"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you fee"
-John 8:32, NLT-
I am living a lie. It may not be obvious but I am. With all those imagination and fantasies that I have inside my head, those are already tantamount to a life living a lie. I may be physically present but my mind is somewhere in time, a time my wild imagination has created with people and a certain person I have already idealized. Yet, that's the reason why I am in "bondage." Because I let the devil take his stronghold.
I need to rely on Jesus, the truth Himself. I need to ask Him to help me gradually change the way my mind and imagination work.
Lord Jesus, help me. Help me with my thoughts. Help me to live in the truth and it is right now, my circumstances now, everything that happens and I have NOW. Help me not to meditate and ponder on things based on lie and deception coming from the enemy. I know I am on the right track because I am being under attacked by him. Thank You, Father. I need Your help badly specially in the area of my thought life. Thank You Lord for this day, amen.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Crave: Psalm 119: 89-96 NLT
1.How is God’s Word “eternal,” as described in these verses?
2.In verse 95, how did the psalmist respond to those who threatened to attack him? Why do you think he responded that way?
3.What steps will you take to put this truth into action today?
1. God's Word stands firm in heaven. Firm means consistent, unwavering, rooted, always there. Constant, will never change.
2. He quietly waited on God and depended on Him. The key word here is "quietly." Meaning he was at peace, nothing worried him for he knew that Someone up there, Someone so strong, reliable and constant was up there seeing everything, watching him and protecting him.
3. I am plague with negative emotions again. Negative thinking and unhealthy imagination. I will look into God's Word and I'll let Him do the talking now. I will just quietly let Him take the hold of my heart and mind. I will just wait on Him quietly. Whatever happens, by His grace, I will hold on to Him. I will keep His words inside my heart.
In Reflection:
"If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery."
-Psalm 119: 92, NLT-
I can fully relate with the psalmist now. Right now, I am bombarded by negative emotions again. Hate, bitterness, jealousy, sense of inadequacy and envy are slowly creeping into my heart. Yet, thank God, He is in my life, He has never let me down and has never let me go so deep in my self-created misery. The enemy indeed knows where and when to target me. Yet, God is with me. I could never imagine my life without Him or else it is already tantamount to death. Death of my physical body and most specially my spirit. I thank Him for His word that gives me encouragement now.
2.In verse 95, how did the psalmist respond to those who threatened to attack him? Why do you think he responded that way?
3.What steps will you take to put this truth into action today?
1. God's Word stands firm in heaven. Firm means consistent, unwavering, rooted, always there. Constant, will never change.
2. He quietly waited on God and depended on Him. The key word here is "quietly." Meaning he was at peace, nothing worried him for he knew that Someone up there, Someone so strong, reliable and constant was up there seeing everything, watching him and protecting him.
3. I am plague with negative emotions again. Negative thinking and unhealthy imagination. I will look into God's Word and I'll let Him do the talking now. I will just quietly let Him take the hold of my heart and mind. I will just wait on Him quietly. Whatever happens, by His grace, I will hold on to Him. I will keep His words inside my heart.
In Reflection:
"If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery."
-Psalm 119: 92, NLT-
I can fully relate with the psalmist now. Right now, I am bombarded by negative emotions again. Hate, bitterness, jealousy, sense of inadequacy and envy are slowly creeping into my heart. Yet, thank God, He is in my life, He has never let me down and has never let me go so deep in my self-created misery. The enemy indeed knows where and when to target me. Yet, God is with me. I could never imagine my life without Him or else it is already tantamount to death. Death of my physical body and most specially my spirit. I thank Him for His word that gives me encouragement now.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Crave: Psalm 119: 81-88
1.Despite his feelings, what did the psalmist choose to do?
2.How can trusting what God says help us through a time of waiting?
3.What specific Bible verses can you hold on to as you wait for God’s next move?
1. The psalmist, despite his seemingly negative feelings still chose to wait on God and hope in His Word.
2. It helps us to wait eagerly, patiently and with all our heart for we know that He is alive, He knows, He listens and He understands. He also has His own ways far beyond what our minds can conceive He can do. In my case, it helps me to just hold on to Him, to call on Him and to pray. To tell Him everything that I have in mind and my feelings. I am assured that He listens and He knows.
