes holy. Nothing that defiles may enter His presence and no person who is not holy may touch any object within His sanctuary. The LORD will be honored and highly esteemed in the presence of all the people. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GOD!

When the blood of the sacrificial lamb is poured on the mercy seat during Yom Kippur, the LORD does not see the Law under the Ark of the Covenant but will only see the blood that covers. When we believe that JESUS’ blood of sacrifice on the cross washes away all our sins, it covers our sins completely since our sins were nailed on the cross in the fullness of time in Calvary. The Blood of the Lamb made us holy and pure in the eyes of the FATHER. Now we can approach the throne of grace anytime and commune with GOD directly!

The fear of GOD makes us aware of the Law but the blessing of Calvary gives us freedom to worship GOD with all our hearts!

December 11, 2008 Meditation on Genesis 1:1, John 1:1

December 11, 2008

“In the beginning GOD…(Gen 1:1). In the beginning was the Word (John 1:1)…”

Every believer must understand that everything came out of GOD. Before the beginning of time, GOD had a desire to love and He had an idea. That idea formed into a detailed image and a concept of a grand design. Then GOD spoke each image into being and they began to take form and balance.

We are GOD’s image and likeness and we too are creative beings and with the same process, could produce things as GOD wills; but not out of nothing because we are not self-existent but created to be dependent on the Creator. In the spiritual realm, this is the process of faith: the SPIRIT inspiring our spirit, we begin with an idea, and with sanctified imagination, we conceptualize especially with images, then we speak faith and produce. JESUS said, “The things that I do, you shall do also…” (John 14:12a)

That is why it is so important that each believer must be led by the SPIRIT. And each believer’s spirit must rule his soul (mind and emotion) and his body, not the reverse. For only those who are led by the SPIRIT are sons of GOD! (Rom 8:9).

December 12, 2008 Meditation on Numbers 24:17

December 12, 2008

“I see him, but not in the present time,

I perceive him, but far in the distant future.

A star will rise from Jacob;

A scepter will emerge from Israel.”

- Numbers 24:17

It must have been a cause of wonder throughout the Eastern world to behold a star so bright and so compelling. The Hebrews who had been exiled in Assyria had told of a coming king who would free them from captivity. They had mentioned an old prophecy written in the Torah that GOD would show them His mercy once again and gather them together into their own land and save them.

It had been so long ago, but the Jews still believed and longed for their king to arrive. Though it was the edict of Cyrus that brought many back to Palestine, they still believed. And for those who still remained in Assyria, hope still flickered and yearned for their King. Finally, the Star appeared suddenly. The company of Magi, who watch the evening sky night after night were all excited. They knew in their hearts that they must witness for themselves the arrival of the King.

But in Jerusalem, everything went on as if nothing significant was happening except the census. When the company of Magi inquired of Herod, “Where is the newborn King of the Jews? For we have seen his star from the East.” Herod and all of Jerusalem were troubled.

There are only two responses that matter. Either we receive the King or we reject the King. Many have forgotten the reason for Christmas. Many think Christmas is for children and for Santa Claus and greet each other: Happy Holidays! Have you taken JESUS out of Christmas?

JESUS said, “He who loves Me will be loved by My FATHER and we will come and live with them” (John 14:23)

December 13, 2008 Meditation on Matthew 2:11,12

December 13, 2008

“As they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their treasure boxes and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

After being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back by another route to their own country.” – Matthew 2:11,12

When you encounter the King, you either reject Him or worship Him. The Magi bowed down and worshipped JESUS. They recognized Him as the prophesied ruler of Israel. They believed the prophecy of Moses and Isaiah. But the religious leaders who knew the Torah and were familiar with the prophecy of Isaiah did not recognize the Messiah and treated the event as a distraction. They were too busy with their own religious affairs. Today, there are more distractions and the holiday celebration keeps us awake with many parties throughout December. It seems that people have missed the real reason for Christmas.

The Magi did not only worship the Child but gave gifts out of their best bounty. Today, we are encouraged to share by giving gifts to each other but people have forgotten that the birthday celebrant is supposed to get the gifts not the guests. What is your gift to the LORD JESUS?

