Wednesday, February 29, 2012

March 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 1

RIGHT ATTITUDE TOWARD GOD

Samuel 16:7b, NIV

We can have our quite time anywhere, but it all starts with a great attitude. God wants to know that your heart is in the right place. This is what the verse above is pointing out especially when it comes to God.

What is the right attitude to have during our quiet time?

1. Come with expectancy. Be eager to come before God’s presence. You’re meeting with God — the creator of the universe! You should expect to have a good time of fellowship with him and receive a blessing (all aspect of our totality, not just spiritually but physically, emotionally, psychologically etc.).

2. Come with reverence. You’re going to meet God, so don’t rush into his presence. Prepare your heart by being still before him. If you were going to meet with the president of any country or even in our own country, you’d get there early. You’d look your best. How much more reverence should we have when we come into the presence of the creator of the universe?

3. Come with alertness. Get yourself wide-awake before you meet with God, prepare for it 15 minutes after waking up at least. Don’t have your quiet time in bed. You’ll probably fall asleep. Be in good shape when you meet with God. He deserves your full attention.

4. Come with the willingness to obey. Don’t start your quiet time with the idea that you’ll hear from God and then decide whether or not to obey. Instead, tell the Lord you’ve already decided you’re going to say “yes.”

Have a good attitude before you start your quiet time, and you can expect a good result from your quiet time. Come before the Lord with the wrong attitude and it’ll be just the opposite. Have you ever wondered why after having a quite time, you FEEL like having super power but when situation caught you unguarded during the day, everything else turned upside down? I can totally relate to this, one thing I realized though, it was just about-me QT and not having a right attitude towards God. That explains my reactions later in that day.

What specific ways will you change the way you do your quiet time once you consider your attitude toward your time with God? How do you think your attitude would change if you had a sense of expectation about what God is going to do in your heart during your quiet time and not if he will work in you?

Anecita Angel

Thursday, February 23, 2012

A Colorful Life With God

Every person has a story to tell. Allow me to share with you the amazing story of God’s loved for me. Today, I am celebrating 15 years in my relationship with God.

I was born in Cebu and growing up was very challenging because of poverty. As the eldest, even at an early age, I took care of my five siblings so that my parents can go to work. I haven’t enjoyed my “freedom” as a child to play with the others kids and so I only had a few friends. I grew up full of insecurities about myself, my status in life and my physical appearance. These created bitterness and a timid and religious character in me.

After high school, I went away from home to serve as a house-help of other families in exchange for my college education. I learned a lot of vices such as gambling, going to discos, drinking & getting drunk, having an impure relationship and many more…. But I was determined to finish my studies. This led me to become prideful, boastful and independent person.

In college, I met a former classmate who invited me to a bible study. I sought the real meaning of life and longed to have a true relationship with God. God saw my heart and He knew the very sins I have hidden. Despite my religiosity, I was not freed from hatred, bitterness, vices, impurities and all. But God is awesome. He came at the perfect time. I came face to face with the cross of Jesus and realized how sinful I am before God. My sins had crucified Jesus and yet God loves me. Without hesitation I decided to follow Jesus and was baptized last February 23, 1997.

Life was never the same again. God has helped me overcome my insecurities day by day. I now understand that I need to appreciate all that I have rather than dwell with what I don’t have. I have learned to enjoy life to the fullest. I don’t need to be insecure because I am wonderfully and beautifully made by God. Though I thought of poverty as a hindrance toward success, now it has become a stepping stone for me to work harder and attain my dreams not only for myself but also for my family and for God’s church. Through God’s family all over the world, I built great and spiritual friendships. God also blessed me with many opportunities to serve Him back then in His Church in Cebu. And since May 2008, God has called me even higher as a missionary here in Bohol. It is very fulfilling to be able to serve our Almighty Father.

