[ PART 1 ] - What’s in your heart?
[14] And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
[15] There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
Mark 7:14-15 KJV
[15] There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.”
Mark 7:14-15 KJV
Maraming nagsasabi sakin to ask God why my life is always with storms. Hindi nga lang storms, tsunami pa. Hindi yata uso sakin yung “storms in life is just passing through”. My life is an open book to the church: Bro Mel’s sickness for more than 3 years of CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) sa taas ng creatinine. Most of the time hindi na kami kilala, dialysis three times a week, parang ginawa nang bahay ang hospital dahil laging nakaconfine. Until he passed away. Then after a while, hindi pa kami nakaaahon sa pagkakalubo, ako naman: breast cancer. Hindi pa tapos ang 26 chemotherapy, thyroid cancer naman. So total thyroidectomy naman. Hindi pa tapos ang radiation, total hysterectomy naman. Aba drawing na lang ang katawan ko!
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So really, madaming nagsabi that I should ask God why? Ngayon ko narealize why I’m not asking God “why?” Baka sumagot eh: “Really? Talaga lang ha, you have that guts to ask?”
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Let’s look back: Ano nga ba ako noon?
1. Relying on my own strength and understanding. They called me superwoman, umasa ako sa sarili kong kalakasan. 2. Patience. Grabe ako, negative level po ng pasensya ko before. Ang mga staff ko, sabi nung isa, nagda-diaper daw siya dahil naiihi sa takot, at yung isa, natatapon ang mga hawak na papel pag narinig nilang tinawag ko sila. 3. Forgiveness. It’s very hard for me to forgive No, I won’t justify it. Dati, I would always justify it kasi grabe naman ang ginawa nila eh, but no, not now. |
Ano ang natutunan ko?
1. Everything in this world is just borrowed.
Matthew 10:30 KJV "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Lakas pala ha, one snap of the finger from superwoman hanggang sa ultimo hininga ko pinasasalamatan ko. Akala ko ang lakas ko. Ayun, in one snap kinuha sakin ang kalakasan. Ngayon ni ultimo paggising ko sa umaga, at paghinga ko pasalamat ko na sa Diyos. Guluhin mo na buhay ko wag lang buhok ko. Noon, long black straight hair ako… One chemo, lagas ang buhok ko: kalbo. Remember, walang atin. Lahat ay pahiram lang, biyaya lang. |
2. Patience.
Still a work in progress, but now I know how to tone down my voice, how to listen to my staff, how to APPRECIATE EACH ONE OF THEM, how to say thank you, and how to understand their situation. God put them in my life also for a different reason, just like how He put each one of you, our Pastor and all the godly people He sent to my life. Lahat sila may purpose ang Panginoon sa paglagay sa buhay ko. |
Galatians 5:22 KJV |
Peace is a choice
Proverbs 4:23 KJV [23] Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Ang gaan ng feeling, kahit anong bigat ng katawan mo sa kasakitan, kahit anong hirap ng buhay mo, kung ang laman ng puso mo ay ang Panginoon - there is peace within. You will be thankful in everything, you will be appreciative of everything and everyone. You will see the world in a different perspective. |
Really the HEART OF THE PROBLEM IS WHATEVER IS IN YOUR HEART…
sana all -peace, love, goodness, faith … |
“Almighty Father, our amazing and compassionate loving Father, how we praise and love you O Lord. Lord, i admit i’m still work in progress and still so many things to be fixed- Lord God be patient with me- be very patient with me. I admit i need to be overhauled- i don’t want to be JUST called saved - i don’t want to JUST know YOU- work in me O Lord, i want to build a much much closer relationship with You, a personal intimate relationship with You, i want to serve You, i want to share Your glory to others- it is my heart desire Lord- help me O Lord, give me strength and courage to do so O Lord. Teach me how O Lord. Lord, thank You for your faithfulness in my life - for not giving up on my stubbornness. Lord give me a heart that is full of thanksgiving and praise to You - let the peace of being with You rules my life. Keep me trusting, keep my hope high O Lord, You alone is my strength, I place my trust in You, Lord. Lord, thank you for whispering sweet peace to me, thank you for your promises of comfort, of companionship- to never be alone, of answered prayer, of coming again. For now, help me live today in a way that brings honor to Your Holy Name.
