Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts

The hands that bled for me

the hands that bled for me
"The hands that cradle the stars are the hands that bled for me."

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8

It is so amazing how Jesus endured all the sufferings just to free us from the bondage of sins. He was born in a poor family and grew up being rejected by people because they do not believe that a carpenter's son is the promised Messiah. Even in His death, people chose to save a notorious prisoner (Barabbas) rather than Jesus who is not guilty of any sin. For any ordinary human being, this must be so hard to bear, but Jesus embraced His death just to save us. His love for us is indescribable. 

However, we all have taken this for granted, desensitized with all the images and movies of Christ dying on the cross. We forgot the true meaning of His sacrifice for us. In fact during holy week season, it is sad to see people tormenting themselves, walking on their knees in churches, whipping their backs, and even crucifying themselves believing that it is the only way to be forgiven from their sins.

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, 
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace."
Ephesians 1:7

Therefore, you do not need to do all these things to be forgiven and saved. We are saved by the grace of God through faith. In other words, we just have to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior to be saved. We do not depend on our good deeds to be saved, we just have to accept the gift of salvation.

I understand why it is so difficult for some of us to understand how God can just forgive, save and give blessings to those who just accept Him. This is because we are conditional beings. We are programmed to think everything has a condition because we live in a corrupt and sinful world. However, God is different. He loves unconditionally. He just wants you to acknowledge that you are a sinner, repent and turn away from your sins, and accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. It's that easy!

I believe that it is not by accident that you are reading this blog. God directed you here. If you want to be saved and invite Jesus into your life, you can say this prayer of acceptance below:

Gracious Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. 
I know that I have done a lot of things in the past that is not pleasing to You
and I have fallen short of Your glory.
Thank you that you sent Your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for my sins.
Forgive me Lord and cleanse me from all my unrighteousness.
I want to turn away from my sins and release every hatred in my heart.
I now fully receive Jesus as my personal Lord, Savior and Master.
Jesus, come into my life and reign in me.
Help me live a life that would give glory and honor to you.
In Jesus' name, I pray,  Amen.

If you wholeheartedly prayed this prayer, then rest assured that the old is gone and the new has come. You are a new creation now in Christ. God bless you!

Don't compare yourself to others

compare yourself to the scripture
Don't compare yourself to others who call themselves Christians.
Compare yourself to Scripture.

In this present time, the term 'Christian' has become more of a classification rather than a character. Being a follower of Christ in this modern society has truly become a tough road to tackle. But with the strength coming from God, all of the hurdles in life can be easily overcome.

The world might have set a standard of Christianity, but always remember to test everything you hear with the word of God. The Bible is our instruction manual on how to live our life here on earth, so we must mold ourselves with God's words and and not with what others tells us.

God bless!

Haggai: Put God first

put God first and everything will follow
"Put God first and everything will follow."

What is your priority in life? This was the first question I asked during our Bible Study last Friday, and by the way, it was my first time leading a bible study group (Yay!).

But before I continue, let me tell you that I did not enroll in a Bible college or studied theology, so everything that I say here is my own interpretation of the verses. I also did some reading and research just to be able to know more about the book.

Anyway, just to give you a small overview, Haggai was a prophet that was sent to Jerusalem in 520 B.C. This book was a collection of God's messages to the the people after they returned from exile. The Jews were actually held captive by the Babylonians for quite a long time. So when they returned, they were busy restoring their city.

Haggai 1:2-4
2 This is what the Lord Almighty says: "These people say, The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house."
3 Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai:
4 “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”

On Verse 2, the Lord already knew what the people were thinking and saying. The people were more concerned on their own houses more than the house of God. That also means that God already knows what our excuses are, our reasons, in other words, He knows our hearts.

Haggai 1:5-6
5 Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.
6 You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”

In this part, God asked them to think about their ways. Their misplaced priority has caused God to withhold their blessings. Have you ever stopped and examine your life? Did you ever feel like all your hard work doesn't pay off?

Haggai 1:9
9 “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house.

There is nothing wrong in being a hardworking person. It becomes wrong, when you put your work first before God. Human beings are selfish by nature. 

When we achieve something, we do not settle and just be contented. Instead, we strive harder and try to reach the next step. Sadly, in that process, we sometimes forget God. We fix our attention to our goals and dreams in life that we set aside God.

Prioritizing God doesn't mean we must leave our work, businesses, or studies and just focus in Church alone. What He wants is for Him to be honored and glorify in your life. Every moment of your life, you must think of Him first before deciding anything.