After you encounter the King, He does not leave you untouched and unchanged. Like the Magi who left by another way, the King wants you to follow the Way, the Truth and the Life. Contrary to the liberal belief that all roads lead to heaven, JESUS is the only Way and any other road only leads to hell!

JESUS CHRIST is the promise of the FATHER who fulfilled His promise in Christmas! Have you received the gift of life?

December 14, 2008 Meditation on Psalm 91:14-16

December 14, 2008

The LORD says,

“Because he is devoted to me, I will deliver him;

I will protect him because he is loyal to me.

When he calls out to me, I will answer him.

I will be with him when he is in trouble;

I will rescue him and bring him honor.

I will satisfy him with long life,

and will let him see my salvation.”

- Psalm 91:14-16

To be devoted is to be solemnly set apart for the LORD. Just like a priest who is consecrated to serve the LORD all his life. The focus of his being is the LORD. The LORD is his portion and he has given 100% of himself to the LORD. He delights in the LORD. He longs for the presence of the LORD just like a deer pants for streams of water. No work, no human, no pursuit could satisfy him but the LORD. His loyalty is not like the morning dew that goes away early but his hope and his strength is the LORD. He does not look at people to use them but to love them and serve them. His heart is rich with compassion and love and generosity even in times of scarcity. His ears are inclined to hear the gentle voice of the SPIRIT and he is sensitive to the gentle tugging of the heart. He is a warrior who walks in rhythm to the beat of GOD’s drum. He does not fear for his life but holds dear the life of others. He fights the good fight of faith!

The devoted man is a son of GOD. GOD will protect him and rescue him in all his troubles. GOD will honor him and give him posterity in his lifetime and in the life to come. This is the inheritance of the saints.

Most assuredly, GOD knows those who are His!

December 15, 2008 Meditation on John 1:14,17

December 15, 2008

“So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. For the law was given through Moses; GOD’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through JESUS CHRIST.”

- John 1:14, 17

Is it a small thing for GOD to be clothe in human flesh and be born as a helpless baby totally dependent on a human mother? To drink unsafe water, eat human food, suffer hunger and thirst and experience tiredness and pain. How can this be? Could GOD really come down and be born in a manger full of the smell of animals and dung?

He came to His own and they received Him not. But to all who received Him, who believed in His Name, He gave them the right to become children of GOD.

When Adam and Eve sinned, Paradise was closed. Now you and I can come in through the blood of GOD’s Son. We can partake of eternal life. We can talk to GOD and He will talk to us. We can inherit the Kingdom as originally planned. Once again GOD will walk with us in the cool of the day!

This is the reality of Christmas!

December 16, 2008 Meditation on John 1:18

December 16, 2008

“No one has ever seen GOD. But His only Son, who is Himself GOD, is near to the FATHER’s heart; He has told us about Him.” - John 1:18

No one knows the FATHER except the Son and to those whom He wills to reveal Him. This is exclusively the Truth. There is no other way but JESUS. At the start of His ministry, when John and Andrew followed Him, He asked them, “What do you want?” And they replied, “We want to see how you live.” JESUS said, “Come and see!” (John 1:37-39) GOD invites us into a marvelous adventure of real life unto Himself. He wants us to see life by His own perspective – how He views His creation, our humanity, our problems, our successes, etc.

If all of the galaxies and even our own universe is so big, then how big do you think the Creator is? It takes more than human comprehension to begin to know even a speck of GOD’s character. It takes GOD to tell us who He really is!

In His prayer to the FATHER, JESUS said, “This is the way to have eternal life – to know You, the only true GOD, and JESUS CHRIST, the One You sent to earth (John 17:3). The only way we’re going to know GOD is first to acquire eternal life so that our perspective will be changed. JESUS said, “He who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal…(John 5:24a)” You and I have to accept His word by faith and believe that all He said and all He did is true and is for our salvation. We have to come to the cross, repent of our sins and be washed by His blood. As He gave His life, we give our lives to Him alone.

A relationship with the Son is necessary to know the FATHER!

December 17, 2008 Meditation on John 1:41

December 17, 2008

The first thing that Andrew did was to find his brother, Simon, and tell him, “We have found the Messiah.” – John 1:41

When Andrew found the Messiah, he immediately went to tell his brother, Simon Peter. He was just so excited because the Jews have been waiting for the Anointed One for ages. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and having heard the endorsement of John; he could not help himself but follow after JESUS.

