This is my first step forward.

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.
James 3:14 NKJV

I will not choose to sin anymore and move away from it for I am greatly aware that it will lead me to destruction.

This chapter reminds us of the difference of what is right and wrong and its effects on us and the people around us. So let us not let ourselves be envious and selfish for it will only lead us to sin again and later on be dead.

I asked God today to bless our presentations for our business and also asked Him to let me understand His Word. I asked Him to tell me what to do and guide me today. And so I came across this verse and was captured by it. This was His message to me. A reminder of what I should do today. No lies and no boasting against the truth. He wants me to be honest and don't think of myself. He wants me to change my mindset that this is not just for me and not just for the sake of advancing more than my business partners. I was confident and was thinking of my benefits but He reminded me to humble down and seek wisdom as I present to them later.

I know now my place in sharing the business and will choose the right thing to say and do.

Lord, thank you for a great reminder before I go through my presentations today. Lead me Lord not to tell lies and not to boast. Lead me Lord to wash away my selfishness and envy. Take care of my heart and always remind me of humbling myself before the people I serve and care for. Lord bless me as I present later that what I say is of benefit to my prospects and that I will do them no harm for what I will speak of is only of truth. Lord bless them as well that they may find good opportunity in what I will present. Open their heart and minds that they may know the benefits of our products and business. Lord I offer them to you and everything I will do today is for your glory. I will not let myself be in the way for this life is yours and for your will I shall live. I love you Lord and glorify you in Jesus' name. Amen.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:26 NKJV

Not by words, not by just going to church, but by my actions, my faith in You will show.

We are reminded that faith without action defeats the fact that you truly believe. One cannot survive without the other one. When a body is without spirit it is dead and so faith without action is also dead. When you pray to be successful and know that God will answer you but you don't work or start to achieve your goal what would you expect? When you say you have God in your life but you always waste your time on worldy things like playing games, social media, drunkeness, partying and never spent time hearing or reading the Word. When you believe that God loves the people around you but you disapprove of them and disrepect them. When you say you have faith in God but you blame him on the pain and sufferings you undergo.

I find myself a lot in my above statements and felt guilty about those things previously. I find it hard at first to have faith and show it in my actions. I tried to test that in my tithes. I tried to also pray for others' healing. I took risks and challenges, moving away from my comfort zone. Take opportunities and face each day with all that I can. I did it while trusting in God that He really cares for me and will not bring me harm. And He did not fail me. He provided all things for me even the smallest desire in my heart He had given. He wanted me to be faithful to Him and He wants me to show it in my actions.

I should not stop seeking God in being faithful to Him. I will not just say that I have faith in God and do or attend church activities, but I will do it with all my heart and show it to Him by extending my hand to people and do my part in fulfilling my purpose, while obeying and pleasing Him.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5‭-‬6 NKJV

Just trust without doubt!

Asking God wisdom and other things without faith is impossible. If ever we pray for something to happen, God gladly answers our prayers when He sees your sincerity and good intention. But if you lack trust in Him, your sincerity and good intention is not enough. How can God give you what you need if you don't believe that He can't give it to you?

From my early days as a Christian there were times that I doubt. I am afraid to give tithes thinking that I won't survive for the rest of the month. I was also afraid of what will happen to me if I followed my heart in making decisions. I missed opportunites back then. And I hesitated obeying God because I was in doubt that if I do obey I may not be happy and that I may not be able to enjoy or have fun anymore. But I was wrong. I tried to offer everything to Him and the results were amazing. I never got empty-handed and he even provided me with food to eat. He made a way for me to get away from people who will cause me to sin. He gave me joy and peace inside my heart. He was the one who helped me make my faith in Him grow stronger.

Moving forward, on whatever endeavour I go through, I should lift them all to the Lord and trust in Him that He may do what is right and is good for me and the people around me. I believe that sooner, my faith in Him will be solid and firm.

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord , Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
Hebrews 12:5‭-‬6 NKJV

Like our Fathers discipline us and guide us, God also does the same, all for our good and for our great future.

As a child of God, one should not wonder why God corrects our old ways. Showing to us the effects of doing what is not right is His way of teaching us a lesson. He lets us feel pain and suffering if that is what we need in order for us to be disciplined. He also shows us the effects of doing what is right, rewarding us in unexpected and numerous ways, by our obedience. Just like our biological Fathers do to make us better, stronger and be sensitive to others, God also does the same but out of more love and of more value. For we are created by Him, we belong to Him and most of all we are loved by Him - with the unconditional, unceasing and most powerful love there is that no man can give.

