Leaps and Bounds

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh.
Romans 8:1-3 

Reflect:  When I think of shows like Man vs. Wild and Survivor, shows my husband seems to enjoy, I think, "Why?  What's the point of putting yourself into hostile environments just to prove you can survive?"  But I've been thinking about this weekend's message, and how often we come to crossroads in life where we must change our course of action in order to survive, rather than staying stuck in cycles of destructive behavior.

Picture a wild goat.  He is aware of his surroundings, able to leap and bound over rocky terrain, find food and water sources, and defend himself against hostile animals.  By contrast, his domesticated counterpart sleeps in a barn, chews the grass at his feet, drinks water provided for him, and lacks the vigorous survival skills of his wild cousin.

When we choose to stay stuck in cycles of negative behavior, it's like we've become domesticated.  We're passively repeating old habits of sinful behavior rather than choosing to break free.  It's up to us to change our course.  We can do so with help from others who can show us the way, and help from the Holy Spirit within us.  We can be bound by our bad habits, or leap over them and be free through Jesus.

React:  Have you been living the "easier" way that lacks spiritual health and vitality?  Refuse to repeat bad habits and choose positive change.

Pray:  Lord Jesus, you have given your life so we can be set free from our sins.  Help me to let go of bad habits that entrap me and to follow you into freedom.
 
From a Team of Volunteers from Eastlake Church

In Christ Alone

Let this be your Prayer

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria 

Like many people today, I have big dreams and goals. I have desires in my heart. But my prayer now is, “God, not my will, but let Your will be done.” If a door closes, it’s no big deal; I let it go. If my plans don’t work out, no big deal; I know God has something better. I’ve learned to not get so consumed by a dream that if it doesn’t happen my way, I get all bent out of shape.

Maybe you’ve gone through a disappointment. You don’t understand it. You could easily be bitter, live with a chip on your shoulder, and give up on your dreams. Realize today that God is at work in your life. He is directing your steps. What you thought was a setback is going to turn out to be a setup for a comeback! When you surrender your will to Him, when you humble yourself before Him, that’s when God can take you to another level.

Today, shake off the self-pity. Shake off the disappointment and realize that God has you in the palm of His hand. Know that He has good plans in store for your future, better than you could ever imagine! Trust Him with your whole heart today and every day!



Precious heavenly father, Today I surrender every area of my heart, mind and life to you. Have your way in me. Do Your will in my life. Let everything I am bring glory to You in all things, Amen.

P.U.S.H

P.U.S.H.
Author Unknown

A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God
appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.
So, this the man did, day after day.
For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all of his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.
Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: "You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't moved."
Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.
Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough."
That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. "Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"
The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push.
And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock."
At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just a simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means,  exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves mountains.
When everything seems to go wrong ... just P.U.S.H.!
When the job gets you down ... just P.U.S.H.!
When people don't react the way you think they should ... just P.U.S.H!
When your money is "gone" and the bills are due ... just P.U.S.H!
When people just don't understand you ... just P.U.S.H.
P= Pray
U= Until
S= Something
H= Happens

Friend, play this as you reflect...

JOB APPLICATION: LESSON TO LEARN

 This is one of the Forwarded Message that is worth forwarding. Read through it and you will find out what I meant...

One, young, academically excellent person went to apply for a managerial position in a big company.

He passed the first interview. The director who did the last interview, made the last decision.

The director discovered from the CV that the youth's academic achievements were excellent all the way, from the secondary school until the postgraduate research. He never had a year when he did not score.

The director asked, "Did you obtain any scholarships in school?" The youth answered "none".

The director asked, " Was it your father who paid for your school fees?" The youth answered, "My father passed away when I was one year old. It was my mother who paid for my school fees.”

The director asked, " Where did your mother work?" The youth answered, "My mother worked as a clothes cleaner. The director requested the youth to show his hands. The youth showed a pair of hands that were smooth and perfect.

The director asked, " Have you ever helped your mother wash the clothes before?" The youth answered, "Never, my mother always wanted me to study and read more books. Furthermore, my mother can wash clothes faster than me. "

The director said, "I have a request. When you go back today, go and clean your mother's hands and then see me tomorrow morning."

The youth felt that his chance of landing the job was high. When he went back, he happily requested his mother to let him clean her hands. His mother felt strange,  but with mixed feelings, she showed her hands to her son.

The youth cleaned his mother's hands slowly. His tears fell as he did that. It was the first time he noticed that his mother's hands were so wrinkled and that there were so many bruises in her hands. Some bruises were so painful that his mother shivered when they were cleaned with water.

