TOTD, Feb 01

Confession of Our Sins

It’s important to confess our sins, to repent and try to do better next time. If we confess, He is faithful and just and will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness. Let’s change for the better. (-fon-)

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

--- 1 John 1: 8-10

TOTD, January 30-31

With All Your Strength

When you fall in love with your boyfriend or girlfriend, your world turns upside down, you think about him/her all the time. You think that you love that person with all your heart, soul, and strength. Our God needs that kind of love too! And He’s worthy to receive all the pure love that we have. Because He loves us first. Love Him with all your heart, with all your strength. (-fon-)

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

--- Deuteronomy 6:5

A Faith More Than Gold

We need to maintain the kind of faith that’s greater worth than gold. Which perishes even though refined by fire, but may proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor. Try to keep a pure faith for Him. (-fon-)

These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed

--- 1 Peter 1:7

TOTD, January 29

Worship Him

As His worshipers, we must worship in spirit and in truth. Let’s live a life full of worship. (-fon-)

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

--- John 4:24

TOTD, January 28

By His Grace

Remembering we’re saved by His grace, I just want to live my life for Him. For what sins we’ve done in the past, He didn’t count. He’s rich in mercy and love us with unconditional love. Thank you, Lord! (-fon-)

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

--- Ephesians 2:4-5

TOTD, January 27

Stand in God

The bible reminds us that we’re also struggle not only against flesh and blood, but also against the rulers, the authorities, against the power of the dark world. But, no need to worry, as long as we put on the full armor of God, we will be able to stand on our ground. With God, it’s possible to stand. With His strength and guidance, we’ll walk fearlessly.

(-fon-)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

--- Ephesians 6:12-13

TOTD, January 26

Humble Yourself

Here’s a good reminder for the book of James:

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

--- James 4:10

So, no need to stay arrogant. Just humble yourselves and He will lift you up! (-fon-)

TOTD, January 23-25

Stand Firm

Maybe, we’re once attached by a yoke of slavery. Then, with Christ on our side, He set us free. But then, this slavery comes and tries tempting us again. It’s our duty to try our best to stand firm and don’t let us be burdened again. By remembering His goodness in our life that He has set us free. Let’s walk hand in hand with Him to overcome those slaveries. Which can come in the form of pornography, free sex, drugs, or as simple as internet addiction. Let’s stand firm in God. (-fon-)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

--- Galatians 5:1

Faithful

It’s our choice to stay faithful or faithless. But whatever our choice is, Jesus will stay faithful. Not matter what. The question is: do we have the heart to hurt Him who’s so faithful? So, let’s try to put more faith in Him. Stay faithful! (-fon-)

if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.

--- 2 Timothy 2:13

Trustworthy

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. While His statutes are trustworthy, like what He’s always been: trustworthy. Maybe we find that in this world it’s really hard to trust someone. But in God, we can put our trust and hope all of our life. Renew your trust in Him. (-fon-)

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

--- Psalm 19:7

TOTD, January 22

Sows to Please the Spirit

From right now, we need to know which part that we sow. We can choose to please our sinful natures and that will eventually reap destruction. Or as His children, we need to choose to please the Spirit. We know that it will reap eternal life. The choice is all ours to make. But of course, choose the good one. Choose the Spirit. (-fon-)

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature^a]"> will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

--- Galatians 6:7-8

TOTD, January 21

Testing of Faith

Some of us might scared of problems. Because problems mean that we’re stressful, frustrated, or maybe depressed. Some of us want to have a happy days-happy life all the time which is of course impossible.

The test of faith will develop perseverance and that’s why we must consider the trials as a pure joy (according to the book of James). So, have you tried welcoming the ‘storms’ of your life as joy? Maybe we should learn to do it starting today. (-fon-)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

--- James 1:2-3

TOTD, January 20

As You Would Have Them Do to You

If you don’t like others lie to you, so don’t be a liar to others. If you don’t like others manipulate you, don’t manipulate others. If you don’t like others gossiping or talking bad behind your back, it applies the same: hopefully we can watch our words. Whatever it is, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. (-fon-)

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

--- Matthew 7:12

TOTD, January 19

God Helps Us Through Temptations

It’s always possible to be tempted. But we need to be sure that our faithful God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. And moreover, He’ll give us a way out to get through the temptations.

So, never afraid of temptations, because He will provide His help to get through them. (-fon-)

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

--- 1 Corinthians 10:13

TOTD, January 16-18

Children of God without Fault

These verses from Philippians 2:14-16 are really beautiful. It reminds us to be blameless and pure, to become children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation. Then starting to shine like a star. But most importantly, we need to do everything without complaining or arguing… Things that are difficult to do. But, let’s try to do it better today. (-fon-)

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.