My Father gave me anything I wanted since when I was a child. He didn't want me to get upset nor cry. He makes me happy when I come home from school or from work tired and exhausted. He spend late nights washing our dishes, cleaning our house, but wakes early in the morning to go to his job and most especially to wake me up. My Father was sweet, loving and perseverant. And when he was gone I felt so lonely and guilty at the same time. Because when he was still with me all I did was to show him how irritated I was with how my life was going on. Not a single day I did not yell at him. I disrepected him for so many times. My heart had grown far from him so much I did not notice he was already hurt by my actions and attitude towards him. But it was too late when I realize all my wrong doings. He passed away so sudden I never get the chance to change and show him how much I loved him.

I should not disrespect God and be patient with Him. I should nourish our relationship with each other. I should value all the things God is giving me may it be trials or blessings. I would not let Him feel hurt and pain because of my actions and attitude. I should obey his commandments because it is for my good. And I should love Him wholeheartedly with all that I am.

And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
Hebrews 11:39‭-‬40 NKJV

They will not receive the promise until they are with us.

All those who suffered and died but still walked by faith were brought to their situations to set as good examples to us - that no matter how hard they are going through at that moment in their lives, they held on to God. Although, God's promise has not been given to them yet, this verse assures them and us that He will, at the right time, when all of us are together.

God continues to inspire me everyday. He keeps me pushing forward and never gets me discouraged although I tend to. As I read the testimonies from Abraham to Joseph and the others, staying faithful to our God although they were not perfect, that they are poor, not skilled or talented, builds up my confidence and determination to go on. There are a lot of struggles that keeps on bringing negativity, sadness and bad influences that may make me down but God is there to make me stronger and stronger in faith that I may overcome these things.

I should not stop seeking God everyday, for in it I find courage although I'm afraid, strength although I'm weak and confidence although I have no trust in myself. If God does not answer our prayers now and makes His promises true at this time of you life, then I should say that we must be patient. For at the right time, He will reward us with everlasting gifts.

For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Hebrews 10:26 NKJV

Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior and still commit sins intentionally, there will be no sacrifices to be made for your salvation anymore.

This is a reminder that when we have received Jesus, our sins were forgiven and our past mistakes were forgotten. It was because of the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins. But since we know of these things we ought not to commit sins anymore for we know the truth and we must obey.

Powerful verse it is. I felt the fear of Lord again and was reminded of the truth. It was a great struggle to change and stop committing sins because I was so used to doing them. But because of the truth and the journey of becoming mature in Spirit, the Lord helps me to discern what is right and wrong through the Holy Spirit. And by this, I was able to resist most of the enemy attacks.

Upto now I'm having difficulties in resisting attacks like laziness to seek God and do what I have to do, giving time to social media and games than giving more time to pray and communicate with God, and thinking of fleshly desires of lust and plots of anger towards other people. I know in my heart God is not pleased with me still fighting these things but I try my best not to dwell in them and stop myself whenever I encounter them. I should be strong and be firm in my faith, guarding my heart in all kinds of situations. Because I made a decision to receive and accept Jesus, whatever sins I do today will no longer be  taken away by any sacrifices. I will instill in my heart and mind this powerful fear I only have for the Lord.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11

Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years. Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’ So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”
Hebrews 3:8‭-‬11 NKJV

Do not rebel! Obey, do not be deceived and have faith in the Lord. For those who have not will not be with Him.

It was this time that Moses have lead the slaves of Egypt to the promise land and had God provide them with what they need in the wilderness. But the people were not convinced and they chose not to believe in God. They were so fond of making idols and complaining. They don't have the trust and dependence in God that they were set free and given a greater future ahead of them. They even said that they were better of in Egypt and be kept slaves. For 40 years, God was with them but they were rebellious towards Him.