I know some of the workaholics there would be asking, "If I focus on the Lord, will I still be able to earn? to eat? to live?"

Haggai 1:13
13 Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: “I am with you,” declares the Lord.

In this verse, the Lord is simply saying that if you fix your eyes on Him, He will be with you, He will bless you. He will not just provide for you, but He will give you the best.

Continue being faithful in Him!

God bless you!

Do not fear, I will help you

Are you always anxious?
do not fear, I am with you
"For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you."
Isaiah 41:13

In this verse, God is assuring us that He will be with us in our every step, but we just have to let Him lead. 

Let Him take your right hand and follow Him as He guide you, and He will help you in everything. This is one of God's wonderful promises! 

So if you are stuck in a hard situation, just relax and call unto Him for help. He will surely rescue you.

God bless!

The hands that made the stars

Did you know that there are an average of 100 billion stars per galaxy?
the maker of the stars holds your heart
The hands that made the stars are holding your heart.

Multiply that 100 billion stars to about 10 billion galaxies existing in the universe (you can do the math), the numbers are incredibly massive!

That's how great our God is! And here we are, constantly worrying about our life, our future.

Do we really know what kind of God we serve?

"But Zion said, The Lord has forsaken me;
my Lord has forgotten me.
Can a woman forget her nursing child,
that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you.
Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are continually before me.
Isaiah 49:14-16

He loves you and He knows your needs. So stop worrying! Whenever you feel like there is no hope, just look up and remember that the maker of the stars is your Father and He loves you.

God bless you!

I put my trust in You

If you are in great distress right now, take time to read and reflect on this verse.
put your trust in the Lord
"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?"
Psalm 56:3-4

Psalms 56 was written when David was seized by the Philistines in Gath.
Instead of panicking, he trusted the Lord. He knew that he is the hands of a mighty God.

So if you are trapped inside tough circumstances, just cling on to Him.
Trust and have faith in the Lord.
Do not be afraid.

God bless you!

12 Bible Verses for Encouragement


There are times when we feel like giving up due to the problems we have in our life. It might be because of our work, studies, family issues, health problems, relationships, or anything that causes stress in our life.

If you are in one of these situations, do not fret, God is with you. You just have to listen to Him and read His words.

Here are 12 scriptures in the Bible that will uplift your spirit and encourage you when you are in troubled waters:

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:27

"I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."
Psalm 16:8

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
whenever you face trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith
produces perseverance."
James 1:2-3

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?"
Psalm 56:3-4

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted 
and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:17-18

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened 
and I will give you rest." 
Matthew 11:28 

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? 
If God is for us,who can be against us?" 
Romans 8:31

"You are my hiding place;you will protect me from trouble 
and surround me with songs of deliverance." 
Psalm 32:7 

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; 
He will never let the righteous be shaken." 
Psalm 55:22 

I hope you got blessed by reading His words of love for you. Just keep on praying and continue trusting in Him. He has great plans for you.

Thank you for watching! God bless you!


Stand firm in your faith

It is tough being a Christian. Everyday, you are in war with the enemy. This is because when you become closer to God, Satan works overtime to destroy that relationship.
stand firm in your faith
"the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all."
Isaiah 7:9

Being a Christian does not mean that you will live a life in a bed of roses. It means that even if you undergo trials in life, you will still trust the Lord and believe that He is in control. 

So if you feel like giving up, Stand Up! You are part of God's army. Face the enemy with confidence because God is on your side.

Onward Christian Soldier! God bless you!

Dance like David

"Then David danced before the Lord with all his might;
and David was wearing a linen ephod." 
2 Samuel 6:14

During that moment, David was so overwhelmed with joy because the Ark of God was returned to Jerusalem. The verse said that David danced before God with all his might. This means that he was jumping, leaping, whirling and rejoicing with all his strength, to the extent that his wife, Michal, who saw him dancing detested his actions.

2 Samuel 6:16 "Now as the ark of the Lord came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart."


2 Samuel 6:20 "Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!"

She ridiculed him and pointed out that he acted like he was a commoner. Michal, as a King's daughter, believed that  his dancing was improper and not honorable. However, David stood firm in his faith. He still declared that he will dance and play for the Lord because he owe everything that he has to Him.

2 Samuel 6:21-22 So David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor.”

He even added that he will even look foolish in the future when praising the Lord, but his fellow believers will still look at him with dignity because they know that he danced for God.
dance like David
When the spirit of the Lord comes upon my heart
I will dance like David danced.

Have you felt the spirit of God?
Did you ever danced like David?
Did someone criticized you like Michal?

