Knowing God Through Love

1 John 4
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
19 We love Him because He first loved us.

There is no greater love than God's love for us. All of us have sinned but instead of condemning us, He sent His beloved Son, Jesus, to pay for all our sins. The guilt of our sins were all nailed to the cross of the Son of Man who suffered tremendously for wrongs He never committed.

Jesus laid down His life for us so we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (1 John 3:16). But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? (1 John 3:17).

If we say we love God but do not love His children, the truth is not in us (1 John 2:4). He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him (1 John 2:9-10). This is the simple test of knowing Him. If there is no love in your heart for your neighbor or for a friend, you don't really know God and, naturally, don't love Him, too.

Whoever is born of God does not sin (1 John 5:18). Why? Because if you really love God, you will not do anything to displease Him, purposely and knowingly do anything that will hurt Him. Do you hurt the one you love? Of course not! If you hurt the one you love, you will also be hurting yourself.

Lastly, whoever is born of God, keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him (1 John 5:18). Whoever loves God, keeps himself clean and shining before God's eyes, not a smear of wickedness or evil in his heart because his whole heart is covered with love for God. And love for God is the only thing that God requires of us. This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask for anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14) and protects us from evil. No harm will befall on someone who loves God dearly.

Light as a feather...

Read: 2 Samuel 6:12-23

Light as a feather...this was how David H. Roper of RBC Ministries described David when he danced before the Lord with all his might (v 14), leaping and whirling (v 16) , and offering burnt and peace offerings, and blessing the people of Israel in the name of the Lord of Hosts (v 18).

To some, like Michal or the truly conservative sectors of our generation, this would seem undignified (v 20) but to David and, to me as well, this is just an expression of his joy in communing and worshiping God, dancing and singing from the heart, showing his great love for his Master, Creator, Friend, Ally, Provider, Protector and The Most Glorious Father in all of heaven and earth.

How wonderful it is to feel "light as a feather", no more heavy and worrisome baggages in tow, spirit flying up high seemingly reaching the highest of heavens, buoyant and free, displaying a somewhat youthful exuberance, exhilarating with joy and laughter, cheerful and singing as the birds of the air, showing love to everyone, floating aimlessly and carefree, feeling the warmth of God's embrace...WOW! that's the most amazing experience ever!

Click this website and keep falling in love with Him again...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uHlxvkJWfw

Free Will

Deut. 30
19 "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;"
20 "that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."

1 Thes. 2
10 You are witnesses , and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;
11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,
12 that you would have a walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

It is really a matter of choice...everyday we are to choose between evil and good...in small and great things...heaven and earth are our witnesses and also God...whatever we choose builds our character that eventually directs our own destiny...consequences of our choices in life.

Isaiah 1
19 "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;
20 "but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword"; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Isaiah 30
1 "Woe to the rebellious children," says the Lord, "who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin;
2 "who walk to go down to Egypt, and have not asked My advice, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!"

There are consequences for our every action...blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Tough times make you lose your perspective so it is important that we pray unceasingly and immerse ourselves in God's Word, reading it day and night that we may receive counsel from God and devise our plans under the guidance of His Spirit strengthening the core of our heart by trusting only God and not man nor material wealth. We are totally responsible for all our actions. No one can assume responsibility for our sins nor can we point a finger to someone else who persuades us to commit a sin like Adam did, pointing his finger to Eve as the one who gave him the fruit of the forbidden tree...and Eve pointing her finger to the serpent as the one who deceived her and made her eat the fruit (Gen. 3:12-13).

It is character that determines who you are...a child of God or a child of His enemy, the devil. The Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts (1 Chro. 28:9). The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you (2 Chro. 15:2). God is on the side of those who know His heart and mind and do His will. He is on the side of those who love Him with all of their hearts, mind, soul and strength. Nalulugod Siya sa mga taong nagmamahal sa Kanya ng higit sa anumang bagay o tao dito sa mundo maging sa langit man...at kapag nalugod Siya sa iyo, wala Siyang hindi ibibigay sa iyo. Magtatagumpay ka sa lahat ng iyong gagawin at mananatili ang Kanyang biyaya sa iyo sa habang panahon.

Read Genesis 39:7-12...kung paanong ipinakita ni Joseph ang magandang ehemplo ng isang may mabuting ugali na tumatalikod sa tukso para mapatunayan niya ang pagmamahal at pagsunod sa Diyos. Sa huli, biniyayaan siya ng Diyos dahil sa kanyang katapatan.

Character is being bigger on the inside than on the outside...growing more and more into the image of Christ, abstaining from every form of evil (1 Thes. 5:22) and choosing integrity rather than the pleasures of this world. We must decrease and Jesus increase in us, choosing a life of excellence and favor from God...then our heavenly Father will pour out His blessings on us as we continue to honor and love Him with all our heart.

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. — 1 Corinthians 10:31



Quoting from the Daily Bread message for today:





"Blaise Pascal, the brilliant 17th century intellectual, made significant contributions in the fields of science and mathematics. He established the groundwork for the development of mechanical calculators and modern hydraulic operations. "



"As a young man, Pascal had a profound encounter with Jesus Christ. This life-changing experience motivated him to refocus his study from science and math to theology. "



"Pascal wrote a remarkable prayer that can help each believer in facing the tasks of life. He prayed: 'Lord, help me to do great things as though they were little, since I do them with Your power; and little things as though they were great, since I do them in Your name.'"



