Those who fear God need not fear death

2 Timothy 4:6 (King James Version)
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.


Philippians 1:23 (New International Version)
I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;


Departure is a nautical term that suggests dying...severing ties with this world and getting to a better place where there is no more pain, sorrow, or suffering, completing the purpose for which we were made. For Christians, it is a time for joy and excitement and a hearty "Bon Voyage!"


Psalm 23:4 (New International Version)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.


John 14:1-3 (New International Version)
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.


It is like traveling to a distant land where you have never been before...there is excitement but at the same time fear of the unknown. No need for worrying because Jesus assured us that He is going there ahead to prepare a place for us and will come back and take us with Him so we may be where He is.


2 Peter 3:13 (New International Version)
But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.


10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.


11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.


The destruction of the existing earth will no longer be by flood but by fire... along with the sky above us which is the first heaven. We ought to live holy and godly lives as we look forward to the second coming of Christ who will bring us to a new heaven and a new earth.


1 Corinthians 2:9 (The New King James Version)
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."


Galatians 6:9 (The New King James Version)
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.


All we need to do is to continue living a good life, doing the will of the Father here on earth, doing good to all, especially to those who are in of the household of faith and we shall reap the reward that God has in store for us. We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ. For our citizenship is not here on earth but in heaven. We are here to learn and just passing through in our journey to heaven.


Revelations 3:5 (The New King James Version)
"He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels."


Revelation 21 (New King James Version)
1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” 6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Revelation 14:13 (New King James Version) "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'" "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."

This is the description of the New Jerusalem from Revelation 21:18 And the construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second was sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

If you knew you were dying...

If you knew you were dying, how would you spend your time? What would you say to the people you love? How would you live? Where would you go for consolation and comfort?

Proverbs 1:23 Turn at my reproof; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.

Malachi 3:7 "Yet from the days of your fathers you have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you," says the Lord of hosts.

Go back to God...make a clean slate, search your heart for any unforgiven sin. Ask the Lord, though your sins are as red as crimson, to make them as white as snow by the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, who died and paid dearly for all our iniquities. Receive the grace of forgiveness , make a complete turn around from sins, and begin to serve Him.

Malachi 3:17 "They shall be Mine," says the Lord of hosts, "on the day that I make them My jewels. 'And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him."

Serving the Lord is the best thing you can do for your life. Anyone who has kept His commandments and has served Him for a long period of time can be assured of God's mercy. He will be spared from hurting, harming or destroying...and will be taken cared of like a good son who has served him well. It is never too late to make amends with God. He can read your heart and will meet your needs halfway. The goal here is to be included in the Book of Life.

Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name.

The Lord is not far from us who search Him. Acts 17:27 "so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 "for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, "For we are also His offspring!"

Read the Bible everyday and make someone happy each day of your remaining life...in the process you will be happier because you are learning from an awesome experience and becoming a better person. Hosea 6:6 "For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."

Submit yourself to baptism in Christ. Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him...
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Tatiao Ministry...

James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

I belong to a small group of Christians gathered together for a common purpose of helping the poor citizens of Tatiao, Silang in Cavite to improve their lives. We recently parted ways but stay connected with one another thru prayer and text messaging. Human as we are, we have differences yet transparent and at the same time comfortable enough to be ourselves...no pretentions nor hidden agenda. We reach out to each other and help meet each other's needs...genuinely and sincerely concern for each other's welfare. We are more than sisters or family members because of the love that binds us together. Though apart, we are together in prayer fostering unity and strength amongst us.

I'd like to believe that God is pleased in the unity of this group thereby opening the door for His complete healing for me and eventually for a sister named Evelyn...physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I got healed of hyperthyroidism without medications. Unbelievably, my recent thyroid function tests...TSH, FT3 and FT4 are now normal. Blood pressure reading also went down from as high as 156/105 to 120/80. Next on the line is my blood glucose level which can be controlled thru exercise and proper diet...no more white flour and sugar for me from now on. I am glad my eyes are wide open now on the importance of proper nutrition and exercise to maintain good health.