Have you ever experienced looking for something and when you found it how excited you were? Most of us can relate to it but have you been looking for something very important that you have spent your life in pursuit of it? I have. I was looking for GOD since I was a little boy. I searched for Him as Sacristan. I looked for Him in books. I looked for Him in different religions. I listened to evangelistic sermons. I looked for Him through the eyes of philosophers. I even tried to read the New Testament but to no avail. Sometimes I looked up to the clouds if GOD was hiding there. I tried to talk to Him and asked, “Is it possible for you to love me?”

But GOD heard my cry and sent a young missionary, a classmate at college, to introduce me to the LORD JESUS. There were no electric sparks but my eyes were opened to the spiritual world. I knew that GOD cared for me and the more I read the Bible, the more I understood how much He loved me. He filled me to overflowing and like Andrew, I cannot help but tell others about JESUS and how He saved me.

JESUS is my first love and I will never leave GOD!

December 18, 2008 Meditation on John 2:17b

December 18, 2008

It is written, “Passion for Your house burns within me.” – John 2:17b

This was a prophecy fulfilled in JESUS. He cleaned up the Temple using a whip to drive out the merchants who were making a marketplace of His FATHER’S house. Now the Dwelling Place has been transformed from a building into our hearts. is We are the Temple (house) of GOD. JESUS said, “He who loves Me will obey My commandments. My FATHER will love them, and We will come to them and live with them” (John 14:23).

Are we as zealous as the LORD JESUS to clean up GOD’s Temple? Let’s clean up all the filth and all things that hinder us from worshipping GOD. Our eyes are GOD’s eyes. Our hands are GOD’s hands. Every part of our being belongs to GOD and is consecrated for GOD alone. Let’s guard our hearts for out of it comes the issues of life!

December 19, 2008 Meditation on John 2:18b

December 19, 2008

“If You have this authority from GOD, show us a miraculous sign to prove it!” – John 2:18b

JESUS just drove out the sacrificial animal merchants and money changers licensed by the High Priest to operate the business consortium within the Temple court. The High Priest had a very lucrative business selling temple approved animals and exchanging foreign currency to temple currency. JESUS embarrassed the religious elite by this infamous act. Was JESUS just a fascinating man or a madman? According to rabbinic teachings, the Messiah was supposed to cleanse the Temple and restore the old sacrificial system as prescribed in the Torah. The religious elite would rather pay attention to the teachings of their rabbis than really listen to the voice of GOD in the Torah.

The people, even the Pharisees and Sadducees, either had to believe or reject JESUS. He has performed countless miracles already yet they challenged him to produce another. This man is like no other. What will you do with Him?

Nobody ever bothered to ask, where did the Pharisees and Sadducees obtained their authority since none of them could perform even one small miracle?

Just like many religious people of different religions, when you ask them, how did it all start and where did it all come from? Many will just say, “It’s a tradition!” People have become blinded by their tradition. But the truth shall set you free!

December 20, 2008 Meditation on John 3:2-3

December 20, 2008

Nicodemus said, “Teacher, we all know that GOD has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are proof enough that GOD is with you.” JESUS replied, “Unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of GOD.” – John 3:2-3

Like all Pharisees and Sadducees, Nicodemus, although he was numbered among the ruling elders of Israel (Sanhedrin), could only perceive in the natural. He recognized JESUS as a teacher and a miracle-worker but not as the Son of GOD at this point.

It is not our religious affiliation or our position in whatever religion we belong that qualifies us in the Kingdom of GOD. GOD’s Kingdom is not like the Rotary Club or any other association where there are pre-qualifications before you are accepted into their ranks. GOD does not care about how high are achievements are. Self-made persons are persona-non-grata in Heaven. Only the meek shall inherit the Kingdom!

Spiritual discernment does not come from knowledge even of the Scriptures but only through complete surrender to the One who is the Author of all wisdom and the Finisher of all creation. Man cannot presume any degree of wisdom or wealth or any accomplishment before an all powerful Creator. But when we humble ourselves and worship Him in complete surrender; when we give Him all that we have and all that we are, then He accepts us as we are – wretched and vain – and begins to transform us into a people who are fit to enter His Kingdom.