"Pascal’s supplication is profoundly scriptural. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13) and admonishes us that “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Pascal echoes these admonitions to depend upon God for His power and to view every act as important, since it will reflect on His glory. "



"The next time you face a huge task, remember that God is your strength. And when you encounter a seemingly insignificant one,determine to do it with excellence to the glory of God. "— Dennis Fisher

Message from God for me today:


I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, and most importantly, whatever I do, small or great, I do all to the glory of God.

This message is very timely as I am taking care of my 83-year old father who suddenly was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Symptoms include not being able to remember current events in his life, inability to do simple tasks, unjustified suspicions in his mind, and sometimes, temper tantrums not wanting to be controlled in any way thinking that he is always right despite his memory problem.


It is difficult to take care of someone who is undergoing depression, not wanting to eat normally, insisting that something occurred but only in his mind, experiencing incontinence and hard of hearing...to name a few. Preparing his meal is already a daunting task because he cannot grind his food, and still, he is choosy on what he wants to eat making it hard for anyone to decide on what to offer him, be it juice or supplemental drink. He sleeps most of the time waking up only during meal times and merienda...but wakes up in the middle of the night to request for something to eat and before you can prepare it, he is already sleeping while sitting near the dinner table...and then waking you up again at 3 a.m. to replace his diaper. Day in and day out this is the routine, and if this happens in a very long time, you may either give up or lose your own sanity.



Promise of God for my life:



God will strengthen me and keep me sane all throughout the ordeal...even though lacking in sleep I will fly like an eagle and work, and still sing a joyful song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord...because in retrospect, this is not an ordeal but an opportunity to do good for someone who had taken cared of me when I was young and frail of health.



Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right, 2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: 3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."



Paraphrasing...taking good care of a parent has a promise attached to it: I will have long life and enjoy it as well.



The command to obey:



Do all things through Christ and for the glory of God...whether it be cleaning the toilet and taking care of the soiled diapers full of weewee and pooh-pooh, whatever you call it.



Personal application:



Smile though your heart is aching, smile even though its breaking...click this website and sing with me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXUYO7NpcEU


Scripture verses to memorize:



I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13) and whatever I do, I do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).



Prayer for today:



Whatever work I have to do O God, I will supply the willingness, but please, O please I beg of You supply the POWER, the PATIENCE, the JOY and whatever is needed to fulfill the job. In Jesus name, I pray with thanksgiving and praise to my AWESOME GOD. Amen & amen.

Do you really love God?

"Do you love Me?...Feed My sheep." - John 21:17

Three times Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love Me? Peter answered, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." Each time, Jesus answered, "Feed My Sheep."

If you were to prove your love for God, how would you do it? Where would you start? How well do you know Him?

If you really love a person, you want to know more about him...specifically know all details about him...when and where he was born, names of his close family or loved ones, favorite food, number one drink, favorite music, movies he loves to watch, places where he wants to go, activities he likes to do...because you are interested in whatever he does and what would please him. If you go to school together, the first thing you do upon reaching school is to look for him, you are not contented with just chatting with him over the phone, you couldn't get enough of him that you want to be near him always...just hearing his voice makes you glad inside...and oh, the letters he wrote to you, you would read them not just once or twice but five times or even more. You would even kiss the name that he signed!

Now, let us go back to the question, do you really love God? How well do you know Him? Do you talk to Him unceasingly? Do you seek Him every moment of your life? Do you read His love letters to you?...with passion and love, printing them in your heart that you memorize every word...even the dots and exclamation point! Do you know what would please Him? Do you know what would bring about His wrath? LOVE is all that He requires of you. If you really, really love Him, you will feed His sheep. But how can you feed His sheep if you, yourself, are not fed with His Word every single day of your life? If someone will ask you as a Christian, if you know God, can you truly and honestly say that you know Him intimately as a child of God. If you knew Him, you would hear even His whisper. If not, you have to ask yourself, "Is there any area in my life that is not pleasing to Him?" "Do I still have unforgiven sins?" A sin, no matter how small, can contaminate your whole soul as a tiny bacteria can do to a water no matter how pure. Ask forgiveness from God, and by the cleansing of the precious blood of Jesus on your whole being, body and soul...you can be free from the bondage of sin and remove the wall between you and God...so you can freely worship Him with joy in your heart.

Colossians 3
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

May you continue to grow and increase in the knowledge of God...because the more you know Him, the more you will love Him. All the laws and commandments of God are summed up in just one word, and that is LOVE (Galatians 5:14). If you love God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your strength, you will love and feed His sheep (John 21:17). Love is the motivating factor that will sustain you and help you fulfill your duty as a Christian and as a creation of God.

Preparation For Your Encounter

Imus Unida Christian Church
Gen. J. Castaneda St., Imus, Cavite

Pre-Encounter Lesson No. 4
(Every participant will be prayed over by those handling the seminar and will have to sign a registration form after Lesson No. 4)

This lesson will tell you exactly what you need to do to get ready for your Encounter Weekend. Read it carefully, and be sure to ask any remaining questions you may have. Above all, prepare your heart to receive. YOU ARE ABOUT TO ENCOUNTER GOD!

What practical preparations should I make to get ready for my Encounter Weekend?

In the days preceding your Encounter, you will, of course, take care of those ordinary things that we all have to deal with. You will want to make sure that you leave your families on the right note. Leave your home in order, with all details taken care of. It is important that your family members understand where you are going and why, and are prepared to take care of themselves in your absence.