When we walk in love and unity, our prayers become more effective and something supernatural takes place...God pours out His abundant blessings and healing in our lives, our needs are abundantly supplied, and we experienced deep inner joy that nothing can compare in this world. Smile is as natural as breathing...and an aura of happiness and contentment is forever etched on our faces. As our mentor, Tita Myrna Sayoc said, "If Jesus is in you, it will surely show on your face!" We all turn away from sin afraid of losing the favor of God in our lives.

Christmas if fast approaching and I believe we can be together again visiting the folks in Tatiao and giving gifts...sharing blessings and ministering to people...we surely miss each other's company. See you all soon my dearest friends...

Be healed...or your sins are forgiven

Aside from stress and depression, sin could also be the cause of psychosomatic illnesses. Read Mark 2:1-12 Four men carried a paralytic to Jesus entering from a hole at the roof of the house because of the crowd. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves: "Why does the man talk in that way?" He said to them: "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven, or to say, 'Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk again'?" The man stood and picked up his mat and went outside in the sight of every one. They were awestruck ; all gave praise to God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

Another story of healing is John 5:1-15 regarding a man healed of his infirmity at the Pool of Bethesda. Note that he had this infirmity for 38 long years. Jesus said in John 5:14 "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."

Admittedly, not all sicknesses are caused by sin, but shouldn't it be more important to treat first the soul and spirit so as to cure any accompanying psychosomatic illness? When we neglect the reading of God's Word, we invite spiritual illness. When left unattended, it affects the physical being as well. The Bible is God's prescription for the health of our soul. Read it often to maintain good health both on the spiritual and physical realms.

Proverbs 18:14 A man's spirit sustains him in infirmity - but a broken spirit who can bear?

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

If anyone of you is ill, first search your heart, ask God forgiveness for all the sins you committed and pray for complete healing of your physical body as well. He created you so He knows how to repair every inch of your body. Believe that He already heard your prayer and receive His healing. Praise and thank Him for healing you and be grateful for all the blessings you receive from Him. Do not dwell on the sickness...do not even talk about it but focus more on the healing. Day by day thank God for removing symptoms of illness...and day by day praise God for His glory.

Psalm 100:1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

We all belong to God...He made us so we are His people. It is our duty to keep His commandments...know them by heart and follow His perfect will for us. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. This is compassion or charity, and holiness, without which no one can see God.

Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

So we all need to be reconciled to God...accept that we are all sinners and ask forgiveness. 2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquites; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. This means healing, not only of the body, but most especially of the spirit and soul. It was all paid for by the blood and the stripes of Jesus.

Write this advice in your heart if you want to live long: Proverbs 3:1 My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; 2 For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.

Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.

To remain healthy, it is important for us to be joyful always in all circumstances... focus on the brighter side of life...the good things in life...so you would attract more good things because you appreciate what you already have. It is called law of attraction. "Whatever it is you are feeling is a perfect reflection of what is in the process of becoming." In the biblical sense, it is called FAITH. Without faith, you cannot please God.

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. Depression, according to a study, is the main cause of psychosomatic diseases including cancer. Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Reading the Bible will bring goodness and health to us. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Proverbs 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.

Continue to increase in knowledge and wisdom, day after day, for it is said in Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; If you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off.

It is best to start your day right by worshipping God...singing praises to Him, adoring and glorifying His most holy name, His wondrous deeds and amazing creations and thanking Him for all His goodness to us. It would be wise also to make a gratitude list or carry a gratitude stone with you wherever you go to remind you everytime you see the stone to thank God for eveything. Proverbs 28:14 Happy is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.

God commands us to be joyful always. It was mentioned in the Bible more than 200 times so it must really mean something... that we rejoice everyday of our lives. He wants us to have pure joy coming from deep inside our hearts so we can live prosperous and victorious lives as He meant to be.