When the presence of God prompts you to dance to express your love and gratitude for Him, just do it. Do not think of the people around you, because it is just between you and the Lord. You are made to glorify Him, so fulfill that purpose. Show your humility and reverence like David and God will bless you endlessly. Let God be the judge of those who make fun of you. 

2 Samuel 6:23 "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death."

Therefore, Dance for Him.
Play for Him.
Sing for Him.
Because you are made by Him.
And you are greatly loved by Him

God bless you!

I will be with you

Always be confident because God is with you!
God is with you always
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you."
Isaiah 43:2

God bless you.

He can make you whole

Hardships and trials are part of our daily lives.
At some point, the problems multiply and breaks us.
When this happen, just trust in Him.
God can make you whole
He can make you whole no matter what is broken in you.

Trust that he has a purpose, and that He can mend anything that is broken in your life.
Just give your life to Him.

God bless you!

The Lord is mightier.

The Lord, our God, is mightier than your troubles and problems in life.
Most of the time, we think that the waves of trials are bigger than us and that the flood of worries will drown us.
But in this verse, it is clearly stated that God is above all of these things.
God is greater and He will be able to lift you up and help you.
God is greater than all of your problems in life.
The Lord on high is mightier
Than the noise of many waters,
Than the mighty waves of the sea.
Psalm 93:4
So, if you have any problems, be it physically, mentally, financially, emotionally or spiritually, just call unto Him.
He is greater than all your problems in life.
He will calm all storms.

God bless you!


Spirit lead me

Oceans by Hillsong is one of my favorite songs.
It is said that the inspiration of this song was from Matthew 14, where Jesus called out Peter into the sea.
That moment was truly a test of faith.
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior

When God calls you, do not be afraid.
Take the leap of faith.
He will be there to catch you.

God bless!

God is in control

I know there are times were you feel like you are all alone.
At times, you do not even know what to do when you are in a difficult situation,
but God said not to be anxious.
Just pray and lift up everything to Him.
He will take care of it, just trust Him.
God is in control. Do not worry.
God is in control. Do not worry.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

God bless!

Walk by Faith

God will test you because He wants you to mature. He wants you to develop a walk with Him that is not based on your fluctuating emotions, but on your commitment to Him as you learn to walk by faith.
Greg Laurie
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
For we walk by faith, not by sight
2 Corinthians 5:7

Let us Walk and Live by Faith. :)
Have a blessed afternoon guys. God bless!

Arms High and Heart Abandoned

When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon,
my soul expands in the worship of the creator. 
Mahatma Gandhi
surrendering all to God
So I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned,
in awe of the One who gave it all.
I'll stand, my soul, Lord to You surrendered,
all I am is Yours.
The Stand

God bless you!

Bold as a Lion

The boldness of the Lion symbolizes our spiritual strength as Christians.
When we know that we are doing right by God, we are confident that God is with us.

"If we walk in righteousness He will carry us through."
A. B. Simpson
the righteous are bold
"The wicked flee when no one pursues,
But the righteous are bold as a lion."
Proverbs 28:1

Wicked people are always guilty even though there are no accusations against them, whereas, righteous people are not afraid because they know that God is on their side.
Growing spiritually does not happen overnight, it requires dedication, time, trials and hardships in life.

God molds us by putting us through rough situations, and in our little victories we mature in spirit.
So when you are in a difficult circumstance, trust that God has allowed it to make you a better Christian.
God bless you!


Here I am to Worship

“Worship is not an experience. Worship is an act, and this takes discipline. We are to worship ‘in spirit and in truth.’ Never mind about the feelings. We are to worship in spite of them.”
Elisabeth Elliot

You are my God

This song was created by Tim Hughes in the year 1999 after reading the book of Philippians and it has already been sang and covered by a number of different music artists.

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

The lyrics of the song were so wonderful and amazing, that you can feel the love of Jesus, remember His sacrifices, and experience the spirit of humility by listening to it.

God loves you and He wants you to worship Him in spirit and in truth.
I encourage you to just bow before the Lord and give Him the praises and glory that He alone deserves.

God bless you!

God is enough

God, truly, is enough for us and only through Him, we can experience fullness of Joy.
If you are one of those people that constantly seeks for something or someone in life, just take a step back and breathe.
Remember that God gave His only Son, Jesus, to die for your sins
He is, in fact, more than enough.
When we have nothing left but God, we discover that God is enough
"When we have nothing left but God, 
we discover that GOD IS ENOUGH."

Have a blessed morning!

Fear not, for I am with you

Satan wants us to walk by fear, but God wants us to walk by faith.
walk by faith
"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10