Ladies, see that your children will have proper supervision while you are gone. Clean the house and do the laundry. Make sure your husband and children have something to eat. You want to do whatever you can to make it easy for them while you are gone. Husbands, if you are the one going on the Encounter, leave your homes in order, too. Fill the car with gas, mow the grass, and tend to those little things that you've been meaning to get around to. The main idea is to leave home on a good note, with no room for the devil to plant a seed of resentment in your loved ones because you did not provide them before leaving.

Most importantly, do not leave home angry with a family member. Resolve any problem before going on your Encounter so that you will be free to concentrate on what the Lord wants to do in you. You want to do everything within your power to make sure that you arrive at the retreat center free of worry, anxiety, or unresolved issues concerning your family.

Another point to make here deals with your employment. Make all arrangements at work sufficiently in advance. If you need to leave early, get permission. Be honest and upfront with your employer about where you are going and why. Most people are happy to work with you. If you have a difficult employer, don't yield to the temptation to use deceit or manipulation to get what you want. Trust God to make a way for you at the right time in the right way as you conduct yourself in the right manner.

What things should I bring to the Encounter?

What you take on your Encounter will depend on the particular facilities where you are supposed to stay. You will be told ahead of time what you will need. (If at Cliffside in Tagaytay, you will have to bring bedsheet or kumot and a small pillow plus jacket or pang ginaw because it is cool in Tagaytay especially at night.) Generally speaking, you will want to bring your Bible, pen and paper, personal toiletries, casual clothing, and comfortable shoes. (Don't forget to bring your medicines, too.)

Even more important than what you bring is what not to bring. It is best to leave at home such things as i-pod, games, cell phones, or anything else that might distract you from the purpose of the Encounter. Remember: You are not there for the purpose of entertainment. You have a divine appointment, and don't let anything distract you from that purpose.

How do I prepare myself spiritually for the Encounter?

Even more important than the physical preparations are the spiritual ones necessary to ensure that you have a good Encounter. The most important thing you can do to get yourself ready is to consciously develop an attitude of openness and transparency before the Lord. In the days leading up to the Encounter, make a deliberate step of surrender to the Lord and whatever He wants to do. Ask the Holy Spirit to remove preconceived ideas from your mind and to enable you to go as an empty vessel waiting to be filled. Allow the Lord to stir up expectancy in you that you will indeed encounter Him on your weekend. (It is better to start on a clean slate than to have preconceived ideas in mind to allow God to fill you up to the brim with His Word.)

What is deliverance, and will I experience it on the Encounter?

When we use the word deliverance, we are referring to action undertaken by God on our behalf to set us free from something. There are many examples in the New Testament where Jesus delivered people from the power of the devil. Some involved those who were literally demon-possessed (Luke 8:26-36), while others involved those who were oppressed with sickness, disease, or affliction (Matthew 9:20-22). But whatever the condition, a person who had been bound by some torment was totally liberated when he encountered the mighty power of God.

Many people today have a mistaken idea concerning deliverance. Their view of it has been formed by movies and books that sensationalize graphic aspects of the process. Consequently, these people have become fearful even at the mention of the word deliverance. What they fail fo realize is the end result of deliverance: a life set free to love and serve the living God.

When you go on your Encounter, you probably will experience deliverance of some kind. Everyone has areas of his life that need a freeing touch from the Lord. For most people, it is a quiet, internal thing, but some people do have more observable reactions. You can take confidence in the fact that those ministering to you on the Encounter have been trained and have experience in seeing the captives set free. No matter what happens, if you keep your heart fixed on Jesus and His purpose for you, you will not be distracted by what goes on around you.

As you Encounter Weekend unfolds, you will be taught the reasons why people become bound, the causes of curses and how to break them, the need for forgiveness to obtain deliverance, the role of rebellion and the wrong words in bringing destruction, and many other such things. Your leaders will pray with and for you, and you will experience the freeing touch of the Lord in your life. So, get ready! You are indeed about to ENCOUNTER GOD!

(I am sharing these pre-encounter lessons for those who would like to experience an Encounter with God but, in some ways, cannot complete the pre-encounter lessons...carefully review them and write the important messages in your heart...because what the mind cannot remember, the heart will never forget!)

God bless you all!

The Importance of Encountering God

Imus Unida Christian Church
Gen. J. Castaneda St., Imus, Cavite

Pre-Encounter Lesson No. 3

You are now to the point in your new life in Christ where you are ready to encounter God in a very special way. You have made a decision to follow Him; you have taken the important step of being water-baptized; you are learning how to commune with the Father. Now it's time to prepare yourself for a life-changing experience that we call the Encounter.

What is an Encounter?

An Encounter is a divine appointment with God. It is a specific time in your life when God "shows up" on your behalf. It is marked by His presence, His power, and His deliverance. When you encounter God, you are forever changed by the experience.

The Scriptures show many instances of individuals who had their own special encounters with God. Consider Jacob, who after wrestling with the angel at Peniel said, " I have seen God face to face" (Genesis 32:30). After that experience, Jacob's very name was changed, noting the transforming power of his encounter, and he forever after walked with a limp as a reminder of the night he wrestled with the angel of the Lord. In the New Testament, person after person was radically changed as each came into contact with Jesus. Because of encountering Him, sick bodies were healed, tormented minds were set free, blind eyes were opened, and even the dead raised to life. There is truly no end to what can happen when a person encounters God.