But being away from home has its challenges. I have to leave behind my comforts in life and pay for my own house rental, meals and bills. I had to adjust to a new environment and a new people. Due to my age, looking for a job was tough. Through this, God taught me perseverance and He gave me strength and hope. When I finally found a job, I had to go back to Cebu for six months to be trained. Every weekend, I had to travel back and forth Cebu and Bohol. It was very tiring physically and financially. There were times when I had to face a bad weather while at sea. I experienced being hungry and with nothing in my pocket except five pesos. But I survived it all because God is with me. He helped me see the brighter side of my sufferings and encouraged me through the disciples and His Word in the Bible.

God is my ever present help in times of trouble. When I’m down, He renews and strengthens me day by day. Through these, God has molded me even more in dealing with my character – He has changed me for the better. In 2010, God did wonderful things in my life. One of these was when I was able to join the International Singles Conference in Manila despite my financial difficulties. I got a lot of help from my brothers and sisters in the Church worldwide. I was in awe of God for He allowed me to see this miracle.

Last year 2011, I went through a new challenge. I easily got sick and was on medication. I had a cyst in my breast and polycyst in my uterus. My faith in God was tested once again. I fought not to linger too long or worry about my health. God is with me. He provides for all my needs financially and emotionally. He blessed me with friends and a family to pray for and encourage me. And true enough, God answers prayers. Early this month, I had a follow up ultrasound of my uterus. The result…? There was no more polycyst found in the test. Definitely God works! He had granted me healing and another miracle.

Now at my age of 35, I am happily single because of God. Though I am far from my family, God allowed me to continue loving & supporting them in any way I can. And now God gave me an opportunity to serve Him and lead in the Singles Ministry. It is truly great to dream for God’s glory. I enjoy my life here in Bohol, in spite of the many challenging situations and so I say “life is full of fun & adventure.” I am excited & faithful that God will continue to fulfill his dreams for me, for His Church, my career and my dating life in His perfect time. Surely, with both challenges and blessings, I can never handle these by my own. It is only with God that I have the strength. To God be the glory!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 29

GOD GIVES IN CREATION

God is a giving god even from the time the universe begun. Thus, from the moment of our creation, he has been giving and giving and giving, in order that we might have all we need for life.

By the breath of God’s mouth all things were created, and if he withdraw this breath all things would perish. In other words, we are totally dependent upon God’s gift of life and that we need to be grateful of this. Without him moment by moment giving us the gift of life and sustaining us we would die instantly:

And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. (Acts 17:25)

Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. (Act 14:17)

At creation God lavished his gifts on us:

• He gave us the gift of glory in his moral image and likeness (Gen. 1:26–27).

• He gave us the gift of life in his presence (Gen. 2:7–8).

• He gave us the gift of function and vocation within his creation (Gen. 1:28–31; 2:15).

• He gave us the gift of supremacy over his creation (Ps. 8:1–8).

• He gave us the gift of having eternity set in our hearts (Eccl. 3:11).

• God’s mandate to Adam was immediately followed by the words: ‘See, I have given you . . .’ (Gen. 1:29).

• He then listed what had been given to Man for food and all that he would need in order to be a good steward of the vocation God had set before him. We had all we needed in order to live full, rich and enjoyable lives in the presence of our great God! [God] who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Tim. 6:17).

Let us then not forget to thank God every morning as we wake up. God has been sustaining us; giving and giving and giving...

Raul Pabilando

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 28

THE POWER AND PRESERVATION OF GOD’S WORD

Isaiah 40:8

The Bible is literally “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). In other words, it is God’s very words to us. There are so many questions that philosophers have asked that God answers for us in Scripture. What is the purpose to life? Where did I come from? Is there life after death? How do I get to heaven?

The Bible is God’s Word. As such, it is as binding as the laws of nature. We can ignore it, but we do so to our own detriment, just as we would if we ignored the law of gravity. It cannot be emphasized strongly enough just how important the Bible is to our lives. Studying the Bible can be compared to mining for gold. If we make little effort and merely “sift through the pebbles in a stream,” we will only find a little gold dust. But the more we make an effort to really dig into it, the more reward we will gain for our effort.

I don’t know what the world will be like in 5,000 years. In fact, I’d venture to say that no one really knows what the world will be like in 100 years. But one thing is clear: God’s Word will endure.