This was the first time the youth realized that it was this pair of hands that washed the clothes every day to enable him to pay the school fee. The bruises in the mother's hands were the price that the mother had to pay for his graduation, academic excellence and his future.

After finishing the cleaning of his mother hands, the youth quietly washed all the remaining clothes for his mother.

That night, mother and son talked for a very long time.

Next morning, the youth went to the director's office.

The Director noticed the tears in the youth's eyes and asked, " Can you tell me what  you did and learned yesterday in your house?"

The youth answered, " I cleaned my mother's hands, and also finished cleaning all the remaining clothes.'

The Director asked, " Please tell me your feelings."

The youth said, Number 1, I know now the meaning of appreciation. Without my mother, there would not be the successful me today. Number 2, by working together and helping my mother, only now I realize how difficult and tough it is to get something done. Number 3, I have come to appreciate the importance and value of family relationship.

The director said, " This is what I am looking for in my new  manager.
I want to recruit a person who can appreciate the help of others, a person who knows the sufferings of others to get things done, and a person who would not put money as his only goal in life. Son, you are hired.”

Later on, this young person worked very hard, and received the respect of his subordinates. Every employee worked diligently and as a team. The company's performance improved tremendously.

A child, who has been over protected and habitually given whatever he or she wanted, would develop the entitlement mentality and would always put himself first. He would be ignorant of his parent's efforts. When he starts work, he assumes that every person must listen to him, and when he becomes a manager, he would never know the sufferings of his employees and would always blame others. This kind of person, may be good academically and may be successful for a while, but eventually would not feel a sense of achievement. He will grumble and be full of hatred and fight for more.
If we are this kind of protective parents, are we really showing love or are we destroying the kid instead?

You can let your kid live in a big house, eat  good meals, learn piano, watch a big screen TV. But when you are cutting grass, please let him experience it. After a meal, let him wash his plates and bowls together with his brothers and sisters. It is not because you do not have money to hire a maid, but it is because you want to love him in the right way. You want him to understand, no matter how rich his parents are, one day their hair will grow gray, same as the mother of that young man . The most important thing is your kid learned how to appreciate the effort and experience the difficulty and learned the ability to work with others to get things done. 

Part of being successful is being grateful...If this story touches you don't hesitate to duplicate it in your blog or share it...this may change somebody's fate.


P.S. Thank you to the Author of this forwarded message.

JUST SHOW UP

Reflect: The other day, I had the opportunity to hear a bestselling author describe how she knew writing was her gift from the time she was a little girl. As she grew, she made a commitment to writing--even deciding to "marry" writing. She kept her commitment to show up to write everyday. And she discovered that when she showed up for writing, writing showed up for her.

As Christians, we recognize God as the source of all our gifts, and we know he always shows up for us. When we show up to serve God, he is ready to empower us with spiritual gifts that cause good things to happen. But there are times when he is ready to make something good happen, and I have not shown up to allow him to work through me.
Showing up is as simple as sitting down to write, or picking up my camera, musical instrument, or brush. It is noticing a need and showing up ready and available to listen, love, or serve. When I show up, I can count on God to show up.
As a counselor and photographer, I am amazed at how God gives me the wisdom to solve a difficult problem, or provides that moment of light that allows me to capture something of rare beauty on film. When these things happen, I know God is doing his thing.

React: Whatever your gift, show up willing and available. Step out in faith and see what

            God does. As the saying goes, half of life is just showing up!

Pray: Lord, I accept the truth that I am gifted, needed and wanted. I won't cave in to fear.
         Instead I will show up for you, trusting you to show up for me.

From East Lake Volunteers

  

Listen to this as you reflect...

THE PEACE OF WISDOM

Godly wisdom can be defined as the capacity to see things the way the Lord sees them and to respond according to His principles. One of the great benefits of this mindset is inner peace and contentment. Generally, when life's running smoothly and all is well with us and our loved ones, we have no trouble experiencing contentment. But so often when situations become difficult, God's perspective eludes us, and our peace is rapidly replaced with stress, anxiety, and fear.
To view a difficult circumstance from the Lord's perspective, we need to see it encompassed by the boundaries of His character and attributes. Even when the particulars of life are beyond our control,
the One who rules the universe remains sovereign over all things - down to the smallest details. He loves us unconditionally and always works for our best interest. Therefore, if He has allowed a situation, there is a divine plan and reason, and the outcome will be for our good and His glory.
That wise perspective will lead to a godly response - complete confidence and trust in the Lord despite any pain or hardship. Because of the indwelling Spirit, we have the assurance that He is more than adequate for whatever comes our way, which means we are sufficient in Him.
When difficulty hits, don't let sound wisdom vanish from your sight. Keep your eyes on the Lord. By seeing every situation through His eyes, you can rest in His wisdom and good purposes. Then stress will lift, anxiety will be replaced with peace, and confidence in the Lord will silence your fears.