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Lord, we continuously praying for your divine healing for all of us who are sick, comfort for those who are troubled, peace in our heart and mind, and continues protection against all variants of covid 19 and against all illnesses, in Jesus name, we pray, Amen.”
Pusong dalisay ang aking nais
Na likhain mo Diyos para sa akin Pusong dalisay ang aking nais Na likhain mo Diyos para sa akin Isang pusong tapat na sa'Yoy nagmamahal Isang pusong sa'Yoy walang alinlangan Isang pusong itinitibok na ikaw ay parangalan Handog ko'y pagpupuri Sa'Yo lamang Hesus… |
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[ PART 2 ] - My stubbornness and ignorance
Colossians 3:15-17 KJV
[15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
[16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
[17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
God’s Provisions
When we’re in the midst of Bro. Mel’s hospitalization/treatment of CKD - and we were almost begging to sustain his treatment and medication- I can’t understand why Bro. Mel is insisting giving his tithe. He said- I’m not giving it - it’s not ours to begin with - so I’m returning it to HIM who owns it. Imagine He gave us 100% all He is asking is the 10%. How good is our Lord. And if your worrying about our needs - believe me - He will provide it.
True enough - I’m an accountant but I can’t reconstruct whatever happened to our finances that time - how we survived and paid for it.
Another thing, when i was diagnosed with cancer - i told my daughter na -
"hindi na ako magpapachemo- kasi yung health card ko ay pang mastectomy lang - at kung 26 ang chemo ko at per chemo ay around 228k - saang lupalop ng mundo ko kukunin yun- may savings kami - sana for hannah na pero pang 2 chemo’s lang yun- so better iwanan ko na lang kay Hannah- but no ayaw ni Hannah - no mom go and get that chemo- God will provide- again it’s God provisions- everything. Wala po akong delay na chemo or operation or radiation - God will make sure - that even before i need it - may papadala na sya- laging naka express padala may take out pa-para sa basic needs naming mag -ina."
Even today mga kapatid the regular medical assessment ko every 3 months - i can’t afford it on my own- it’s all from HIM - it’s all blessings.
He’s making sure that my health is being monitored every 3 months - oh what a privilege- Lord God, thank You, thank you for your goodness, for your faithfulness, help me, help me to be humbly grateful and faithful also O Lord. I know we cannot outgive You O Lord.
Malachi 3:10 KJV
[10] Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
The best inheritance or the best thing that Bro. Mel taught Hannah and me was about tithing and giving.
“Almighty Father, our awesome and compassionate loving Father, we praise and adore You O Lord.
Lord, i admit I forgot to thank You enough and be grateful to You -teach me O Lord to be more grateful and thankful for everything, as all of these belongs to You. I want to follow and be obedient in your word and promise. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
PRAYER:
Lord, in so many times in my life, and in my family’s life You are always true to Your promises - You always give more than what You promised-
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6 KJV) Heavenly Father, thank You. Thank You for being everything to me and for me. You are faithful! You are concerned with everything that concerns me. I am grateful for Your Holy Spirit that comforts me during times of fear and doubt. Thank You for everything that You’ve done for me; seen and unseen. I will praise Your name, forever! Lord, teach us to be like You to be faithful and obedient, to be a cheerful giver. Lord, teach us to give from our hearts- not only our tithe, but also our talents and bring souls for Your glory. Your testimony in our church of Your goodness and faithfulness also is so overwhelming- Lord may we return to you that faithfulness.