3. I think I need to have a review, big time. I cannot remember the numbers of the passages but here are some: Every good and perfect gift comes from Him; Two is better than one; He makes all things beautiful in His time; Everything works for good to those who love Him; He gives me hope and a future and many others. And then I am still bothered from time to time. Whew!
In Reflection:
"I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word."
-Psalm 119:81-
This message is just so timely for me. This is what I need now. I was not feeling good a while ago, my emotions were fooling me and lying to me again until I was given this message. There's no other option for me but to just pray, open my heart to God and just trust Him and trust Him with all my heart. I will listen to my heart but I will think and depend on God's Word more. I will acknowledge how I feel but will not live by it alone. Everything will be just according to God's laws and promises to me.
I will put my hope in His Word.
I will put my hope in You, Father God.
2.How can trusting what God says help us through a time of waiting?
3.What specific Bible verses can you hold on to as you wait for God’s next move?
1. The psalmist, despite his seemingly negative feelings still chose to wait on God and hope in His Word.
2. It helps us to wait eagerly, patiently and with all our heart for we know that He is alive, He knows, He listens and He understands. He also has His own ways far beyond what our minds can conceive He can do. In my case, it helps me to just hold on to Him, to call on Him and to pray. To tell Him everything that I have in mind and my feelings. I am assured that He listens and He knows.
3. I think I need to have a review, big time. I cannot remember the numbers of the passages but here are some: Every good and perfect gift comes from Him; Two is better than one; He makes all things beautiful in His time; Everything works for good to those who love Him; He gives me hope and a future and many others. And then I am still bothered from time to time. Whew!
In Reflection:
"I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word."
-Psalm 119:81-
This message is just so timely for me. This is what I need now. I was not feeling good a while ago, my emotions were fooling me and lying to me again until I was given this message. There's no other option for me but to just pray, open my heart to God and just trust Him and trust Him with all my heart. I will listen to my heart but I will think and depend on God's Word more. I will acknowledge how I feel but will not live by it alone. Everything will be just according to God's laws and promises to me.
I will put my hope in His Word.
I will put my hope in You, Father God.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Crave: Psalm 119:73-80 NLT
1.As the psalmist lived his life, many eyes were on him. How can you relate with him? How do you feel about the truth that people are watching you?
2.Where did the psalmist get his confidence to live for God even under the scrutiny of the world?
3.Why can we be confident on choosing to remain on God’s side even amidst opposition (Romans 8:31, 2 Corinthians 4:16)?
1. As a professing Christian, I know that many people though subtlety watch me from afar. They watch and check on my actions, my speech and how I relate to others. I am not careful most of the time and sadly that recklessness brings shame to God's name. I will from now on really call on to God to help me obey Him and follow Him so that I will not again stumble and become a stumbling block as well.
2. He got his confidence from the God, Himself and His Word. He knew that God through His word showed him his unfailing love and gave him enough hope and confidence to live in this world.
3. Because God is for us, (Romans 8:31), and our spirits are being renewed day by day though our bodies are falling apart, (2 Cor. 4:16). God sustains us. He is the main source of our life, of our hope. He who created everything, who knows everything, the One who started it all and would soon end it all. The all-powerful and mighty One. Who could not be confident in these?
In Reflection:
"You made me; You created me. Now give me the sense to follow Your commands."
-Psalm 119:73,NLT-
The Lord knows everything about me.. He is my Creator. He knows what can make me happy and what ticks me off. He knows everything and I could hide nothing from Him. I have always wanted to obey Him and fully at that but it is hard. I still need Him even if it is obeying Him. I have realized that I still badly need Him in every aspect of my life. In all. There's nothing I can do without Him. Good thing is that he knows, He admonishes and He understands.
"I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair; You disciplined me because I needed it."
-Psalm 119:75, NLT-
Lord, You cannot be mocked. You cannot be outwitted. You are all-knowing and Your ways are just. Lord, You have made me suffer in some areas of my life because You are teaching me my lessons. You discipline me so that I will not do those things ever again. It is so shameful to have this disease but this is just a reminder that I must and should only use my eyes and all other parts of my body for Your service, for Your glory and for the spreading of Your love. I thank You for this discipline. Thanks a lot for helping me find a way out. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
2.Where did the psalmist get his confidence to live for God even under the scrutiny of the world?
3.Why can we be confident on choosing to remain on God’s side even amidst opposition (Romans 8:31, 2 Corinthians 4:16)?