The Word of God stands forever. People have tried to disprove it and destroy it, but it has endured. I can’t think of a better book on which to build a philosophy of life than a book that’s worked so well for so long. So live your life by God’s Word because it’s the only book that will endure forever!

WHILE OTHER PHILOSOPHIES AND PSYCHOLOGIES COME AND GO, GOD’S WORD ENDURES FOREVER. SO MAKE IT THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR LIFE!

Halbert Tillor

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 27

DREAM HIGH

Colossians 1:1-20

Do you have dreams? What are you dreaming about?

Dreaming high is something that we aim to achieve. In our Christian life, we dream to be united in the Church, to be more loving, more caring and to be gentle to our fellow disciples. And this is exactly what we strive todo in and outside of the Church.

God wants us to be saved from all our sins. Jesus is the best gift we have from God. Through Jesus, we are saved. God is loving to all of us. God dreams more than just to have a relationship with us. Having a relationship is not easy. Let’s remember how the Father was in pain when He gave up His only Son for our salvation.

As Christians, we sometimes give up dreaming for God. Sometimes, we lose the focus. Let’s remember that God’s grace is lavish and rich (Eph. 1:7, Ps 23:5). Let’s not lose our focus. God wants our total reliance on Him. Let’s focus our priorities on God. Let’s continue to dream high for God. God gave us an example for us to follow, when He prioritized us over His own Son.

Vivian Belmonte

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 26

REACHING UP THE FUTURE GLORY

Romans 8:26-27

I’m comforted by Paul’s words. “The spirit also helps in our weaknesses” (Romans 8:26). Here the apostle used a verb that means “to help by joining in an activity or effort.”

God’s spirit is joined to ours when we pray. He intercedes for us “with groaning which cannot be uttered”. He is touched by our troubles. He cites often as he prays. He cares for us deeply-more than we care for ourselves. Furthermore, he prays “according to the will of God”. (v 27). He knows the right words to say.

I need not to worry about getting my request exactly right. I need only to hunger for God and reach up, knowing that He cares.

Betty Belmonte

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 25

HOUSE

John 14:2-3

Here Jesus says, “I am going there to prepare a place for you and I will come back.” I’m thankful thinking that we have been chosen by Christ. We can look forward to eternal life because Jesus has promised it to all who believe in Him.

As we move on as Christians, we want to look our best for Christ. We want our hearts to be pure and our thoughts to be clear. We want our faces to shine with grace and our eyes to sparkle with love. We want to be prepared.

Julian Baga

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 24

ON THE ROCK OR ON THE SAND?

Matthew 7:24-27

Being born with no knowledge at all on everything, we grew up with lessons to ponder from our homes, schools, church and relationships with others. And from these, I ask myself:

“From the countless lessons I have encountered since child; why do others still have to remind me to do these and that…the right and wrong things?” I know that the reminders are all familiar like “Don’t lie”, “Don’t judge others”, “Be patient”. These scriptures then tells me that the reason why people are stuck on a sin is that they don’t practice what is right; though they are aware of it.

Like the foolish man in the Bible who built his house on sand, he knows in the future that it will be knocked down but still he built it on the same location. If the house in the scripture is our relationship with God, would we allow it to be broken down because of things we do out of habit? Of course, we won’t. So let your “Yes” for a change be YES. (Matthew 5:33-37). Work hard such that what you made yesterday won’t happen today. Let us build a stronger relationship with God.

LISTEN and PRACTICE…

Rowena Digal

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 23

GOD WILL MAKE A WAY!

Proverbs 3:5-6

It will become more understandable as you go through the path that He sets before you, but understanding is not a requirement for you to start down the path. Proverbs 4:18 says, “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day” (NIV).

One day you will stand in the full light of eternity and view the big picture. You’ll see God’s purpose behind the path he specifically chose for you.

In the meantime, do what Proverbs 3 says: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Be patient. God knows what he’s doing. God knows what is best for you. He can see the end result. You can’t. All those problems, heartaches, difficulties and delays — all the things that make you ask “why” — will one day be clear in the light of God’s love.

But for now, we’re learning to trust God.

