A Good LIFE

That best portion of a good man’s life: His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.” 

---#WilliamWordsworth 

#Quotes 

Christ's Wisdom, Mind and Thoughts are Being Shared to Us

1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV

As it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" - the things God has prepared for those who love him. 

// In the course and journey of our lives --- knowledge can gain from school, from our experiences, from people around us, but there is WISDOM that we should long for. Wisdom may not be popular with others, because wisdom is can be found and learn with God, with His Word (Bible). Wisdom will last, it will never be out-of-date. It will make you better and purposeful person.

// Wisdom is a capacity of the mind that allows us to understand life from God’s perspective. In able for us to gain wisdom we need to [a] Fear God -- filial (familial; parental) fear is the type of respect and love a child has for a parent, a fear of offending the one they most adore and trust. [b] Desire Wisdom -- “look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure” (Proverbs 2:4). [c] Pray for Wisdom -- “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). [d] Study God’s Word -- The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7). We should not rely on our own understanding, but learn from the Bibles, through the lives and wisdom and insight of Great Man of God through history.

// God prepared great things for us, as the scripture says, it is something we could not imagined. What God has arranged for those who love Him. We should be grateful coz it is revealed to us by God thru His Spirit, thru His Son Jesus.

***

1 Corinthians 2:16 AMP

For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. 

// Christ's wisdom, mind and thoughts are being shared to us. We just need to take actions and desire for it.

//danlopez11

God's Kindness Knows No Limit

Acts 3:6 NIV

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

// God's kindness knows no limit, His mercy is abundant and overflowing, sometimes we feel that we don't have the strength to stand, to continue life, we're losing hope. Just like the lame person who was sitting and begging for years, he might not see the possibilities and the things he can do, but God came to the rescue. He received the strength he needs in able for him to stand.

// Sometimes we asked for the wrong things, God has another in mind -- something that is important and something that is more beneficial for us. The lame person seems to be contented on his situation (begging), he (was) used to it, but God wanted us to experience more than that. He wants us to be a better person with capabilities to help others. Let us continue to seek His guidance and ask for His heart be the same as ours.

// Let us ask God to pick us up in those times of our lives when trials are unbearable and give us the power to make it through (the rain?) those trials. Ask Him also that through us, those who are struggling, weary and with heavy hearts will see how Good our God is through our lives, through our testimony, actions and deeds.

PRAYER: Thank you God for giving me the same importance like the lame person, the blind who you give sight.  The same power you gave for me to stand and face all the trials I might face, thank you for you are my refuge. A hand that is always ready to pick me up and tap my shoulder to comfort me.

AMEN

Your Daily Tidbits

1 John 4:8 NIV

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

// v.1-ff. Do not believe everything you hear, carefully weigh and examine everything... Some deliberately used the Name and the Word of God for their own advantage. They do make excuses as if God do the work for them, as if God’s Word is written specifically for them, be wise in discerning, see where the person is coming from, read and re-read God’s Word, ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

// Here how to test, those who openly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, God, Savior, who believe that faith actually matters is indeed for God, otherwise magduda ka na, and fruits are also visible hindi yung sa salita lang. They don’t twist God’s Word to fit into their situation. It is important for us to SEE, READ and BE DISCERNING. We usually see/hear verses into TIDBITS (verses that are cut short to become more appealing and fitting into theirs). A wise, prudent and intelligent Christian will look into it. It is important for us to understand the whole context of the verse, not just the verse itself. READ the whole chapter or at the very least, read five (5) verses before and after of the quoted verse.  

ANYONE WHO KNOWS GOD --- LISTEN AND UNDERSTAND because the Holy Spirit enables them to do so...

// v.4 Let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. God's love that brought Him on the cross to die and suffer on our behalf. He has given us life from His very own. Christ love us first; in return we must love Him wholeheartedly...

...LET US CONTINUE TO LOVE... coz HE first loved us... because loving God includes loving people...you've got to love both... BAWAL MAMILI 

Bible Reference: 1 John 4

//danlopez11

Pray Simply, Yet With Perseverance

 

Matthew 6:30 NLT

And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.

// v.2:: When trying to be good, to do good [ahaha]... (as much as possible)make sure no one is aware except God, helping and doing good is not something to boast... not unless, you want to be praised by men (pasikat ba) instead do it quietly, just like our Father, working behind the scenes when He helps us.

// Pray simply and yet with perseverance, God answers base not how flowery our prayer is, but by our sincerity and heart

// If God cares for the flowers in the field... much more HE CARES FOR US... sometimes we need to relax, not so preoccupied with the busyness of the world, so that we could response to God... know how God's work (Matthew 6:33 >>> But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.)... don't worry about missing out, for sure all your everyday concerns will be met.. 

// Give attention to what God is doing and don't worry about what may or may not happen tomorrow... God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes...