In our batch, most experienced inner joy beyond compare with anything in this world. Why? Because there was indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our body releasing all of us from the bondages of sin, hatred, unforgiveness, feeling of uncleanness...and replacing them with pure love, compassion, goodness and mercy and all the fruits of the Spirit...making our hearts unspotted and white as snow by the cleansing of the blood of Jesus, our Saviour and Redeemer. There was euphoria that everyone's face seemed shining and on fire for God.

Although God is the One who initiates the encounter, you have an important part to play in the process. Make yourself available to God and to be willing to cooperate with Him in whatever He wishes to do in your life. Your attitude must be one of surrender, acknowledging Him as the potter who has the right to do with you whatever He chooses. If you will entrust yourself to Him, take the step of going on an Encounter, and maintain an open heart, you will have your own uniquely special existence with God. And just like all the people in the Bible, you will never be the same!

What are some barriers that might prevent me from having an encounter with God?

When you go on an Encounter, you must first prepare your heart so that you will be in the position to receive everything that God has for you. Many things will try to distract you from your purpose, but decide ahead of time that nothing will stop you from having your encounter with God. Here are a few examples that you might need to deal with:

• Personal relationships - Sometimes those we love the most, such as our families and friends, are our greatest hindrance in following God. You must determine to follow your Saviour, no matter what (Matthew 16:24-25). You must give Him free reign to change you and mold you into His image without worrying about what others will think of you. You must put Him first, before all others (Mark 3:31-35, 10:29-30). When you go on your Encounter, therefore, lay aside all thoughts of those you are leaving at home. The Lord will take care of them as you turn your face towards Him. If you bring the problems of home or relationships with you into your Encounter, you will be distracted from what God wants to do in you.
• Personal plans and ambition - Are you going on this Encounter with an agenda of your own? Do you want God to work in your life, but only in certain areas and ways? Are you trying to dictate to God what to do and how to do it? To truly encounter the Lord, you must lay aside preconceived ideas of what God may or may not do. You have to die to yourself (John 12:24) and be open and transparent before Him. If you will do this, God will move in powerfully and accomplish the work He wants to do. (It is better to start with a clean slate rather than with preconceived notions and ideas that will clutter your mind and distract you from receiving the full messages of this personal Encounter with God.)
• Personal possessions - The things you own can mean too much to you. Every good thing you have was given to you by God (James 1:17), however, and He is more able to take care of your things while you are away on an Encounter. The Word of God is clear. If you seek Him and His kingdom, He will take care of you and provide for your needs (Matthew 6:33). Nothing is so valuable as to be of more worth than encountering the living God. (I rephrased the verse to simply mean God saying this to you: "Deal with my concerns and I'll deal with all your concerns." And remember always that nothing is too difficult for God!)

What are the effects of an Encounter?

The effects of an Encounter are many and varied, depending on what God specifically does in your heart. You may experience a freedom that you've never known before, a new confidence in God's love for you, a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit, and boundless joy in the goodness of God. But whatever happens we find that many people experience the following changes:

• Repentance - (Psalm 51:3-4) - At the Encounter, most people will come face-to-face with their own sinfulness and need for forgiveness. All of us have sinned and need to periodically examine our hearts for any areas that are not pleasing to God. The Encounter provides the perfect time and place to get right with God in any way you need to. The repentance will be characterized by a change in life and attitude, not just by sorrow or emotional feelings of regret.
• New direction - (Matthew 4:18-20) - When Peter and Andrew, ordinary fishermen, encountered Jesus, their lives took a drastic new direction. They left behind all the old and familiar, and launched out into the deep waters of following the Lord. It can be the same for you. The Encounter is an opportunity for you to start on a new course, no matter what your past has been like.
• Transformed character - (Genesis 32:1-8, 27-28) - When Jacob had an encounter with the Lord, his relationship with his brother Esau changed. Even his very name changed. You will be forever changed in your innermost being if you will allow the Lord to have His way with you at the Encounter.
• Renewed love (John 21:14-19) - In the New Testament, Peter boldly declared that he was willing to follow the Lord even to death, but as the story unfolds, He denies the Lord three times. Then after Jesus' resurrection, Peter was restored and given a place of authority. He was given a second chance to prove Himself, and prove Himself he did as mightily evidenced in the book of Acts. God will give you a second chance, too. If you let Him have His way with you on the Encounter, you will find yourself falling in love with Him all over again, and you will be able to walk with the fire of your "first love" into the new path He has for you.

"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14). All the laws and commandments of God are summed up in just one word, and that is LOVE. If you love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, you can be sure that you won't purposely do anything that would displease Him even one bit...because that would strain your relationship with Him and separate you from the One you love the most. Three times Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love Me?" Peter answered, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." Each time, Jesus answered, "Feed My Sheep."

Jesus asked His questions to underscore the essential truth that only love for Christ would sustain us to follow His footsteps...to thread on the very path that He took...never going off the railroad track that He wanted us to go...straight from start to finish...carefully and out of love for Him.

Jesus did not ask Peter if he loved His sheep, but if he loved Him. Affection for God's people in itself will not sustain us. There would always be problems along the way...His sheep can be unresponsive, unappreciative, and harshly critical of our efforts to love and serve them. In the end, we will find ourselves defeated and discouraged.