Anonymous

Proverbs 3:13-26

Reflect with this song:  

Lead me Lord by Gary Valenciano

 

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS : A NEW TWIST

Once upon a time there were three little pigs and the time came for them to leave home and seek their fortunes. Before they left their Mother told them “Whatever you do, do it the best that you can because that’s the way to get along in the world.”

Peter is an intelligent pig. He uses his intelligence in making decisions for his life. He is totally independent.

On his journey Peter meet an old man. The old man warned Peter, “Be careful son. On that dark alley there is a big bad wolf”. Peter replied, “Don’t worry old man. I can outwit him. I am the brightest pig in the world!” “And please! Don’t call me son.”

Peter continued his journey and on the dark alley he meets the big bad wolf. The wolf said, “Aren’t you scared of me Peter? Peter answered,” Why should I be scared of you? I am smarter than you.” The wolf then said, “Alright. Try to ask me whatever you want, if you win you can pass, if I win I will eat you” And so Peter ask the big bad wolf of every possible questions that he knows the wolf will not be able to answer. But to his amazement, the wolf was able to answer them all correctly. The big bad wolf eats Peter.

James is a strong pig. With his strength he could lift big boulders. Like Peter, James is also totally reliant with himself.

Along his journey he also meets the old man who warned Peter. The old man warned James, “Be careful. On that dark alley there is a big bad wolf”. James replied, “Don’t worry old man. I will use my full strength to defeat the big bad wolf” “And please! Don’t call me son.”

James continued and came across with the big bad wolf in the dark alley. The wolf said, “Hey! James. Aren’t you scared of me?” James replied, ”Why should I? I am stronger than you”. The wolf then challenged James into a wrestling match. If James wins he can pass, if the big bad wolf wins he will eat James. James uses his strength to defeat the big bad wolf but the wolf is too quick for him that he tires out and losses the match. And so, the wolf eats James.

John is a humble pig. He puts God’s first in everything that he does. He puts his Faith into action. He knows that he needs God to conquer the world.

Along his journey, John meets and old man. The old man warned John, “Be careful son. On that dark alley there is a big bad wolf.” John replied with a mile, ”Thanks a lot father! I am afraid but I need to go through that dark alley to get along with the world. Jesus will be with me, I know he will.”

John went along with his journey and on the dark alley he saw the big bad wolf. John told himself, “Don’t be afraid. Jesus is with you.” John continues to walk and as he comes near the big bad wolf, the big bad wolf runs scared away from John.

The old man asked the big bad wolf, “Why did you run from the pig?” The big bad wolf answered, “I did not saw a pig. I saw a man with a staff shining bright like a sun.”

John passed through the dark valley and gets along with the world not just relying on his strength but letting God’s spirit works on him. And he journeys happily ever after.

Friends, Like the Three Little Pigs in the story we are also making our journey in what we called life. On our journey God will send us warning to stop and listen for a while. Would you let God’s spirit work on you? Or would you merely rely on human strength? The choice is yours whether you want to end like Peter, James or John.

My Everyday Sources of Inspiration; Thoughts that kept Me Motivated to Keep doing the Right Thing...

This Blog is my way of saying "Thank You" for all the Inspirational Messages that people have shared to me. I have received this messages on times that I am down, on times when everything that I do seems all wrong, on times that I wanted to give up. This Messages simply comes unexpected, as if it is a way of God embracing saying  , "My Son, I am here. Don't forget that I am still sovereign of all things. I have created you in my own image and likeness. Make use of the Talent that I have given you, Move on, face the storm, don't be afraid, I am here with you..."

EAGLES WING

-  My first encounter with this Song is when I am still in High School at Letran College Manila. I joined a Glee Club back then. I was in my Senior I want to be remembered that's why I joined the Club but I never thought that I will be singing our Alma Mater Song on our Graduation Day. This is a very nice song. Listen to this, feel it... and you will feel God's embrace. He will pick you up and raise you with his arms.