Lord, we continuously praying for your divine healing for all of us who are sick, comfort for those who are troubled, peace in our heart and mind, and continues protection against all variants of covid 19 and against all illnesses, in Jesus name, we pray, Amen.”
When we’re in the midst of Bro. Mel’s hospitalization/treatment of CKD - and we were almost begging to sustain his treatment and medication- I can’t understand why Bro. Mel is insisting giving his tithe. He said- I’m not giving it - it’s not ours to begin with - so I’m returning it to HIM who owns it. Imagine He gave us 100% all He is asking is the 10%. How good is our Lord. And if your worrying about our needs - believe me - He will provide it.
True enough - I’m an accountant but I can’t reconstruct whatever happened to our finances that time - how we survived and paid for it.
Another thing, when i was diagnosed with cancer - i told my daughter na -
"hindi na ako magpapachemo- kasi yung health card ko ay pang mastectomy lang - at kung 26 ang chemo ko at per chemo ay around 228k - saang lupalop ng mundo ko kukunin yun- may savings kami - sana for hannah na pero pang 2 chemo’s lang yun- so better iwanan ko na lang kay Hannah- but no ayaw ni Hannah - no mom go and get that chemo- God will provide- again it’s God provisions- everything. Wala po akong delay na chemo or operation or radiation - God will make sure - that even before i need it - may papadala na sya- laging naka express padala may take out pa-para sa basic needs naming mag -ina."
Even today mga kapatid the regular medical assessment ko every 3 months - i can’t afford it on my own- it’s all from HIM - it’s all blessings.
He’s making sure that my health is being monitored every 3 months - oh what a privilege- Lord God, thank You, thank you for your goodness, for your faithfulness, help me, help me to be humbly grateful and faithful also O Lord. I know we cannot outgive You O Lord.
Malachi 3:10 KJV
[10] Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
The best inheritance or the best thing that Bro. Mel taught Hannah and me was about tithing and giving.
“Almighty Father, our awesome and compassionate loving Father, we praise and adore You O Lord.
Lord, i admit I forgot to thank You enough and be grateful to You -teach me O Lord to be more grateful and thankful for everything, as all of these belongs to You. I want to follow and be obedient in your word and promise. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
PRAYER:
Lord, in so many times in my life, and in my family’s life You are always true to Your promises - You always give more than what You promised-
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6 KJV) Heavenly Father, thank You. Thank You for being everything to me and for me. You are faithful! You are concerned with everything that concerns me. I am grateful for Your Holy Spirit that comforts me during times of fear and doubt. Thank You for everything that You’ve done for me; seen and unseen. I will praise Your name, forever! Lord, teach us to be like You to be faithful and obedient, to be a cheerful giver. Lord, teach us to give from our hearts- not only our tithe, but also our talents and bring souls for Your glory. Your testimony in our church of Your goodness and faithfulness also is so overwhelming- Lord may we return to you that faithfulness.
Lord, we continuously praying for your divine healing for all of us who are sick, comfort for those who are troubled, peace in our heart and mind, and continues protection against all variants of covid 19 and against all illnesses, in Jesus name, we pray, Amen.”
[ PART 3 ] - The how, what, when, and where of prayer
In the later part of 2019, Pastor G. asked me to have a fellowship with GBBC ladies - so we did, when we’re saying our goodbyes to each other - Sis Isay approached me and said something i can’t understand but it has something to do with the way i talk to God.
Before that kasi - In the course of our fellowship i shared my struggles- and how I asked God about it- Lord, naman eh pwede namang kalabitin mo lang ako or batukan or paluin bakit naman hampalos kaagad - di ba pwede - ulan, ulan lang wag muna tsunami- pwede po ba ubo ubo lang bakit naman cancers?
Since then at the back of my mind - whenever i’ll see Sis Isay — i will always have this thought that my prayer and quiet time with the Lord is not rightfully done.