Love for God is the only motivating factor that will never fade away, not even in the worst circumstances. Anyone who loves God so dearly will remain unspotted in this world...pure of heart and can be trusted to do the arduous, demanding work of caring for His sheep...the people's souls, the very reason Jesus was crucified and suffered tremendously on the cross of calvary. It will enable us to stay the course, to be within boundaries, to walk on the very footsteps of Jesus, never going to the right nor left but staying on track despite the hustles and bustles of life. It is the love for God that will enable us to love His children and to continue feeding the flock of God. Jesus now is asking you, "Do you love Me? Feed My sheep."

Love and Obedience Rewarded

Deuteronomy 11 (New King James Version)

1 “Therefore you shall love the LORD your God, and keep His charge, His statutes, His judgments, and His commandments always.
2 Know today that I do not speak with your children, who have not known and who have not seen the chastening of the LORD your God, His greatness and His mighty hand and His outstretched arm—
3 His signs and His acts which He did in the midst of Egypt, to Pharaoh king of Egypt, and to all his land;
4 what He did to the army of Egypt, to their horses and their chariots: how He made the waters of the Red Sea overflow them as they pursued you, and how the LORD has destroyed them to this day;
5 what He did for you in the wilderness until you came to this place;
6 and what He did to Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, their households, their tents, and all the substance that was in their possession, in the midst of all Israel—
7 but your eyes have seen every great act of the LORD which He did.
8 “Therefore you shall keep every commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land which you cross over to possess,
9 and that you may prolong your days in the land which the LORD swore to give your fathers, to them and their descendants, ‘a land flowing with milk and honey.’ 10 For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden;
11 but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven,
12 a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.
13 ‘And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the LORD your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul,
14 then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil.
15 And I will send grass in your fields for your livestock, that you may eat and be filled.’
16 Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them,
17 lest the LORD’s anger be aroused against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and the land yield no produce, and you perish quickly from the good land which the LORD is giving you.
18 “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
19 You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
20 And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,
21 that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth.
22 “For if you carefully keep all these commandments which I command you to do—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him—
23 then the LORD will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess greater and mightier nations than yourselves.
24 Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory. 25 No man shall be able to stand against you; the LORD your God will put the dread of you and the fear of you upon all the land where you tread, just as He has said to you.
26 “Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse:
27 the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today;
28 and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known.
29 Now it shall be, when the LORD your God has brought you into the land which you go to possess, that you shall put the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal.
30 Are they not on the other side of the Jordan, toward the setting sun, in the land of the Canaanites who dwell in the plain opposite Gilgal, beside the terebinth trees of Moreh?
31 For you will cross over the Jordan and go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you, and you will possess it and dwell in it. 32 And you shall be careful to observe all the statutes and judgments which I set before you today.

What is the whole essence of Deuteronomy 11?

There is blessing if you obey the commandment of God and curse if you don't obey (vv 27-28)...curse that may be transferred unto the 3rd and 4th generation.

What is the commandment?

Love the Lord your God, walk in His ways, and hold fast to Him (v 22)...love the Lord your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul (v 13)

What then will be the blessings for obedience to God?

• you may be strong, and go in and possess the land (v 8)
• you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord swore to give your fathers, to them and their descendants, ' a land flowing with milk and honey' (v 9); your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth (v 21)
• the eyes of the Lord will be always on the land that He gave to you from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year for He cares for it (v 12)
• God will provide rain in its season at the perfect time when your land needs rain (v 14)
• He will send grass in your fields for your livestock, that you may eat and be filled (v 15)
• God will drive out nations before you, and you will dispossess greater and mightier nations than yourselves (v 23)
• every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours; it shall be your territory (v 24)
• God shall be your protector; He will fight for you (v 25)

What must we do to be able to obey God?

• lay up God's words in your heart and in your soul (v 18)
• bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes (v 18)
• teach them to your children, speaking to them always (v 19)
• write them on the doorposts of your house and your gates (v 20)
• carefully keep all His commandments (v 22)

What are some of the curses for disobedience?

• long drought followed by months of famine...God shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and the land yield no produce,
• and you perish quickly from the good land which the Lord is giving you (v 17)

What provokes God's wrath?

Worshiping idols aroused God's anger..."Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods, and worship them (v 16), lest the Lord's anger be aroused against you, ...."(v 17)

Summary:

"Therefore you shall love the Lord your God, and keep His charge, His statutes, His judgments, and His commandments always." (v 1). Our loving God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, there is no shadow of turning...He won't change because He is already perfect in His ways. What He promised to the Israelites for obeying His commandments are also true for us, His living children in today's world. He will provide for our every need and will protect us always.

The above was the teaching last Wednesday, August 5, 2009, for our cell group Bible Study held at Agape Center in Alpha House, Imus, Cavite where we also celebrated Ate Leony's 61st birthday. Click this website for pictures: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j1EXKVI7Jo

May God bless us all. . . Amen & amen.

Communion With God

Imus Unida Christian Church
Gen. J. Castaneda St., Imus, Cavite

Pre-Encounter Lesson No. 2

Now that you are a child of God and have taken the step of being water baptized, what's next? You know you have a relationship with God as your Father, but do you really know what that means? As a son or daughter of God, you have the awesome privelege of actually getting to commune with Him. It means you get to be a part of what God is doing, to share in His work here on earth. It implies a close, intimate fellowship with the very God of the universe! Pretty mind-boggling, isn't it?

Kung ikaw ay anak ng Diyos, kapag pinaiyak ka ninuman, mananagot sila sa Tatay mo.



God wants to have fellowship with you!