Sometimes God sets us free from the slavery of sin but we experience suffering and hardships. God gives us His promises but along with that were challenges and tests of faith and of obedience. We may tend to neglect Him and feel that it is better when we still commit sins because it gives us pleasure and comfort. And that we are so used to it we enjoy it and consider it fun. But at the end of the day we feel discontent and we want more. Oftentimes, we find ourselves hurt, crying or even dying inside. Come to think of it, God doesn't want us to experience all those pain that is why He wants to save us. And when He does, He wants us to be faithful and believe in His promises. What is difficult for us is to resist our oldself, the wants of our flesh - desires to have fun, enjoy and temporal happiness. But what can be more difficult? To resist it or to be in pain - to the extent of dying forever? Why not take the challenge to resist and be with God forever?

We have the freedom to choose. I should choose to be with God because I know in Him my happiness is not temporal, my heart will never feel pain, I would not have to cry because of sadness but only of joy and so much more that I could not imagine. For this is His promise, an everlasting life with Him.

Lord, thank you for your presence that I get to experience the joy your love brings. Thank you so much from saving me from the slavery of sin. Although I have a lot of shortcomings and committed sins, surely I will repent and spend my days on earth to live for your glory. I will obey you to the best that I can and serve you for the mission you have assigned to me. My life had never been the same since that day you saved me. I pray that you continue to hold me for all those times I might go astray and remind me of your love so that I may resist. Protect me Lord from the enemy that may attack me while I'm at the wilderness. And bless the people around me that they may experience your salvation and see what you have shown me. I praise you and glorify you, in Jesus' name. Amen.

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.
II Timothy 3:16‭-‬17 NKJV

Hear the Word. Read the Word. Say the Word. Be the Word.

The Bible is the combination of these scriptures. It speaks of the truth, inspiration, instruction, guide, correction and all things that will equip a person as he or she lives. It reveals a lot to us that we may know the heart of God and know our purpose. Through the Word we can show to the world the truth about God and how He loves us.

While I was reading this chapter, memories came out of my mind about the talks we had during our kick-off for our nourish sessions at the office. One said "I hope there is no reading of the Bible", and the other one said, "yes I agree, because it is difficult to understand" (in Filipino language ofcourse hihi). I said to myself, "waaahh how to grow deep with God without the Word?" If we are to discuss only specific verses just like what we do in a mass then I believe it is not enough. And then, this verse came out of nowhere. It was a message to me that this verse can be a way to convince them to read the Word.

I thank the Lord for the instruction, for His message. I should tell them this verse soon and I should testify that in every situation I go through, the Lord talks to me through His Word. Our comprehension is not limited. As we read the Word let us ask God that the Holy Spirit be upon us to help us understand His message although the wordings are complex and difficult for us to comprehend. By grace and love coming from the Lord, He will not let us go astray or be harmed with what He really meant.

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and  escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
II Timothy 2:24‭-‬26 NKJV

People around us can be difficult at times but let us be patient with them and show them God's mercy through our hearts. And later on the evil spirits that are in them will leave them and their hearts will notice the mercy God showed them through you.

We encounter different types of people in our everyday lives. They may cause us to get mad, get upset and worst discourage us to move forward. But this verse tells us to be gentle, patient, teach them and correct them through humility. In that sense, we hope in the Lord and pray to Him to save these people from the devil that is in them - that they will be set free. We would not want to cause them to sin and we also do not want them to be the cause of our sin.

A few days ago, at work, there was somebody who had been very difficult to understand. His ways were unacceptable and hurting. He holds a position of respect yet he doesn't give it to the people around him. He says what he wants and holds up people in the neck. most esoecially, my friend had been affected by his actions and words. I don't want to judge him but as I observed the statements I mentioned were obvious. I shared this during our cell group yesterday and my sisters in Christ also experienced the same thing. My leader advised us to pray for that person while showing him that God is with us and that no enemy can cause us to get angry. The bad spirit works its ways on us to cause us to do things against God without us noticing it. And it is not the person to blame, because it is not him. It is the enemy.

I should not let the enemy deceive me to be angry at a certain person no matter how irritating he or she could be. I should keep in mind that the enemy are using these people to destroy me and my relationship with God.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Matthew 7:21‭-‬23 NKJV

Be obedient to the Word and acknowledge that the Lord is your shepherd, the Lord of your life. Because even though you do good things in His name but you do not pursue the heart of God, the Lord will not recognize you.

The verses reminds us that good works  in the Lord's name is not enough. But what can please and convince the Lord that we are worthy of Him is us being obedient, us being open in mind, heart and spirit to be corrected, us being willing to be changed and us being a true servant of the Lord who lives for Him to fulfill God's plan.