December 21, 2008 Meditation on John 3:6

December 21, 2008

JESUS said, “Humans can reproduce only human life, but the HOLY SPIRIT gives new life from heaven.” – John 3:6

Cats will only reproduce cats and birds will only reproduce birds and fish will only reproduce fish; each after its own kind. So man can only reproduce man. You and I only reproduce who we are.

If GOD’s home is heaven, then it would only be populated by His family. GOD is divine. Man is flesh. Only the pure will see and dwell with GOD. For man to enter GOD’s presence, he must become pure first or suffer death.

Since GOD created man out of love and for love, He has to make man pure so man could dwell with Him forever. GOD creates the solution. GOD must cover man with His own divine blood so no longer will He see man’s impurity but the divine blood.

GOD must die, as a man, the death of the ungodly and shed His own pure and divine blood; every blood cell covering man’s sin and shame, to pay the penalty of His own justice. It is at the cross that mercy and justice met and love was fully served.

December 22, 2008 Meditation on John 3:19-21

December 22, 2008

“The Light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the Light, for their actions were evil. They hate the Light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the Light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the Light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what GOD wants.” John 3:19-21

Light dispels darkness. Mostly, crime is committed in darkness. Immoral acts are committed in darkness. Sin, by its very nature, is committed with guile and craftiness and shrouded in darkness. But today, evil is so prevalent that atrocious sin is committed even in broad daylight. We live in a dark age.

With all the scientific advancement and the proliferation of knowledge through cyberspace, man cannot profess to be “enlightened.” Although man claims to be enlightened, his lifestyle betrays his dark side.

Light is the cure for darkness. JESUS said, “I AM the Light of the world. He who comes to Me will not live in darkness!” In the Kingdom of the SON, there is no need for the sun for the SON shall be its Light! Nothing that defiles shall enter in, but those who seek the Light shall find rest for their souls.

December 23, 2008 Meditation on John 3:27

December 23, 2008

John the Baptist said, “GOD in heaven appoints each person’s work.” – John 3:27

Nothing that happens ever happens without GOD’s knowledge and GOD’s permission. Everything happens by the mercy and compassion of GOD and love and justice serves the interest of GOD everywhere.

Man is supposed to be GOD’s representative on earth; created in His image and likeness, to rule and subdue all lawlessness and propagate everything that is good. Since man’s downfall, all creation has suffered for what is good has been ill used and many times not for its intended purpose but for wickedness.

But GOD always had a man. He had Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, etc. There were always men who were willing to stand up and be counted with GOD. Men whose bond is their word; men who cannot be bought; men who are willing to be ridiculed and punished for doing what is right; men who are not afraid to love and be loved; men who are fathers; men who are lifestyle disciplers; men who love GOD and who take GOD at His word. Men whom GOD is ashamed to call “sons.”

December 24, 2008 Meditation on John 3:30

December 24, 2008

John the Baptist said of JESUS, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” – John 3: 30

We only reproduce who we are. JESUS humbled himself to become flesh and blood and experience all the pain, sorrow and shame. He exhibited perfect humility and fulfilled the will of the FATHER as shown by the prophets. All who come and follow the LORD JESUS will also become humble for that is the spirit that He will transfer to us daily.

The world is not kind to the meek. They despise any sign of weakness. The world has wrongly interpreted meekness as weakness. Yet JESUS was all powerful and never repaid His enemies in kind. Instead He always loved. Humility will produce a love that is unconditional. Humility always results in self-control and perseverance.

The world will never hail people like John the Baptist, but to GOD, “of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John”(Luke 7:28b).

December 25, 2008 Meditation on Isaiah 9:2

December 25, 2008

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light – a light that will shine on all who live in the land where death casts is shadow.” – Isaiah 9:2

Before JESUS came, darkness and chaos ruled the earth.

On Christmas day, the angels sang, “Glory to GOD in the highest heaven and peace on earth, to all whom GOD favors!” (Luke 2:14)

When GOD came to earth and became a manchild, He unleashed the power of heaven in the innocence of a baby so vulnerable it depended on a human mother for its life. This is the paradox of the Kingdom. The way up is down. When I am weak, then I am strong! When you love, you could be hated, even without a cause. But no matter, owe no man nothing but to love!