The all-powerful God of the universe desires to have a close, intimate relationship with you. He wants to be involved in all aspects of your life, and He wants you to willingly share your life with Him. He even made you in His image so that He could have fellowship with you (Genesis 5:1b). Because of His great love for you, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in you so that you could always have communion with Him (John 14:16-17).


Many Scriptures tell us how much God longs to have true intimacy with us. You might want to read some of them, such as Exodus 25:22, John 14:20-23, Revelation 3:20, and many more. But the point of all these verses is the fact that our God is so personal and interested in us that He wants to have an ongoing, vibrant relationship with us.


Hindi ba dapat lamang na ibigay mo sa Kanya ang pinakamahalagang oras sa buhay mo, hindi iyong tira-tira lamang na kung minsa'y wala na ngang matira pang oras para sa Kanya na halos ipikit mo na ang mga mata mo sa sobrang pagod sa pagtatrabaho upang kumita ng malaki. Maalala mo pa kayang Siya'y kausapin kapag inaantok ka na?

What is communion with God?

When the Bible talks about having communion with God, it is generally referring to the idea of a partnership. In other words, it is a reciprocal relationship between you and God. You give to Him, and He gives to you. He gives to you, and you give to Him. And so the relationship goes. Communion is not a one-sided relationship. By its very nature, it involves active sharing and give-and-take between the parties involved. It's similar to what goes on in a healthy marriage. Each partner shares his life with the other. Each looks for ways to bless the other, to encourage, and to build up. And in the relationship, love is the motivating factor. You share with one another and partner together because you love each other, not because you "have to". It's not some kind of legalistic relationship, but one based on your love and commitment to each other.

When you have true communion with someone, you are interested in what interests him and vice versa. It's the same in your relationship with God. If you desire communion with Him, you will want to involve yourself in those things that interest Him, and He, in turn, will involve Himself in your life (Matthew 6:33). Look below and see what kinds of things God wants you to be involved with:

• Making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)
• Working in the harvest (1 Corinthians 3:9)
• Praying diligently and persistently (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• Supporting the work of the Lord (Malachi 3:10, Galatians 6:6)
• Maintaining a simple, heartfelt relationship with Him (Micah 6:8)

As you involve yourself in your Father's business, He becomes involved in your affairs. Look at some of the things He does for you when you delight yourself in Him:

• Provides for all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
• Rewards you for your sacrifice (Mark 10:29)
• Heals your body (Isaiah 53:4)
• Forgives all your sins (Psalms 103:3)
• Sets you free from the enemy (Luke 4:18-19)
• Protects you (Proverbs 2:8)
• Comforts you (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
• Fights for you (Joshua 23:10-11)
• Helps you in your weakness (Romans 8:26)
• Gives you guidance and wisdom (James 1:5)
• Fills you with peace (Isaiah 26:3)

I have never seen a much better deal than the above. What God basically wants is this: "Deal with my concerns and I'll deal with your concerns." Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and everything...I repeat, EVERYTHING will be added unto you. Which do you think is more important? ...seeking His kingdom and His righteousness or that which is added unto you? Of course, the first is heavier on the scale...if you do His will, all your concerns... meaning problems, diseases, needs, and even wants will be attended to by no less than God Himself. Isn't that a great deal? You don't have to worry anymore...and everything will fall perfectly into place at the perfect time by the perfect God who created this universe. Is there anything too difficult for Him?

Can I lose my fellowship and communion with God?

In the beginning, God created man to have unbroken, intimate communion with Him. Man, however, through his disobedience in the Garden of Eden, forfeited his right to communion with God. But our gracious God provided a way for that communion to be restored when He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. You are born into God's kingdom when you decide to follow Jesus, but you will not be able to sustain your new life in Him unless you learn how to have communion with Him. This is why it is so important to know what things can destroy your communion. A few are listed below:

• Willfully continuing in sin - None of us is perfect, and we will all do something wrong from time to time. But the Holy Spirit will convict you of sin, and when He does, it is your responsibility as a child of God to respond. Quickly confess your wrongdoing, turn from it, and believe that you have received the Father's forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Then go on joyfully serving your God. However, if you willfully refuse to repent or if you make a conscious choice to continue in sin, you will break your fellowship with the Lord.
• Harboring unforgiveness - A refusal to forgive those who have hurt you can also hinder your ability to have communion with God. The Scriptures are clear in commanding us to forgive (Matthew 6:14-15, 18:21-22; Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness is a decision you make to release someone who has sinned against you. It is not based on emotion, but rather is a conscious decision of your will to extend to others the same forgiveness that God extended to you. Refusing to forgive will lead to bitterness and destruction in your life, as well as cutting off your fellowship with God.
• Being overly involved in the affairs of the world - Although you have to live in this world, you are not to be part of it (John 17:6). As a Christian, you must guard your heart and the things that pull at you for attention. If you spend all your time in worldly pursuits and pleasures, seeking only to entertain yourself and others, you will soon notice a distance between you and God. Your mind and heart will become dull to the things of God, and you won't be aware of His presence in your life. If you find that God seems far away and you can't hear His voice, check yourself and see if maybe you have let yourself become too involved in earthly pleasures.

It is much like a cellphone na malabo na ang signal...ni hindi mo na marinig ang kausap mo sa kabilang linya...ibig sabihin lang may balakid sa inyong dalawa ng Diyos. Ayusin mo muna ito para maibalik ang magandang koneksyon mo sa Diyos...dahil kung wala Siya hindi ka magtatagumpay sa anumang layunin mo sa buhay...nguni't kapag konektado ka sa Diyos, parang kuryente yan na walang patid ang pagbibigay ng lakas at biyaya para sa iyo.