In every prayer for food, blessing and healing, I always say in Jesus' name and I know that for those who will hear my prayer their faith will be strengthen and even for me there is that conviction that what I say is true. All good work that I do, I do for His glory and through His name applying His blood for immediate solution.But when I encounter this verse, I realized those things aren't enough if I don't obey Him. If I do not live for Him and offer my life to Him to do His will I am not entitled to be with Him and the Father. I want to live with them forever. I saw a vision of having spent time with Jesus in the Kingdom and I felt very excited every time I think about it.

I will have to work my way on fulfilling that vision. I will obey the Word and pursue God's heart so that I may enter His Kingdom and spend time with them doing what we love to do until forever. I will not stop even though I struggle everytime and there are lots of challenges, nothing can shake me, because I am with God and with Him nothing is impossible.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the holy angels I solemnly call upon you to obey these instructions without showing any prejudice or favor to anyone in anything you do. Be in no hurry to lay hands on people to dedicate them to the Lord's service. Take no part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
1 Timothy 5:21‭-‬22 GNT

Just observe, obey and do not judge. Do not rush on saving them. Do not take part in doing sin with them and keep yourself in God.

Just last night I was talking to my friend and we had lots of conversations on his craziness. He always jokes around and keeps on making me think he commits sins. I tried to push Him more to the Lord and in a way he got offended. He told me all he was saying are just for fun and that those aren't true. And he also explains to me that he tries his best to make time for God, going to church and praying. I admitted. I judged him. I told him that I was sorry. All I wanted was for him to be at a deeper state of relationship with God. Because as a friend I want him to experience the joy God is giving me because of that kind of relationship. I was too pushy and forceful, I admit. He said he was also sorry this afternoon, but I told him that I should be the one to be saying sorry to him because I was to blame.

The revelation of God to me is so timely, I must say. He wanted me to realize that I should not be judgemental of ones faith in Him. I should have been more understanding and more careful. I should had observed him first. I should not told him things that would offend him and make it look like he had not done enough. I should have stick to God in those kinds of times and just listened to him, and reflect on how God is favoring him these past few days because of his faithfulness. And yes! God is with us both because we are both okay again.

Also I should opt out of instagram pics that were tempting me. It was our way of bonding, sharing pics and commenting on them. But I should not treat them as tempations but of art. But if I can't fight it, I should stop. I should not conform so that I may stay pure and pleasing to God.

Lord I lift Your name on high and glorify You! Thank You for another chance to post here. Thank You for revealing to me what should I do and rebuking my ways to keep me in You. Let this post be a revelation also to my spiritual family to take time in helping to nourish people for You and be patient, not being judgemental, on how and when their faith grows. After all, You are the one who gives us the right timing and pacing for all the things that will come to us, even our calling. Lord, forgive my sins and for choosing to experience the things that might cause me to sin. I know that You want me to be safe and be protected from the enemy. Please do protect and save my family and friends from the enemy as what You continue to do for me. Thank You again. I praise you Lord and pray for these, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
I Timothy 4:12‭, ‬16 NKJV

Do not let anything destroy your self-image and be an example to your co-believers. Continue to keep yourself from the evil and exercise the Word in your life because by this you will be saved and those who would stick with you.

Lots of challenges came up this week such as emotional, mental, physical and even hormonal. I was not able to read the Word nor hear it because I chose not to. I had bad words came out of my mouth and sins were again committed. I played games causing me to waste a lot of time. But I did not regret playing. But I still chose to pray. I know God still tries every single time to win me, to take me back when I was lost. I read earlier this morning that if there is no devotion then you will be left emotional and unguarded. True! Very true! This is what happened to me some days including yesterday.

While I was reading 1 Timothy 3 these verses caught me. I should not fall again and continue with my journey with God. I should not let others see that I'm the old Tin, but I want them to see the new me. Because the new me radiates who God really is. I am God's daughter and His love flows through me and to the people I deal with and encounter everyday. In my hope and faith in the Lord I can be a blessing to people and be a channel of God's mercy.

Let us not stop in knowing God through His Word and let us not fall back to where we were when we do not know Him better. Our co-believers hold on to us as their wall against the enemy. We are part of their inspiration and motivation to continue with loving and being faithful to God. People around us, believer or not will experience God's love. Our presence and the words coming out of us will bring to them the presence of the Lord and by this we have hoped to save them.