Annie Angel

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 22

TO KEEP IN LINE

Philippians 3:8-17

When I was a child, I experienced trimming leaves of a gumamela plant in front of our house. I wasn’t able to make the leaves straight because I am not sure and I cannot concentrate on what I was doing. I was afraid to be scolded and corrected by my older sister again if she wouldn’t like my performance.

I relate it in my Christian life. We keep in line.

• If we have focus: We need to fix our eyes on Jesus. I need to observe also his pattern.

• If we are not trembling and distracted with sin: We have peace and we know that we are pure before God so we can continue the purpose of God for us.

Following Christ is having a focus and having a pure heart that is not distracted with sin.

Arcel Nistal

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 21

TRAINING GROUND

Proverbs 22:6

The best way to train a child is to expose them to people who could be a good example for them. Who should these people be? It’s the parents themselves.

Working fathers can teach their children about the necessity of hard work and about the need to show up on time and stick to a job. A working parent can also introduce them to a rather simple device that all of us hate but that most of us have learned to live with- an alarm clock. Getting up when you’re tired and going to school or work is not something that comes naturally to anyone. It’s something that kids have to learn at home. (from Come on People)

Thanks to our parents for teaching us those simple things that turns out to be one of the vitals in life. Back when we’re still young we abhor teachings and disciplines. We find our parents to be hard on us but now we know they’d prepared us for the real thing.

May this be our reflector for our present sufferings. God is equipping us (since we are His beloved children) for further glory. Let us bear His sweet discipline, then.

As we bear God’s discipline, here are some words from Joseph Addison. “I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, love, openness, and willingness to remain vulnerable.”

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Ruby Digal

Thursday, February 16, 2012

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 20

DEALING WITH ANGER TOWARDS OTHERS

Psalm 37:8

I can still remember when I was working at a fast food chain, as a Noodle Man. Because I was assigned in the kitchen, I experienced minimal heat injury and I had a lot of heat marks or scars on both my hands. All the staff in the kitchen were not in their mood because we were surrounded with the fire furnace. There was one time when my team leader and I had a conflict with the processing of the orders. Because we both had a bad temper, we raised our voices and tried to grab something sharp. The funny thing is, when our boss came, we just went back to our work as if nothing happened.

Just like so many people today, there is so much pressure and anger because of the environment. People may be so intense of their emotional conditions which they cannot handle. Perhaps that is why some people harm each other because they cannot control their temper. The Bible says in Proverbs 15:18 “Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments”.-CEV.

Have you ever tried to settle a dispute with your boss but because he want it in his way, then you lose your temper? Or have you tried staying calm amidst the outspoken personality of your boss? I can relate to my bosses. They are old (above 80 years old). Every time we have a disagreement, I really try to be calm and open up my suggestion in a right manner. And because of that, sometimes they agree with me.

Anger is “an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage,” according to Charles Spielberger, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in the study of anger. Like other emotions, it is accompanied by physiological and biological changes; when you get angry, your heart rate and blood pressure go up, as do the levels of your energy hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.

Anger is a feeling that makes your mouth work faster that your mind. -Evan Esar

Anger is destructive. It is like a parasite that slowly eats you up. When it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems—problems at work, in your personal relationships, and in the overall quality of your life.

Relationships are rarely shattered because of one incident. Instead, anger builds over time and eventually explodes all over the place. So if you feel anger in you, don’t let it go unchecked. Confess it to others and make things right today!

ANGER IS A VERY DESTRUCTIVE FORCE FOR ANY RELATIONSHIP. SO IF YOU HAVE ANGER TOWARD SOMEONE, CONFESS IT AND MAKE IT RIGHT TODAY!

Halbert Tillor

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 19

PROBLEM ALLOWS GOD IN DIRECTING US

Proverbs 3:5-6

Without hardships or problems, it’s easy for us to face life even making difficult decisions. Like when we have all the money we need, it would be easy to decide to which school are we going to enroll, what gifts to buy and give to our love ones, what restaurant we’ll have lunch or dinner, buy a lot for the Church so we can have our own place to worship God, to go around anywhere at anytime to plant a Church, to evangelize, to go on retreats, etc…. these things seems all workable.