What can I do to maintain communion with God?

There are many things you can do to make sure you keep the channel open between yourself and God. Just a few of them are listed below:

• Meditate on God and all He has done - Psalm 63:6, 143:5
• Make prayer a regular part of your life - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
• Cultivate an attitude of gratitude - Philippians 4:4
• Maintain fellowship with other believers - Hebrews 10:25
• Participate in the Lord's Supper - 1 Corinthians 10:16

Communion with God is the greatest privelege of the believer. As you grow in your ability to spend time with Him, you will find yourself craving communion with Him more and more. You will move beyond a narrow, legalistic view of God into a knowledge of Him as Father and Friend. You will be forever changed from "glory to glory" as you revel in the awesome presence of a loving Heavenly Father who longs to have communion with you. So make a commitment today to learn how to draw near to God in that secret place where sweet communion awaits.

The Greatest Gift

1 Corinthians 13 (New King James Version)

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Eric Liddell, a former gold medal champion at the Olympic games, who spent the last 20 years of his life as a missionary teacher and rural pastor, paraphrased 1 Corinthians 13:6-8 as follows: "Love is never glad when others go wrong. Love finds no pleasure in injustice, but rejoices in the truth. Love is always slow to expose, it knows how to be silent. Love is always eager to believe the best about a person. Love is full of hope, full of patient endurance; love never fails."

A daughter was having problems with her dad because he wouldn't want to wear his hearing aid, thus he couldn't hear a word she was saying. He is alredy 83 years old, with cataract on both eyes, problem with incontinence, acid-reflux and other ailments. "If only he wears his hearing aid, there wouldn't be much of a problem taking care of him", she said in her mind while accompanying him to a bank where he transacts his pension every month. As if in response to her, a woman wearing a yellow t-shirt passed by her side and the printed bold and black letters at the back of the t-shirt talked loudly to the daughter, "If you listen with your heart, you can hear the deaf speaking." It was odd, she read it over and over again...thinking there was a mistake. But the message was true and deep...sooo deep it would make you think twice. The old man has difficulty in hearing, it is impolite to raise your voice so he could hear you... the proper thing to do is go near to the right ear that is still working and talk normally on that ear...simple solution! You have to love the person to be able to communicate with him easily. If you use your compassion and your heart in talking to him, he would hear you and there would be no misunderstanding whatsoever. Love conquers all even the hard of hearing.

Application of Lesson No. 1

Set a specific time for devotion...it is best to start very early in the morning when your mind is fresh and ready to receive a message from God. Close your eyes and ears that you may focus on God who has been waiting for you to talk to Him. Praise Him for all the blessings you received and the blessings to come. Sing a joyful song for Him from the heart. He will be glad to hear you sing.

Now, let me take you to a tour of the Gospel of John starting with Chapter 1:

John 1 (New King James Version)
John 1
The Eternal Word 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Meditate on the above verses. Who was being referred here as the Eternal Word? Have you ever wondered why the exact date of the birth of Jesus was not mentioned in the whole Bible? It is because He has no beginning, no one created Him...He was co-Creator with Father God...He was with Father God in the beginning and He was God. We were made through Him and for Him. In Him was life...we, Christians, were all dead to sin...and now have a new life because of Him. He was the light of men...He guides us like a lighthouse in the middle of the sea...without His guiding Word in the Bible, we will all lose our way to destruction. People who are righteous draw near to the Light that shines brightly in the darkness of this world...but evil men would not want the light because their deeds would be exposed and they, being dead to sin, did not comprehend nor understand what the Word teaches...and they remain in darkness.

John’s Witness: The True Light 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John the Baptist was sent to this world to bear witness to the Light, the True Light...Jesus, that all might believe in Him. Jesus was the true Light which guides every man being born here in this world. He was in the world as a man but the Spirit inside Him was God...but the world did not know Him as God. Even His own sisters and brothers thru Mary did not believe that He was God and did not receive Him as God. To the apostles and those who received and believed in Him, He gave the right to become children of God. To those who do not believe in Jesus as God, they reject the Word of God, and those who reject the Word of God, rejects the Father who sent Him. But those who received Jesus, were born again, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. It is God who calls us to become His children through the teachings of the Jesus in the Bible. When you become more and more interested in the Word of God...that means God is already calling you to become His child, a newborn man with the Holy Spirit in him...and if you are already His child, the evil one cannot touch you.

The Word Becomes Flesh 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’” 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

Jesus, the Word, came into this world as a son of Mary...in the flesh but inside his body was God, the only Son begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Jesus, in the flesh, was the Son of Mary but Jesus, the God, was the only Son begotten of the Father. He, as God, existed before Mary was created so Mary cannot be called the Mother of God...the mother of the Son of man, Jesus, yes! ...but not the mother of God. The ten commandments were given to Moses for all the Israelites, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. The Israelites were under the law of Moses...anyone who violated one of these laws would be under the wrath of God...as a consequence or curse for committing a sin against God...but we are under the grace and truth through Jesus Christ. Grace is free...given to all who believe in the Son as Saviour and Lord...humbling themselves, accepting they are sinners and asking forgiveness for all their sins, small and great, washing them all and purifying their hearts by the most precious blood of Jesus that poured out on the cross of Calvary. No one has seen the Father, not a soul...but only the Son Jesus who came out from the Father's bosom and was with the Father in the beginning of this world. To know Jesus and to love Him is to know the Father who sent Him.

