Sunday, June 29, 2008

Bible verse of the day...John 16:24 (NIV)

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

Have you ever asked God for something either for yourself or for someone else? I'm sure most of us have done it. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ tells us in this verse that if we need something, all we have to do is pray and ask in His name, then, we will receive it.
Receiving blessings from God is truly a joy to anyone who ask for it. But we must try to consider God's will. Sometimes when we pray for something to happen or whatever it might be and God thinks that it will be good for us, He gives what is asked. However, if He thinks it will harm us, He would not heed with our request. So, whatever the outcome of our prayers in the name of Jesus, we should believe that God always gives what is best for us.


Saturday, June 28, 2008

Bible verse of the day...James 5:16 (NIV)

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

All of us have sinned against God. None of us can say that he is not a sinner because man can sin with his thoughts and with his heart. God commands us to confess our sins with one another and pray for each other. We should accept our sins and ask the Lord for forgiveness. He hears the prayer of a righteous man and the reason why it is effective and powerful because God sees the sincerity of his heart.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Haggai 2:8 (NIV)

'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty. Haggai 2:8 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

Everything that man has comes from the Lord. God is reminding us in this verse that wealth comes from Him because He owns the silver, gold, etc. He made them for a reason. We should be grateful for whatever wealth we have in life. When I say wealth doesn't mean money only but our lives, family, good health, jobs, friends and the things we have. I thank God for the blessings He gave me.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Proverbs 22:2 (NIV)

Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all. Proverbs 22:2 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

In this world, there is a huge difference between rich and poor. We can see that many people around the planet are starving and children dying because of poverty. However, in first world countries, it's the opposite. Despite our economic status in life, we are created by the same God. We are all made of in His image and likeness. It is nobody's fault if we were born to a poor or rich family. I think it's a great blessing for us to be alive. If we were born rich, then, it's a great opportunity to help others who are less fortunate. But if we were born to a poor family, it doesn't mean that we should have self-pity but rather we should hold on to God and strive hard to augment our way of living. God has a plan for us whether we are rich or poor. We have the same God who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He guides us and protect us everyday. Hence, we are equal in His eyes.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Bible verse of the day...2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

There are many verses in the bible about tithes and offerings for the Lord.This verse is one of them. We should remember that when we give something to God it should be the best we have. God is pleased when we give it with all our hearts and not for the eyes of man. He will give back a hundred percent or more of what you have given Him. I know this because He always do that to me faithfully and I'm always very grateful to Him.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Micah 7:18 (NIV)

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. Micah 7:18 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

Have you experienced being persecuted or being looked down by someone? Well, I have had that experience. Sometimes it's annoying, you'll get upset and get hurt in the process. However, most of the time I see it as a challenge. A challenge for me to become a better person and an opportunity to show God's love on that individual. Arrogance of a man won't do him any good. I think no man is better than the other. We are created equal and we should forgive the person who try to put us down. In fact, a prayer would help that person a lot. We should be merciful because sometimes man doesn't know what he is doing. Oftentimes, these people are blinded with hate and insecurities in their hearts. As God has said in this verse, let us not be angry but rather show mercy and learn how to forgive.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

Every time we pray together even when we are only few, God is always there to listen to our prayers. In the church where I usually attend there is a mid-week service. In that mid-week service there are only very few attendees. One time, we were less than 10 who attended the service. Then, we group ourselves by two's to pray for our needs and other things. Even though we were only two praying for each other our Almighty God is there with us and listening to our prayers. In my own experience, praying together with sincere hearts is a powerful thing. Many times I have done it with my colleagues and it is a very effective because God hears them and answers the need.


Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Proverbs 11:9 (NIV)

With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape. Proverbs 11:9 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

The verse tells us that a person who doesn't believe in God is someone who use his mouth to slander or hurt his fellowman. However, a righteous man prevents it. Instead, he use it to glorify God. I'm reminded of my deceased grandfather with this verse. He was a man who doesn't curse or say bad things about other people. I have never heard him saying anything negative towards others and but instead he treat everybody fairly. I'm sure God is pleased with people who knows how to control their tongues and give honor to His name.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Exodus 20:20 (NIV)

Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." Exodus 20:20 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

Moses is one of the my favorite bible characters. I admired him because he allowed himself to be used by God. I think most of us are familiar and observant of the Ten Commandments. God gave these commandments to Moses to serve as reminder to all mankind. He doesn't want us to sin against Him that is why He laid down these laws for us. We should know that God is constantly watching us and wants us to follow the laws He set for us.


Monday, June 16, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

It is good for a nation or community to have peace and harmony. Over the years we have seen on the television fighting or war among nations. Many people die from these fightings and everybody suffer from it. However, our Almighty God wants us to live with sincere love and respect for each other. Eventhough we have different ideas, beliefs and opinions from one another, still we need to learn how to live in peace.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Proverbs 15:5 (NIV)

A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. Proverbs 15:5 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

As a human being we commit a lot of mistakes and sometimes we deserve some corrections either from our parents or from God. It maybe hard to accept that we did something wrong. But we should be responsible for our own actions and able to face the consequences of it. A wise man is someone who is not afraid of accepting his punishment or correction because he knows that it will make him stronger and it will help him to be more careful with his actions. However, a fool man is someone who rejects correction because he thinks he is always right. I think it is better for us to face God's correction because He knows that it is for our own good. Also, we can learn from our mistakes and it will help us become better servants of God.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Bible verse of the day...James 5:15 (NIV)