But with no hardships and problems, we come to a point that we think God is not needed in our lives since we can do our ways, we can decide on it with ease and even with no help necessary from God. Prayer will not become part of our lives. Humbling ourselves to ask for help becomes no longer an option. Sacrifice becomes no longer necessary. God will not anymore be the solution or even a consideration.

But will this be the right response of our hearts especially as disciples of God? God lights a fire within us to get us moving…problems and hardships usually are God’s way of directing and motivating us to change. In short, God is trying to get our attention.

God had His own way of calling our attention. It’s in the form of situations. Though it’s tough but God did it in a loving and passionate way. Whatever we face in life, God did it to direct us. Let’s all take his directions. “Seek his will in all you do and God will show you which path to take”… God uses problems or situations to direct us.

Romeo Samson Jr.

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 18

CONFESSION

James 5:16

Talking about sins, I usually tolerate it, saying to myself “I will not do it again” without any confrontation to anyone or “I will change myself for the better”, but that is not enough, I am not doing the right thing to do.

God built the guilt within me and spiritually I felt weak. I have to know and confess my sins, because it really breaks us, keeping us away from God. It brings us struggles day and night.

Confession is good for our soul, for this way “God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). He will restore to us the joy of His salvation.

Confessing is not that easy for me. I am tempted not to let this happen in my life, but I must remember how right it is. I have to repent on this. Confession is an opportunity for me. I really have to be vulnerable of my sins. It’s true that we need to have a confessing attitude. Our hearts cannot be pure when there is hidden sin or deception of sin within us.

Alvin Commendador

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 17

LOVE CAN HURT AT TIMES

Matthew 7:1-5

How do I know that someone loves me? Will it be because that person is thoughtful, encouraging or kind to me? Yes perhaps these qualities describe a person who loves me.

As a disciple, I learned that love is beyond the pleasant things that I expected. In God’s family, my brothers and sisters love me enough to take the speck from my eyes. I am not a perfect person but they love me so much that they want to present me perfect in Christ. They helped me to grow in my character and be Christ-like. They told me the things that I needed to grow and change. They corrected me and “discipled” me (teaching me to obey everything thing that Jesus commanded). And a few times, they rebuked me. Was I hurt by their words? Yes, I was hurt and at that time, I did not understand. But it was a different hurt – I felt loved at the same time. I felt a spank from God as He embraced me and assured me that He loves me so much to show me the correct path towards Him… through the disciples in my life.

Yes, they too are not perfect and it is a challenge in Matthew 7:5 that they too need to first remove the plank from their own eyes. But for me that really doesn’t matter. I just need to humbly accept the “discipling” in my life. I am eternally grateful for the unique but true love in God’s family!

“Do not judge.” and “First take the plank out of your own eye.” These are two of the commands of Jesus that we need to obey. It is our responsibility to God. But it doesn’t end here for it also states “… and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” As a family… members of God’s family, I believe it is not about being on red alert or on the guard for the “judges” or who is right and wrong among us. But I believe it is about loving each other enough to help each other – disciple each other (teach obedience to everything thing that Jesus commanded us) and be willing and humble to accept discipling.

Love can hurt at times but it is for our good... our eternal good.

January Samson

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 16

LIVING HOPE

1 Peter 1:3, Psalm 71:5

Have you experienced losing hope? … at work, in school, in the family, health, or even in your relationship with God.

Ohayo Gozaimash! Good morning to everyone.

There was a time when I lost hope. I went to Cebu with my sister for a check up. We expected it to be only a regular check up. I thought that I was going to be fine and that everything about my health is good.

But when the doctor told us about the result of my check up, my sister and I were so shocked. I started to question God… Why is this happening to me? I started to doubt God. When the doctor told me that I needed an operation immediately on that day, I wanted to cry out to God. Where will I get the money for the operation?

But God amazed me on how He works. My operation was successful and all bills for the operation were paid. I learned that no matter what difficulties we face noe, God is always on our side. He is available anytime and anywhere. Whether we are up or down, let’s continue to go back to God with a humble heart. God wants us to fully trust in Him. Let’s continue to know our Living Hope and that is our God.