1. As a professing Christian, I know that many people though subtlety watch me from afar. They watch and check on my actions, my speech and how I relate to others. I am not careful most of the time and sadly that recklessness brings shame to God's name. I will from now on really call on to God to help me obey Him and follow Him so that I will not again stumble and become a stumbling block as well.
2. He got his confidence from the God, Himself and His Word. He knew that God through His word showed him his unfailing love and gave him enough hope and confidence to live in this world.
3. Because God is for us, (Romans 8:31), and our spirits are being renewed day by day though our bodies are falling apart, (2 Cor. 4:16). God sustains us. He is the main source of our life, of our hope. He who created everything, who knows everything, the One who started it all and would soon end it all. The all-powerful and mighty One. Who could not be confident in these?
In Reflection:
"You made me; You created me. Now give me the sense to follow Your commands."
-Psalm 119:73,NLT-
The Lord knows everything about me.. He is my Creator. He knows what can make me happy and what ticks me off. He knows everything and I could hide nothing from Him. I have always wanted to obey Him and fully at that but it is hard. I still need Him even if it is obeying Him. I have realized that I still badly need Him in every aspect of my life. In all. There's nothing I can do without Him. Good thing is that he knows, He admonishes and He understands.
"I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair; You disciplined me because I needed it."
-Psalm 119:75, NLT-
Lord, You cannot be mocked. You cannot be outwitted. You are all-knowing and Your ways are just. Lord, You have made me suffer in some areas of my life because You are teaching me my lessons. You discipline me so that I will not do those things ever again. It is so shameful to have this disease but this is just a reminder that I must and should only use my eyes and all other parts of my body for Your service, for Your glory and for the spreading of Your love. I thank You for this discipline. Thanks a lot for helping me find a way out. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Crave: Psalm 119: 65-72 NLT
1.From this passage, where did the psalmist run to when he was facing affliction? How did this benefit him?
2.How has God helped you through His Word when you faced tough situations before?
3.What are you currently facing? How do you think can God’s Word help you at this time?
1. He ran to God. His afflictions helped him know his mistakes and they helped him become a better person.
2. He gave encouragement and taught me the things that I needed to do to make it through.
3. Right now, I am facing unexplainable things that happen in my body. God I think is just teaching me to use all the parts of my body for His glory and not to serve myself.
In Reflection:
This verse struck me most:
" My suffering was good for me for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
-Psalm 119:71, NLT-
I am having something unexplainable in my left eye now. It is like a swelling that just came from nowhere. Yesterday it was not here until I did some "stupid" things again using my eyes. Now, I am having this weird swelling. It actually scares me but I guess, this is God's way to admonish and discipline me as regards that hidden sin in my life that actually uses my eyes just to do it. Lord, I do not know. This is Your warning for me. Lord, I am scared. Forgive me. You know I don't have the money to go to the doctor just to have my check-up. You're the only One who can help me and take away this something in my left eye. Lord, help me to overcome that hidden sin in my life. Help me to use all the parts of my body to glorify You and to serve You. You have never intended each part of my body to be used selfishly and an instrument of the enemy. Father, I lift up to You this struggle. This is just all about my sinful nature. Thank You for because of this my eyes are opened again to do the right thing. You discipline me. You just want me to do what is right and lovely to Your eyes. Father, thank You for this lessons learned.Amen.
2.How has God helped you through His Word when you faced tough situations before?
3.What are you currently facing? How do you think can God’s Word help you at this time?
1. He ran to God. His afflictions helped him know his mistakes and they helped him become a better person.
2. He gave encouragement and taught me the things that I needed to do to make it through.
3. Right now, I am facing unexplainable things that happen in my body. God I think is just teaching me to use all the parts of my body for His glory and not to serve myself.
In Reflection:
This verse struck me most:
" My suffering was good for me for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
-Psalm 119:71, NLT-
I am having something unexplainable in my left eye now. It is like a swelling that just came from nowhere. Yesterday it was not here until I did some "stupid" things again using my eyes. Now, I am having this weird swelling. It actually scares me but I guess, this is God's way to admonish and discipline me as regards that hidden sin in my life that actually uses my eyes just to do it. Lord, I do not know. This is Your warning for me. Lord, I am scared. Forgive me. You know I don't have the money to go to the doctor just to have my check-up. You're the only One who can help me and take away this something in my left eye. Lord, help me to overcome that hidden sin in my life. Help me to use all the parts of my body to glorify You and to serve You. You have never intended each part of my body to be used selfishly and an instrument of the enemy. Father, I lift up to You this struggle. This is just all about my sinful nature. Thank You for because of this my eyes are opened again to do the right thing. You discipline me. You just want me to do what is right and lovely to Your eyes. Father, thank You for this lessons learned.Amen.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Crave: Psalm 119: 57-64 NLT
1.How did the psalmist decide to respond to God’s Word? Why is it important to obey God’s commands immediately? What does “obeying God’s Word later” imply? Why?