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:15 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

Many times I've been sick and it is very frustrating when I can't do anything except lying down or sleeping. I don't want to get sick but it is common for us to get sick. I always pray for good health not only for myself but also for the people I love. I remember when I was in high school when my grandfather was admitted to the hospital. The entire school prayed for him because he was once a school principal of the same school. That prayer and the prayer of the entire family helped him. He eventually recovered after a few weeks or so. I think when we pray to God sincerely not only in times of sickness, He hears them. Our faith in Him must be strong because we know that He can do anything. There are many stories in the bible regarding faith and healing. We can see in these stories that our God is a great healer and He can heal anyone who have faith in Him.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Mark 13:31 (NIV)

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Mark 13:31 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

This verse sounds very familiar to most of us and we hear this in our churches every now and then. God's words and commandments will stay forever. Our future is in His hands and the things written in the bible will happen. God's words are true. Everything will pass but God lives forever.



Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

St. Paul wrote the book of Ephesians and this verse is one of the inspiring verses in the bible. It is good to know that someone is praying for you and asking God to bless you with great things. St. Paul did the same with the people of Ephesus. I believe in the power of prayer. We pray not only for ourselves but also for others especially those who need them. We must pray that others will know and love God. If a man loves Him, he becomes a true servant and obey God unconditionally.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

Every time we do something good to others, I think God rejoices in heaven. A simple act of kindness to our brothers mean a lot. We do good deeds for God and not for man. Whether that person acknowledges the help extended to him may not really matter because we did it for God's glory. Also, God encourages us to do good toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us show our love to God by helping others who are in need.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Bible verse of the day...1 John 4:20 (NIV)

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. 1 John 4:20 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

This is a very interesting verse. We should love our fellowmen despite our differences in religion, gender, nationality, etc. Today, we can see a lot of fighting from around the world. Most people doesn't seem to care about their brothers and sisters. Some find pleasure in killing innocent people, including women and children. Some do it for the sake of religion or other cultural beliefs. Ironic as it may seemed because our God doesn't want us to hate our fellow being. In fact, He wanted us to love our brothers. This verse is so true because how can we say we love God, then, do bad things toward His children. A true child of God is someone who knows how to obey what God says and does not do otherwise.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Luke 21:19 (NIV)

By standing firm you will gain life. Luke 21:19 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

Living in general is tough and full of challenges. All of us encounter series of problems along the way. However, as children of God, we should be strong with our faith in God. We should not be discouraged about the trials given to us because it help us become stronger and wiser. Further, we should be patient in doing good for God's glory on whatever situation we maybe into. Otherwise, if we easily give in to the ways of the world and cease in doing what is right, I don't think we will receive the gift of eternal life.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Bible verse of the day... 1 John 2:17 (NIV)

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

Everything we see here on earth shall come to pass. The beautiful scenery and the material things we possess will be destroyed as the world ends. Even our lives are temporary. However, if we try to make the best of our lives by serving and obeying the LORD while we are still alive, it doesn't matter matter if the world pass away. We will live with God forever and be happy with Him in glory because God rewards those who love Him and keep His commandments.


Thursday, June 5, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Isaiah 42:8 (NIV)

"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols." Isaiah 42:8 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

Our God has many names and He can be called Yeshua, YHWH, El Shaddai, Jehovah, El, Elohim, and Adonai (Hebrew names). Our Almighty God wants us to praise Him and does not want to be associated with idols. There are many kinds of idols, it can be a stone or wood carved into something which the people can worship (simply called graven images) and it can also be something that diverts man's attention from God like money, power, etc. Our God is the King of all kings and it is Him alone who is worthy of our worship.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Bible verse of the day...James 2:8 (NIV)

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. James 2:8 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

God has been telling us that we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Sometimes it's not easy loving people whom we don't know or whom we don't trust. But no matter how tough it is, we have to love others. We may ask, why? Well, first of all, it's one of God's commandments and in order for us to be called as His children, we have to obey His laws. Second, we can't live alone, no matter what we do, we need others in order for us to survive. Loving others make it more easier for us to live a peaceful and happier life. Lastly, sharing love toward others and doing good to our neighbors is one of best things we could do for God.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

A child should be trained well by their parents while they are young. He/she should be taught to love God above all, obey the laws of God, love his/her parents, respect them including his/her neighbors. It is imperative for every child to know what is right from wrong. If he/she commits mistake, the parents should let him/her realize the consequences of his/her actions. Parents should guide their children as they grow, so, by the time they are old, they would remember the things their parents have taught them.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)

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 will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

In whatever we do, we must be able to please our God in heaven. If we continue doing good, then, we will benefit from it because God rewards those who follow His commandments. However, if we do wrongful acts and deliberately violate God's laws , then, we will suffer from it.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Bible verse of the day...Matthew 6:1 (NIV)

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1 (NIV)

My reflection of the verse

The verse reminds us that when we do good things to other people we should not show or tell the whole world about it. As much as possible we should keep it and let God knows what we have done. We have seen other people helping others but some do it for publicity. It should not be that way. Our God in heaven is pleased when we do good things for His glory. Our brothers who are in need must be able to realized that the help extended to them was from God's. The helper was merely an instrument of God's love and compassion for them. Therefore, doing acts of righteousness should be sincere and let God reward anyone who do these things.