1. How shall we pray?
Not just with words but with a pure heart. A heart that delights in the Lord and then when we do pray we must expect that God will give us the desires of our heart.
WE MUST pray with hearts that delight in the Lord. If we pray for rain, please have faith enough to take your umbrella.
How to pray? Pray with a pure faithful expectant heart.
2. What to pray?
Do you lack wisdom then ask for it, but ask with faith that you will receive it. Faith means your motives are right, your heart is pure and when God sees your heart, He knows what you need and because He is a good Father. If you ask but don’t receive ask God to show you your heart.
Matthew 7:7 KJV
[7] Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
So what do you pray for?
Well, we must know that the Father knows what we need and He supplies all our needs in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
For everyone and for everything.
3. When and where shall we pray?
Pray when you are suffering, when you have success, when you are sick and when you have sinned. When things are going bad in your life, PRAY! When things are going good in your life, PRAY!
Matthew 6:5-8 KJV
[5] And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are : for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
[6] But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
[7] But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do : for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
[8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV
[17] Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
However, pray submissively because God’s understanding of the total situation is much greater than ours. Pray specifically and boldly, but remember that prayer is a request, not an order.
Before that kasi - In the course of our fellowship i shared my struggles- and how I asked God about it- Lord, naman eh pwede namang kalabitin mo lang ako or batukan or paluin bakit naman hampalos kaagad - di ba pwede - ulan, ulan lang wag muna tsunami- pwede po ba ubo ubo lang bakit naman cancers?
Since then at the back of my mind - whenever i’ll see Sis Isay — i will always have this thought that my prayer and quiet time with the Lord is not rightfully done.
1. How shall we pray?
Not just with words but with a pure heart. A heart that delights in the Lord and then when we do pray we must expect that God will give us the desires of our heart.
WE MUST pray with hearts that delight in the Lord. If we pray for rain, please have faith enough to take your umbrella.
How to pray? Pray with a pure faithful expectant heart.
2. What to pray?
Do you lack wisdom then ask for it, but ask with faith that you will receive it. Faith means your motives are right, your heart is pure and when God sees your heart, He knows what you need and because He is a good Father. If you ask but don’t receive ask God to show you your heart.
Matthew 7:7 KJV
[7] Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
So what do you pray for?
Well, we must know that the Father knows what we need and He supplies all our needs in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
[6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
For everyone and for everything.
3. When and where shall we pray?
Pray when you are suffering, when you have success, when you are sick and when you have sinned. When things are going bad in your life, PRAY! When things are going good in your life, PRAY!
Matthew 6:5-8 KJV
[5] And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are : for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
[6] But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
[7] But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do : for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
[8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV
[17] Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
However, pray submissively because God’s understanding of the total situation is much greater than ours. Pray specifically and boldly, but remember that prayer is a request, not an order.
In summary,
- How to pray - Pray with a pure faithful expectant heart
- What to pray - everything and everyone even the one who wronged us
- When to pray - anytime, when we are sad, when we are happy, when we healthy, when we are sick.
- Where to pray - everywhere
But wait, let me finish my story about Sis Isay (whom I admired the dedication, the courage, and the faithfulness of winning souls - a very faithful and hardworking servant Sis Isay together with Sis Pot) - a few weeks ago Pastor G shared to us when he prayed for kenzo - he is not wearing a shirt - so he needs to grab a blanket to cover himself and be a little presentable while praying— so i realized then what Sis Isay means before - pray and talk to GOD with the highest respect - make sure our words are with the highest level of respect - yes - God is our friend - but not our ordinary friend - He is our almighty Father. As Much as possible if we can - make our selves presentable and we can have a quiet time with HIM. And always, always with gratitude and thanksgiving. Sabi nga ni Pastor a few days ago when was last day we prayed to give thanks to the Lord, yung wala kang hihingin - puro thank you lang?