LEARN TO TRUST GOD... and LEARN TO MANAGE OUR TIME AND PRIORITIES...

// May we find ourselves a God seeker, God pleaser and not the other way around....

**

You, Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands.

Psalm 16:5 GNT

...everything is secured in God's hand...

//danlopez11

"Can I Be A Christian And Still Do...?

A common question that many new/young Christians have is… “Can I be a Christian and still do…?” some questions of “Christian liberty” can be answered easily, because the bible directly addresses these questions. For instance, if someone asks, “Is it OK, as a Christian be drunk?” The answer is clearly no. The bible says, “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). However, questions like, “Can I be a Christian and still drink alcoholic beverages?” or “Can I listen to any kind of music?” or “Can I go to any movie?” are not answered easily. They are among many gray areas of the Christian life that are/have a chapter and verse answer.

When we are in a situation that the bible does not directly address, you must consider whether or not your actions will please God.

1. Does This Activity Build Me Up Spiritually?

1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV)

"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.

1 Corinthians 10:23 (NLT)

You say, "I am allowed to do anything"-but not everything is good for you. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"-but not everything is beneficial. 

This verse tackles the issue of whether certain activities will be spiritually constructive in your life – even if it falls into a so called “gray” area. A more literal translation of that verse is “ALL THINGS ARE PERMISSIBLE, BUT NOT ALL THINGS PROMOTE GROWTH IN CHRISTIAN CHARACTER.” The next time you question whether you should be seeing a certain movie, participating in a specific activity or engaging in a certain habit, ask yourself the following questions:

a. Will this activity make the things of this world more appealing than the things of God?

b. Will it keep from prayer?

c. Will it diminish my hunger for God’ Word?

d. Will it spiritually tear me down by pulling me away from other Christian believers?

You do not have time for anything that would make this world more attractive, (they might give you…>>>) dull your desire for prayer, take away your appetite for bible study, or keep you from Christian fellowship. Instead, look for things that will benefit and build your Christian character.

2. Does This Activity Bring Me Under Its Power?

1 Corinthians 10:23 (MSG)

Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.

Some have mistakenly assumed that following Christ means laboriously obeying a list of “DO’S” and “DON’TS.” In reality, the Christian life, if lived according to Scripture, is one of joy and satisfaction. This verse serves as a case in point. To follow the principle laid out here is not overly restricting but truly liberating!

Some people are controlled by pleasure. For example, they may live for a certain sports and become so fanatical about it that it turns into an obsession. Others may be hooked on soap operas, food or some particular habit that has them under its power. Yet, as a Christian, you should only want to be controlled by and under the power of Jesus Christ

We need to treasure our relationship with God – and the ensuing freedom from sin it has brought – that we jealously guard that relationship, wanting no thing or person to gets in its way. As the Psalmist prayed, we, too, should pray, [Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT) | Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.]

3. Do I Have An Uneasy Conscience About His Activity?

Romans 14:23 (NLT)

But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

When it comes to participating in questionable activities, it is easy to rationalize joining in because others are doing it. Yet this verse places the responsibility of your choice squarely on your shoulders. You may protest and say, “Well, so-and-so is doing it!” But you are not that person. You must be obedient to what God tells you to do.

How do you know when you should not participate in a certain activity? God’s Holy Spirit will often give you an uneasy conscience about something you should not be doing. For example, you may have sense that you are in the wrong place, with the wrong people, about to do the wrong thing. Or, you may have a lack of peace in your heart about an activity in which you are participating. When this happens, it is up to you to pay attention to your conscience and follow through by being obedient to God.

4. Could This Activity Cause Other Christians To Stumble In Their Faith?

Romans 14:13 (NLT)

So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

Don’t do anything that will bring criticism against yourself, even if you know that a certain activity is all right. What we do and become has a direct effect on others – not only for our life here in this earth, but also for eternity. We not only need to live our lives conscious of God’s opinion, but we also need to live our lives with consideration for others. We do not want to do anything that has the potential of causing any Christian brother or sister to stumble or fall. Be sensitive to those around you. Don’t let your Christian witness be hindered by what you say or do.

//danlopez11

For Him and Through Him

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Psalms 4:8 NLT

Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another.

John 1:16 GNT

// everything was created through Him.. nothing came into existence without Him... He is the source of everything we had... faithful or unfaithful we are, He still bless us... the greatest blessing we received is THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE... it is by grace kaya naging karapatdapat tayo..

// grace--unmerited divine assistance given to us; special favor; privilege

// we received blessing after blessing because He loves us so much.. may we find ourselves thankful and grateful of God's grace given to us... 

//danlopez11

Courage In Trials

John 10:10

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (NIV)

Many Christians have the mistaken idea that once they make a commitment to Jesus Christ, life will be smooth sailing from that day forward. This certainly not the case. While it is true that walking with Christ will help us avoid many of the problems we used to face, we are still going to experience what the bible calls “trials.”