GOD’s love is so BIG and He is not ashamed to show it nor afraid to give it that He gave us His only SON. Even though we had a lousy track record of never keeping our word and always doubting His goodness, He destined His SON to suffer and die so we could live if only we would trust Him. The price is affordable to every man – a life for a life.

This is love, that we love one another, as He loved us.

December 26, 2008 Meditation on John 4:9b

December 26, 2008

The Samaritan woman said to JESUS, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman, why are you asking me for a drink?” – John 4:9b

Discrimination is an age-old problem. It is evident everywhere, in every culture, even in JESUS’ day. It doesn’t matter whether you are rich or poor. The rich discriminate against the poor and vice versa. We all have excuses and we always want to blame the other person rather than look at ourselves. Jews did not mix with Samaritans and despised them as half-breeds and impure and idolaters.

But GOD doesn’t care about the color of your skin, nor your position in life, or how fashionable or how beautiful you are. He already knows who you are on the inside. No amount of pretense could hide the real you from GOD. He knew you when you were a baby and every moment in your life. He knows every scar and every triumph you have ever experienced. That’s how much, He loves you! He is curious about every part of you.

The question is, are you curious about Him? Do you know Him? Or shall I say, do you know about Him? Knowing a person means spending time with the person you care about. It means caring about how he feels and what makes him happy or sad. Its all about intimacy.

JESUS offered the Samaritan woman, the water of life – true life. A life with Him for eternity.

December 27, 2008 Meditation on John 4:34

December 27, 2008

“My nourishment comes from doing the will of GOD, who sent Me, and from finishing His work.” – John 4:34

One can easily see how godly a person is by his obedience to the living Word. JESUS said that our spirits are nourished every time we internalize the will of GOD and put it into practice thereby joining the FATHER in His redemptive work. Simply doing what is good does not necessarily nourish our spirits but doing what the Scriptures say is good will for certain nourish our spirits. The difference is what we think and what GOD thinks.

The disciples thought that food will make them more effective in their daily activities but JESUS turned their eyes to the truth of our spirits’ need to intimately do things with the FATHER.

The greater our proximity to the Source, the greater our power to

December 28, 2008 Meditation on John 4:50

December 28,

2008

JESUS told the official, “Go home, you’re son will live!” – John 4:50

And his son was healed at that very moment. At the word of JESUS, anything will be put together in order. There are many things in our lives that are broken. In the past, many people have been cruel to us, even in our own families. These traumatic events have affected us negatively and warped the way we look at daily circumstances. It has negatively affected the way we think, speak and act. If you were like me, I had attempted to change these prejudices many times but no matter what I did I fail. Until I met the LORD JESUS.

The Scriptures declare that JESUS holds all creation together by the power of His word. JESUS is the ultimate tie that binds every
part of our being together whether physical or spiritual. He is our Creator and only He can put the pieces back to its original blueprint; if you let Him.

The moment I surrendered my life to JESUS, He began the process of renewal and transformation. Sometimes the process
was painful, mainly because I protested too much and resisted too much. The renewal is a lifelong process. You see, JESUS is not just putting on our make-up. He is not a beautician. He is the Original Designer and He knows what He is doing. He wants you and I to
really look beautiful in the FATHER’s eyes.

To surrender our lives is the only way to really get life. Some would say, “Make a life!” I say, “Get real. Give away your life to JESUS and you will have true life!”

December 29, 2008 Meditation on John 5:6,7

December 29, 2008

JESUS said to the paralyzed man at the Bethesda pool, “Would you like to get well?” He replied, “I can’t, Sir. For I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up.” – John 5:6-7

Are you so focused on what is supposed to heal you that you have forgotten you have a loving FATHER who would love to heal you? We have a compassionate and loving GOD who longs to put His arms around us if we would let Him.

GOD does not do anything to your person unless you let Him. At the same, He knows your need and your desire. The paralytic obviously wants healing but he was so caught up in the supposed solution to his problem that his mind had lost its ability to look up. Yet when he heard the voice of JESUS, his spirit recognized it and immediately obeyed. Sometimes we don’t know what to do but GOD knows our situation and when we respond to Him, He will make us whole.

There were many sick people at the Bethesda pool but only the paralytic got healed. I think JESUS looked at his heart and knew that he was ready to listen and obey. Is your heart ready?