(Note: pattern of prayer - no required pattern but always with pure heart- but suggested pattern even by Pastor G. Is by
A - adoration and praise
C - confessions
T - thanksgiving
S - supplication
Thank you Sis Isay and Pastor G - for the teaching- took me almost 2 years- to grasped what’s the little whisper means. May our Lord continues to teach and correct our ways.
“Almighty Father, our awesome and compassionate loving Father, we praise and adore You O Lord. Forgive me O Lord, i admit O Lord, that i’m a working progress, i have so much to learn about You, thank You by revealing it to me step by step and sending the right people. Thank you heavenly Father for the privilege of praying and opportunity to call on You through Your beloved son Jesus Christ. Father, i pray that You would renew a right spirit within me and give me the power to pray in spirit and truth, in a way that is pleasing to You. Loving Father, teach me to pray like Jesus prayed, from a heart that is in union with You day by day, so that in all things I am praying into Your good and perfect will, and may i learn to thank you in everything O Lord, no matter my circumstances are. Lord, I pray that through my prayers Your name would be lifted up on high and glorified. Heavenly Father, it is a comfort to read in the scripture that the Holy Spirit is there for me in all my weaknesses, including those times when I find it hard to pray. Thank You, Lord, that even when I don't know what to pray for or what God wants me to pray for, the Holy Spirit will somehow pray for me in an inexpressible way. Thank You for this great comfort to my soul. Thank You heavenly Father, for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, and for the privilege of being able to come to You in prayer, even when I say nothing. Teach me all that You would have me to learn today and give me the courage and strength to wait for You, and while waiting let me know You more and be closer to You. Thank You Father that Christ is my Peace - my wonderful peace, Whose Spirit is forever dwelling within me. May my life be a walking witness to all I meet. Lord, we continuously praying for protection from all variants of covid 19 and from all illnesses, we continuously praying for Your mercy and grace,we continuously praying for Sis Emma A, - please give her comfort, in Jesus name, we pray, Amen”.
(Note: pattern of prayer - no required pattern but always with pure heart- but suggested pattern even by Pastor G. Is by
A - adoration and praise
C - confessions
T - thanksgiving
S - supplication
Thank you Sis Isay and Pastor G - for the teaching- took me almost 2 years- to grasped what’s the little whisper means. May our Lord continues to teach and correct our ways.
“Almighty Father, our awesome and compassionate loving Father, we praise and adore You O Lord. Forgive me O Lord, i admit O Lord, that i’m a working progress, i have so much to learn about You, thank You by revealing it to me step by step and sending the right people. Thank you heavenly Father for the privilege of praying and opportunity to call on You through Your beloved son Jesus Christ. Father, i pray that You would renew a right spirit within me and give me the power to pray in spirit and truth, in a way that is pleasing to You. Loving Father, teach me to pray like Jesus prayed, from a heart that is in union with You day by day, so that in all things I am praying into Your good and perfect will, and may i learn to thank you in everything O Lord, no matter my circumstances are. Lord, I pray that through my prayers Your name would be lifted up on high and glorified. Heavenly Father, it is a comfort to read in the scripture that the Holy Spirit is there for me in all my weaknesses, including those times when I find it hard to pray. Thank You, Lord, that even when I don't know what to pray for or what God wants me to pray for, the Holy Spirit will somehow pray for me in an inexpressible way. Thank You for this great comfort to my soul. Thank You heavenly Father, for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, and for the privilege of being able to come to You in prayer, even when I say nothing. Teach me all that You would have me to learn today and give me the courage and strength to wait for You, and while waiting let me know You more and be closer to You. Thank You Father that Christ is my Peace - my wonderful peace, Whose Spirit is forever dwelling within me. May my life be a walking witness to all I meet. Lord, we continuously praying for protection from all variants of covid 19 and from all illnesses, we continuously praying for Your mercy and grace,we continuously praying for Sis Emma A, - please give her comfort, in Jesus name, we pray, Amen”.
[ PART 4 ] - Coming soon ...