Vivian Belmonte

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 15

WHERE IS YOUR FAITH?

Luke 8:22-25

Sometimes, I am just afraid of the storms that come my way. It’s as if there’s no way out and I cannot move on. I just feel drowning at times and like I’m the only one carrying the problems in this world.

But this Scripture struck me this morning. Even the winds and waters obeyed Jesus. These were the very storms that scared the disciples when they were in the boat with Jesus. Take note, Jesus was with them and yet they were afraid.

As for me, I can really relate to these disciples. There are times when I am scared and afraid. But look at what Jesus said in verse 25 “Where is your faith?” (sigh) I’m ashamed that I easily forget the faith that God has given me.

So as to my decision, two things came on my mind: faith and obedience. Faith because God cannot work in a man without faith. Obedience because even with the storms in my life, Jesus can tell them to leave and go away from me. So why can’t I obey Jesus?

Irene Glinogo

2012 MBCC Hawaiian Heart's Night!

The handsome men and lovely ladies of MBCC in their best Hawaiian attire...



What a memorable night to feel love and inspired!






We love because He first loves us... Happy Heart's Day everyone!

Friday, February 10, 2012

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 14

GOING THE EXTRA MILE ON LOVE

Matthew 7:12

Do you know what sums up the Law and the Prophets? The Law and the Prophets as often quoted in the Bible refers to the whole Old Testament*. And based on Matt. 7:12, this sums it up: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. The Old Testament is about love.

• IN EVERYTHING? With no exceptions? What if they hurt me, if they hurt my family, if they humiliate me, if they kill me?

• DO TO OTHERS. Love is not just about “saying I love you” but also doing or acting in love.

• WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE OTHERS TO DO TO YOU. How do you want to be treated? What are your preferences? It is good that what we want is taken into consideration. This sounds good, right?

But going the extra mile in love is doing to others what I would have them do to me in everything! This is a command that I personally need to follow and not what I need to expect that others should follow as they treat me.

How do I want to be treated?

  • With respect. Then it means, I need to respect others.
  • With honesty. Then it means, I need to be honest to others.
  • With humility. Then it means, I need to be humble toward others.
  • With love and kindness. Then it means, I need to be loving and kind to others.
  • With patience. Then it means, I need to be patient with others, etc.

When we go back to Jesus on the cross, we can see how God love us and how we need to love each other as He loves us. In everything, Jesus did to us what He would have us do to Him…and to others. He did not retaliate as sinners mocked, insulted and hurt Him. He did not insist on his human rights and godly rights. He humbly faced the angry crowd. He suffered and sacrificed for people who did not deserve it. He forgave even when the people where still hurting Him, far from repenting and far from asking forgiveness. He surrendered to the Father’s will even when it means the salvation of sinners. Jesus showed us what we need to imitate in His love: humble, forgiving, surrendered, sacrificial, God-centered.

When we say “I love you,” is this the same love as described above?

(* From: The Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler)

January Samson

DAY 13

TELL IT TO GOD

James 5:16

When I was not yet a Christian, I kept to myself almost everything of what’s going on with me. I was fearful of being rejected and to be misunderstood. But I am fortunate now that I can express myself to others. It is my very need to express myself when I am happy and most especially when I have a troubled heart. But there is something more when we tell it to God.

Life buffets us in various ways and it helps when we tell others about our troubles. Others may comfort us and sit with us when we are in sorrow, but in the end, we must find our own way out of the sorrows we carry. Each person has his own share of difficulties in life. Confessing our troubles to one another may help a lot, however, it is also true that if we are always blurting out our needs, our woes and our sorrows, then people may grow uncomfortable and no longer want to talk with us.

Since an effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man has many benefits, we can strive to become that man ourselves. It is good to go to our friends and ask for prayers when we need them, but we also need to give others encouragement, hope and sunshine in their lives. There are enough clouds for everyone. Let us maintain the balance of sharing our clouds of sorrow and letting the sun shine for the benefit of others, and at the same time, lifting both our sorrows and joys to God in prayer.