The Way of Transformation

“Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.” - Joshua 1:8
The Book is a compilation of GOD’s wisdom and truth, past, present and future. As I read the word of GOD, the SPIRIT convicts my heart and gently teaches me the way that can only be known if I act it out in my life. The more I think about it, the more I find myself agreeing with the LORD. “What you’re saying, O LORD, is right and just and good.” Thinking about it makes me “see” new horizons of logic that does not seem logical to the natural mind. One thing is evident, when I confront myself with the word of GOD, I realize how puny I am and how great GOD is! The LORD said, “Ask of Me, and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3).
I find that as I obey His word, the LORD confirms the effect of it in my life with circumstances that molds me into the man He wants me to be. It is as if the LORD is guiding me down a river. He manages the current, the banks of the river, the sudden appearance of threatening rocks, the wind that makes the waves foam, surge and roar. All that time, He is there and I experience the joy and thrill but also the fear and sudden threat of a fall. But I know deep in my heart that He will never let me fall into the whirlpool of death. I am comforted with the knowledge that He is my FATHER and I am safe with Him.
“Your words are what sustain me. They bring me great joy and are my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD GOD Almighty!” – Jeremiah 15:16

ἄγγελο

Imperatives of the Kingdom

JESUS said, “The Kingdom of GOD is in your midst.”  Kingdom culture is not automatic in every Christian.  Communication is vital in every culture without which it gradually disappears.  In the Kingdom, GOD’s word is our language and faith is our currency.  Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD.  Eat it…chew it slowly… taste every morsel; then swallow it and digest it, letting every nutrient enrich every part of you.  What you eat becomes part of you.  Let GOD transform you life by changing the way you think.

Now, speak it with faith and by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT and begin to do it.  This is the flow of GOD’s Kingdom.  This is how we master the human experience!

The Word is Truth

It is best to take GOD at His word.  As is His word, so is His character.

If indeed we trust GOD, we should be speaking His word, just like the LORD JESUS; and so silenced the enemy.

The Word stills the enemy; so shouldn’t our hearts be stilled before a holy GOD?

GOD backs up His word with the honor of His Name!

Which way?

How can we understand the road we travel?  It is the LORD who directs our steps.  The LORD’s searchlight penetrates the human spirit exposing every hidden motive (Prov 20:24, 27 NLT).

Man seeks knowledge about the future but mostly for personal gain.  The LORD is good and He guides the humble so he may not stumble.  Each step either brings us closer to our destiny or leads us astray.  But those who know the Word shall perform exploits for the Almighty!

Think DESTINY!

Are you surviving or thriving?

In an age where information doubles at an unprecedented rate; where the old rules of economics hardly work in a multi-layer, global market; where old norms of business paradigms are constantly challenged; where constant stress threatens the health of every worker, are you keeping pace? Are you merely surviving? Or do all the challenges drive you to strive and thrive in enemy territory?

In a constantly changing world, it is a great comfort to know that our GOD never changes. When all you have to look forward to is work and more work. It is certain that you will experience more and more stress each day. The good news is, GOD can be your compass to point you in the right direction. He is the great Guide who has walked the path before us, who has climbed every hill and mountain and forged every river we will cross in our entire life. JESUS beckons, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). This is in direct contrast to the standards of the world whose only concern is the revenue bottom line.

The question is who is your boss? You see, there are only two bosses. Either, you serve GOD or you serve the devil. Unfortunately, the devil is a very cruel and hard taskmaster. He will keep you working like a hamster running endlessly on a never-ending spinning wheel, and mind you, never getting anywhere! The devil will promise you the world but his track record reveals that he is the father of lies. He already stole your birthright in Eden and he aims to ultimately destroy you. He paints a beautiful picture of your future while craftily sabotaging what little honor you have left.

But if you work for GOD, He promises to “give power to those who are tired and worn out; He offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31). As JESUS said, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world! I came so that you may have life and have it abundantly.”

Do you have a life? Or do you just exist? Life comes from GOD and only GOD can give a real meaningful life. Give whatever is left of you to Him and He will make you whole and complete. No man will ever know victory until He follows the victorious One!

Someone once said, “Live passionately, love completely, learn humbly and leave boldly!” Only those who are walking boldly with GOD daily can pursue this goal.