--- Philippians 2:14-16

Whatever You Do, Do it for the Lord

REMEMBER FOR WHOM YOU WORK: Whether you work for a private company, the government, a large corporation, or yourself, the true disciple understands that he or she ultimately is working for God in that place. “Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23-24).

- Norman Shawchuck
A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God

The guide from Norman reminds us that whatever we do, we must do it for the Lord. Whatever we do at this moment, it doesn’t really matter, as long as we stay faithful, put ourselves into it, and serve our Lord, Jesus Christ. (-fon-)

Wonderfully Made

This reading from Our Daily Bread website is really good. It impressed me so much. That we’re wonderfully made, His wise design. And most importantly we bear His autograph. Don’t ever think that your presence in this world means nothing. And don’t ever think that you don’t mean anything but burden to this world. Don’t ever think that you’re not worthy. He created our life and we bear His autograph. Life a fantastic life, enjoying His love in our life. (-fon-)

By God’s wise designing
We are wonderfully made,
Every part essential
And in perfect balance laid. —Anon.
All life is created by God and bears His autograph.(ODB/Our Daily Bread website).

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

--- Psalm 139:14

TOTD, January 15

The Power of the Dream

American Idol has started its 9^th Season. It’s always fun for me to watch this program because I enjoy singing as well as watching wonderful singers to sing on stage.

The first episode of the program showed that during the first day, 9000 people gathered in order to get a ticket to Hollywood. In order to be the next American Idol. Many people cried because their dream scattered, fall over the places, because the judges refused them… While others were extremely talented. But, it’s amazing that how powerful a dream could bring someone…!

So, whatever your passion is… Whatever your heart desires…Pray to God about it, work very hard on it, and it’s not impossible to reach it. Let our life be a praise and proof of His Love. Let His Strength enable us to reach our dreams even the impossible ones.

You can do it! (-fon-)

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen

--- 1 Peter 4:11

TOTD, January 14

Love God and Love Your Brother

The verses of the bible today are quite strict, telling us or even urging us to be consistent. If we say we love God, we need to show Him by not having any hate against our brothers. It’s really hard to do so, because living in this world, with so many different characters, we might encounter problems in our daily interaction. But, it’s not mission impossible, though…

We can choose not to hate our brothers. Maybe we don’t like them, maybe they are very mean or fierce to us, or even spread bad things about us. But, the main point is still: try not to hate them. Accept other people’s limitation, as we got our limitation and can sometimes hurt others too. Love God and love our brother! (-fon-)

If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

--- 1 John 4:20-21

TOTD, January 13

He Sacrificed For Us

Jesus won’t be boastful of what He has done for us. Unlike human, who likes compliments and becomes arrogant easily, I’m sure He won’t do that. But, the fact is because of His obedience, He make us righteous. Don’t ever forget about His sacrifice for us, never take it as a granted. We need to treasure and live our life full of His righteousness. (-fon-)

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

--- Romans 5:19

TOTD, January 12

All One in Christ Jesus

After we’re baptized, we’re all in one in Christ big-joyful family. Let’s be reminded about this. (-fon-)

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

--- Galatians 3:26-28

TOTD, January 09-11

Burdens and Blessings

Bo Sanchez once wrote:

Dear Fonny,Your blessings are burdens. Your burdens are blessings. Both are one and the same thing. So if I were you, I'd just call all of them blessings. Excited for you,God... P.S. Do you want a glass that's half-empty or half-full, Fonny? It's really up to you. So say, “None of the above. I want it overflowing... (God Whispers Club)

If only we could see that blessings are burdens and on the other way around, the burdens are blessings, we’ll live a happier life because if we’re able to see from this perspective, we can only see the blessings. God calls those who are weary and burdened to come to Him to make us realize that burden also a blessing in disguised. Be thankful for the burdens because it’s also a blessing… (-fon-)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

--- Matthew 11;28

Say a Little Prayer

The moment I wake up
Before I put on my makeup
I say a little pray for you
While combing my hair now,
And wondering what dress to wear now,
I say a little prayer for you

Forever, and ever, you'll stay in my heart
and I will love you
Forever, and ever, we never will part
Oh, how I love you
Together, forever, that's how it must be
To live without you
Would only meen heartbreak for me.

( I Say a Little Prayer- Aretha Franklin and later on by Diana King as a soundtrack of My Best Friend’s Wedding)

Well, this is a love song from a woman to her man. But one thing that I’ve noticed, the song writer can delay anything else even before her make up, by saying a little prayer. ‘The moment I wake up, I say a little prayer.’