2.How have you been obeying God’s Word so far?
1. He decided to respond hastily. Meaning quickly and right away. He did not delay. It is important to obey God this way so that we can live our lives according to how God wants us to live it. To obey God's word "later" is to not obey at all. It means we delay God's blessings in our lives and worst, it damages our relationship with God. It moves us so far away from Him which is tantamount to gradual spiritual death.
2. By reading His word, by thinking about the actions that I make. I still have many gray areas and I am still on the process on letting God work in my life all for His glory. I want to serve Him better so that I can obey Him in that aspect of my life.
Lord, I will obey. I want to serve You and Lord, I will join the ushering ministry so that I will learn to be more humble and to be closer to people. Then, I can use my musical gift again. Lord, heal me. Heal my voice. Help me to become more like Your servant and may I always serve You well and obey You.
2.How have you been obeying God’s Word so far?
1. He decided to respond hastily. Meaning quickly and right away. He did not delay. It is important to obey God this way so that we can live our lives according to how God wants us to live it. To obey God's word "later" is to not obey at all. It means we delay God's blessings in our lives and worst, it damages our relationship with God. It moves us so far away from Him which is tantamount to gradual spiritual death.
2. By reading His word, by thinking about the actions that I make. I still have many gray areas and I am still on the process on letting God work in my life all for His glory. I want to serve Him better so that I can obey Him in that aspect of my life.
Lord, I will obey. I want to serve You and Lord, I will join the ushering ministry so that I will learn to be more humble and to be closer to people. Then, I can use my musical gift again. Lord, heal me. Heal my voice. Help me to become more like Your servant and may I always serve You well and obey You.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Crave: Psalm 119: 49-56 NIV
1.What did the psalmist do to God in verse 49? What promise has God given you that you can claim?
2.The psalmist took comfort in God’s “ancient laws.” What experience did you have with God seeing you through past circumstances?
3.How does remembering God’s promises in His Word help you persevere through tough times?
1. He asked that God would remember His promises to him from His word for those promises gave him hope. God has promised me many beautiful things that He would do in my life. I could claim each one of those. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him, He would give me a home and that He would give me hope and future. Many wonderful and lovely promises that God is working in my life right now.
2. Many. He has taken me out of self-made "graves", He has taken me out of the dark and He has been so protective that He even made ways just for me to stop all my stupidities. It was Him who orchestrated things so that I would be out of those circumstances and far away from those people who would not do me any good at all. He has lovingly admonished me and gave ways for me to just be beside Him.
3. Those promises give me hope enough for me to just move forward and enough strength for me to just go on specially when I am under the enemy's attack. I hold on to His promises for the very hope they give makes me avoid doing mistakes that would just eventually destroy my life. God has been good to me. He has been so loving and patient with me.
2.The psalmist took comfort in God’s “ancient laws.” What experience did you have with God seeing you through past circumstances?
3.How does remembering God’s promises in His Word help you persevere through tough times?
1. He asked that God would remember His promises to him from His word for those promises gave him hope. God has promised me many beautiful things that He would do in my life. I could claim each one of those. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him, He would give me a home and that He would give me hope and future. Many wonderful and lovely promises that God is working in my life right now.
2. Many. He has taken me out of self-made "graves", He has taken me out of the dark and He has been so protective that He even made ways just for me to stop all my stupidities. It was Him who orchestrated things so that I would be out of those circumstances and far away from those people who would not do me any good at all. He has lovingly admonished me and gave ways for me to just be beside Him.
3. Those promises give me hope enough for me to just move forward and enough strength for me to just go on specially when I am under the enemy's attack. I hold on to His promises for the very hope they give makes me avoid doing mistakes that would just eventually destroy my life. God has been good to me. He has been so loving and patient with me.
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