I have been working out on this and I am a work in progress. All of us needs each other but most of all, let us pour out to God everything in our hearts and how we feel.

Challenge: Let’s be honest to God. Tell it to Him. He is more than our earthly friends.

Rosalie Natural

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 12

LOVE IS A HABIT

Luke 6:32a

All of us can love those who love us back. Becoming a master lover means you learn to love the unlovable – when you love people who don’t love you, when you love people who irritate you, when you love people who stab you in the back or gossip about you.

This may seem like an impossible task, and it is – that’s why we need God’s love in us, so we can then love others: “We know and rely on the love God has for us” 1 John 4:16a .

When you realize how much God loves you – with an extravagant, irresistible, unconditional love – then his love will change your entire focus on life. If we don’t receive God’s love for us, we’ll have a hard time loving other people. I’m talking about loving people who are unlovely, difficult, irritable, and those who are different or demanding.

You can’t do that until you have God’s love coming through you. You need to know God’s love so it can overflow out of your life into others.

Raquel Culango

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 11

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

1 John 3:16

What does it mean to love another person? Loving another person, as what the Scriptures say is like what Jesus did when He laid down his life for us. And as a disciple, we ought to lay down our life for our brothers and sisters. In our relationship in the body of Christ, love must be showed in any ways. Loving like this will bind us all together in perfect unity.

Let’s live a life of love. Expressing our faith through love and serving one another in love. It is just so great to love and to be loved, by our God and by the body of Christ.

Today, surprise someone with a special act of love.

Alvin Commendador

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 10

IN GOD’S PERFECT TIMING

Matthew 24:36

There are times when we feel like giving up. But remember that God is teaching us to trust in his timing. That is what I’ve learned for this past 3 years in my Christian life.

Don’t be in a hurry.

Don’t be impatient.

Don’t try to force the door to open.

Don’t try to make things happen in your own strength.

Let God do it His way (Matthew 24:42)

Arcel Nistal

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 9

GOD GIVES IN SPITE OF THE FALL

Gen. 3:1-13

At the heart of Satan’s deceit and seduction at the time of mankind’s Fall was the implication that God had not given enough. He convinced Adam and Eve to

believe the lie that God had withheld certain things they were entitled to have!

[Satan asked] ‘Did God say, “You shall not eat from any tree in the garden”? . . . You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’ (Gen. 3:1, 4–5).

That rejection of God by Adam and Eve was a rejection of his very nature as the true Giver. It was nothing less than a refusal to be thankful for the good gifts he had already given. In effect they were saying to God, ‘Your gifts are inadequate: You have not given us enough’. This lack of gratitude and our refusal to be thankful is now at the heart of humanity’s perversion of all things:

20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Rom. 1:20-21)

Following the Fall, humanity deteriorated into such corruption and violence that it was said, ‘every inclination of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually’ (Gen.6:5). Nevertheless, in spite of the Fall, God continues to sustain and preserve the human race. Although he came close to wiping us out at the time of the Flood, he nevertheless renewed his covenant to Noah and so to the whole of mankind. Again and again those covenantal terms have been restated—to Abraham, Moses, David, and so forth.

(Grace of Giving by John Dunn)

Raul Pabilando

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 8

CHOOSING THE HARD THINGS

2 Corinthians 4:8-14

Today’s world is filled with energy-saving devices that make life easier, but here is something to be said for embracing life’s challenges. The apostle Paul found serving Christ as hard, but he didn’t see it as a cause for discouragement. He continued to focus on Christ, and wrote “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Cor. 4:8). Paul knows that “He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you (v 14).

The goal was worth the pain. Jesus gave His all to save us. Are we giving our all to serve Him?

Betty Belmonte

February 2012 Quiet Time Series

DAY 7

PURPOSE

Colossians 3:12-17

Here, Paul offers a strategy to help us live for God day by day.

• Imitate Christ’s compassionate and forgiving attitude.

• Let love guide your life.

• Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.

• Always be thankful.

• Keep God’s word in you at all times.

• Live as a representative of Jesus Christ.

By following this strategy, it will help us understand God’s message and fulfill His purpose in our lives.

Julian Baga