Maybe, these days we wake up so late, we leave our house in a rush, we’re stuck in the traffic jam, we don’t even have time to have breakfast, how can we have time to pray?

Again, this song reminds us of the importance of praying as soon as we open our eyes and be thankful for the new day. Maybe, all we need to do is just sleep earlier then we can wake up fresher the next morning. I’m still working out on this one, but definitely will try my best to thank Him once I wake up in the morning. I’ll say a little prayer to You, Lord! :) (-fon-)

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

--- Colossians 4:2

Present Your Requests to God

We have our dreams, passion, worries, fears, altogether inside of us. Sometimes we get so worried over some problems and begin to forget that actually, all we need to do is just praying. Let’s present our request to the Lord, whatever it is, just talk to Him. And He’ll listen. (-fon-)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

--- Philippians 4:6

TOTD, January 08

Live a Life of Love

Someone hurt you. So deep. So badly. All you want to do is actually a revenge, but a tender voice inside your heart speak softly, “ Forgive him. Don’t do any bad things to him.”

Then, you begin to feel the spirit of forgiveness is filling your heart again. It’s always like that. In everyday life, we need to choose how to react. Sometimes we’re tempted to get angry, while at the other time, we burst our anger out. But, eventually, hopefully we can live a live of love which is compassionate, understanding, and full of forgiveness.

Whenever we got the time to choose, choose a life of love. (-fon-)

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children ²and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

--- Ephesians 5:1-2

TOTD, January 05-07

How Can I Help You?

God has been giving this question to each of us, but we’re just too busy or too arrogant to accept His help. While at the same time, we should realize that He is the One who can help us in each situation as long as we believe. His question is still the same today at this very moment: “ How can I help you, my dear child?” (-fon-)

Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.

--- Psalm 54:4

Set Your Hope on the Grace

How low can you go? Maybe those words became popular back few years back but is still widely used until now. While talking about faith, we need to ask the opposite of it. How high can you put your hope to the Lord? Well, the bible said we need to set our hope fully on the grace to be given to us when He is revealed. Therefore we need to prepare our minds for action and be self-controlled. Set your hope as high as the sky…As we know that in Him we can put our hope and trust. (-fon-)

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

--- 1 Peter 1:13

The Parable of the Lost Coin

Have you lost a coin lately? Or maybe you’ve had this experience before? Will you try to find it like the woman in the bible? Or you just let it go, let it lost, because you don’t even think about it. No need to bother yourself too much, for it’s just a small coin that’s meaningless.

Either you’ll find it or ignore it, God will not ignore you. Even though you think that you’re not worthy, just like a small coin in this world, but He cares about you. For those who repent, He will open His wide arms and hug you. He’ll always welcome us, but the question is: will we try hard to find Him? (-fon-)

"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins^a]"> and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

--- Luke 15:8-10

TOTD, January 04

Transform

One of the biggest things that we can achieve is the transformation of our mind. Renewing our mind so that we will be able to approve the will of God in our life.

Right now, in the new year, let’s start it with the will to transform. Transform in Him, in a more Christ-like attitude. (-fon-)

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

--- Romans 12:2

TOTD, January 01-03

Teach Us, Oh Lord

Teach us, Oh Lord, in this first day of new year to number our days aright. Hopefully we can gain a heart of wisdom from You so that we can walk in Your righteousness always. Amen. (-fon-)

Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

--- Psalm 90:12

The Journey of Discovery

Let this new year be a journey of discovery. To discover Him in everything we have or experience at this moment, like what Bo Sanchez said:

Dear Fonny,

Discover Me in you. Discover Me in your work. Discover Me in your blessings. Discover Me in your trials. Discover Me in the people around you. Discover Me all around you.

Madly for you,
God

P.S. When you do that, Fonny, you will never feel alone again. (Bo Sanchez’s- God Whispers Club).

And let’s stay faithful. Trying not to fail in any test that Jesus is in us. Let the journey of discovery become something that we could treasure all of our life. Because He’s worthy to receive all the faithfulness inside of us. (-fon-)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.

--- 2 Corinthians 13:5-7

You Are Holy

Refrain
You alone are holy,
you alone are Lord.
You alone are worthy to be honored and adored.
Mercy you have given,
kindness you have shown.
Love is you alone.

(You Alone- Sarah Hart, source: http://www.spiritandsong.com/compositions/51854)

You are holy, Lord. May Your Holiness be with us always. Amen. (-fon-)

Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?

--- Psalm 77:13

TOTD, December 31

No Worries of the Future

At the end of the year, some people might become scared. Especially after watching 2012 –the movie, people might think that it’s coming nearer to an end. But, as God give this assurance, no need to be scared. We’re safe in His mighty hands…(-fon-)

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

--- Revelation 22:13