A Voice in the Wilderness 19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said: “I am ‘ The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “ Make straight the way of the LORD,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.” 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

When asked about our faith, do we deny what we believe in? ...or we just keep silent afraid that others wouldn't accept us because of our faith. When John was asked by the priests and Levites, he confessed and did not deny his faith but told them he was not the Christ. He was the voice of one crying in the wilderness to make straight the way of the Lord. I am also a voice trying to lay down the foundation, others will build on it, but God will give life and make it grow from a miniature seed to a full grown tree that would give shade and fruits that others may live. John baptized with water but Jesus whom they did not know came after him, preferred or much better than him, whose sandal strap he was not worthy to loose. John was a humble man and knew who Jesus was and prepared the way for Him.

The Lamb of God 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ 31 I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.” 32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

John saw Jesus and he knew and declared that He was the Lamb of God who could take away the sin of the world. He proclaimed to them all that Jesus existed before he was born. John did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to all Israelites. John came baptizing with water and he bore witness saying he saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Jesus. God the Father, who sent John baptizing with water, revealed to him that upon whom the Spirit descended and remained on Him, He was the One who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. John further testified that Jesus was the Son of God. This is a definitive testimony from John, the Baptist, of the existence of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

The First Disciples 35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).

When you seek Jesus with all your heart, you will find Him...and He will let you see who He really is. He might even change your name...because there is power in a name. What you are often called will become a reality later on.

Philip and Nathanael 43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe?

You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Jesus knew Nathanael personally...He knows you and me, He knows our names, what we do, where we go everyday...and what is in our hearts. His promise is something greater than the eyes can see...something that has never entered our minds.

Scripture Verse to Memorize:

John1

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Message from God for me today:

I was made through and for Jesus and without him I have no 'life' in me. His light shines thru me. All that I say and do should reflect Jesus that is in me.

Promise of God for my life:

If I abide in His Word, He will show me greater things than the eyes can see... that has never entered my mind.

Personal Application:

This is rather hard to do especially if you are experiencing trials but if you do it faithfully you will be triumphant and victorious. Immerse in the Word every morning of your life to guide and light your path so you won't stumble and fall. Never lose hope...may magandang bukas pa at sisikat din ang araw sa buhay mo. Don't just read the verses in the Bible, meditate on them, write them in your hearts, chew each word if you must, obey the teachings and make them part of your life, and eventually you will see the sun shining through again after a storm. Be careful to observe all the statutes and judgments so that promises and blessings will come true in your life. (Read Deuteronomy 11)

The Power of the Scriptures

Imus Unida Christian Church

Pre-Encounter Lesson No. 1:



The Power of the Scriptures



"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).



We should love the Word of God and follow its instructions in the same way as the captain of a ship would adhere to his compass. The Bible is a great treasure as it contains the answer to all our needs. Read what Moses instructed his people in Deuteronomy 28:1,2:



"Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God."



What is the Bible?



The word Bible comes from the Greek terms 'biblios' and 'biblion' (in the diminutive form) both of which mean 'book'. It is the word of God revealed by the Holy Spirit to men to be written. When Matthew quoted from the Old Testament, he often mentioned that the Lord has spoken through the prophets (Matt 1:22; 2:5). In the same way, the Apostle Peter also mentioned that the prophecies given in Scripture had their origin in God (2 Pet 1:20-21). But it must be noted that even though the Bible is revealed by God to men to be written, God did not override the personalities of the authors. All of them wrote in the manner dictated by their own individual personality.



Importance of the Bible



Apart from having power to transform lives, the Bible also stands out because:



A. It is God's Word and the revelation of Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:20)



B. It contains the divine laws. (Jeremiah 31:33-34)



C. Its content, in 66 books, summarizes the work of about 40 writers from different periods.



Things That Make the Bible Unique:



A. The Bible is the revelation of God to mankind. (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2:19-20)



B. It refers to the salvation of mankind. (John 6:32-33; 20:31)



C. It refers to the truth. (1 John 2:21; John 17:17)



D. Jesus is the central character. (John 14:8-9)

How to Draw Near to the Word of God

A. Listen carefully to the voice of God on a daily basis. (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)

B. Listen/Read it with a right attitude. (Acts 17:11)

C. Meditate on it (undertake detailed study). (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2)

D. Apply it. (Matthew 7:24-27)

E. Communicate it and confess it. (Romans 10:10)

How to Study the Word of God

A. Choose an appropriate place.

B. Make studying a habit.

C. Keep a devotional notebook in which you write in it everyday:

• Message from God for me today
• The promise of God for my life
• The command to obey
• Personal application
• Scripture verse to memorize

Benefits of drawing near to the Word of God - 1 Timothy 3:16

A. It teaches (doctrine).

B. It convicts (make us aware of our pitfalls).

C. It corrects (leads us to the right path).

D. It instructs (shapes our character).

How do I obtain that power in my life?

Set apart 15-30 minutes (or more) a day to the following:

A. 5-10 minutes to speak to God

B. 5-10 minutes to read the Bible, starting with the Gospel of John and finishing with Revelation

C. 5-10 minutes to meditate on what you have read

If we discover the secret of living in communion with God, we will find 'heaven's treasures'.

Application

Determine to maintain real relationship with God through regular Bible study.

Determine to read through a set number of chapters every day and memorize the texts God uses to speak to you directly. Start with the Gospel of John.