Trials may come in the form of a crisis, a sudden illness, the loss of loved one, or some drastic change in your life. You may go through a difficult time when you don’t feel God’s presence, WHEN CHURCH MAY NOT EXCITING AS IT ONCE WAS FOR YOU, or your prayers seem to go no higher than the ceiling. This make cause you to wonder if you have angered God or if He has left you. But God allows these difficulties into our lives to help us grow spiritually – to learn to live by faith not by feelings.

1. Trials Sharpen Our Faith. Hardships develop our character and purify our faith.

1 Peter 1:3-7

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 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. (NIV)

God has selected you for a choice work. But before he can use you, he must toughen the grain of your life. He does this by allowing you to go through difficulties so that your faith can be tested and purified. 

We need to remember…

a. Remember Who You Are. You are God’s child

1 Peter 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (NIV)

b. Remember What God has Promised You. God promise the priceless gift of eternal life.

1 Peter 1:4

And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, (NIV)

c. Remember Who Will See You Through. God will protect you until you reach your final destination.

1 Peter 1:5-6

Who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. (NIV)

d. Remember Why God Lets You Go Through Trials. God Wants to test the genuineness of your faith so that your life will result in praise and glory when Jesus returns.

1 Peter 1:7

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. (NIV)

2. Trials Help Us Comfort Others. Experiencing suffering deepens our compassion for others who suffer. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God(una-una lang yan, best foot forward sabi nga ng iba, our experience hopefully will be a great blessing and learning to others). For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (NIV)

3. Trials are Survivable. We must keep our eternal perspective through the tough times. Its proven, our daily existence is a living proof that trials can be a thing in the past as long as we have the drive to wake, to rise and to continue. Parang laro lang yan, kapag nag GAMEOVER you still have the option to continue. So, ikaw yun… TRABAHO MO AT RESPONSIBLIDAD NATIN.

4. Trials Test Our Foundation. When we ground our lives in Christ, we can survive any storm.

Luke 6:47-49

I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."(NIV)

5. Jesus is With Us in Life’s Storm. We are never outside of God’s watchful eye and his abiding presence

a. Jesus is aware of your situation.

b. Jesus will answer your call for help.

c. You can make it through.

6. God Gives Hope to Our Troubled Hearts. We can have peace of mind in the middle of our greatest trials.

John 14:1-7

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."(NIV)

a. We can take God at his word.

b. Jesus is coming back to us (hope)

more verses:

Isaiah 64:8

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.(NIV)

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.(NIV)

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.(NIV)

A higher calling

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.(NIV)

Malachi 3:3

He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness,(NIV)

//danlopez11

Live Life With A Purpose

Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Philippians 2:3 NCV

When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves.

Philippians 2:1‭-‬4 MSG

If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care —then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Philippians 2:12-13 NLT

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

// Though we need to look up for ourselves(self-confidence) we should not push our way up thru our sugar-coated talks. Instead help others get ahead, not for your self-advantage, always ready to lend a hand. Just like what Jesus did for us though He is God Himself, He offered His life for our benefits, He humbly done and demonstrate it on the cross.

// Be always ready, obedient at all times, readily to prove the salvation He gave to you, because God himself is willing and working to make you able to obey His will for His purpose.  As we live in a corrupt and sinful world, be the source of light, hope, a message of life that Jesus can only give... be the testimony of God's goodness.

// LIVE LIFE WITH A PURPOSE

// Our life is a cycle of blessings and battles, it is important that we know who to approach when trials comes. Thanking Him even during BLESSINGS and TRIALS in our lives.

// Noah before the flood, he followed God and yet he experienced a lot of trials and even people judgement, still he chooses to do God's will.

// As for Jesus right after He was recognized by God (during Jesus baptism),  right after the Holy Spirit came to Him, He was tempted by Satan. Same mostly of the believers after they had their encounter with the Holy Spirit, trials comes. But this is the assurance, God will never leave you, He will send someone to the rescue.

//danlopez11

Jesus LEADS

John 1:1-9

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.(NIV)

1. Light Destroys Darkness

Darkness is like a sin. Just like darkness makes us unable to see, sin causes us to be unable to understands the things in God’s kingdom and it hides the truth from us. When we are born again, we begin to realize just how blind we have been to the truth of God’s love and the wonderful things God wants to bring into our lives. Jesus died so that sin could no longer keep us in the dark. Because of Jesus we can see the truth!

2. Light is Life-giving

Jesus brings life. He brings new life to those who accept Him. Without Him everyone would be disconnected from God and would pay the ultimate price for sin – spiritual death. But because of Jesus, we have new, eternal life.

3. Light Brings Health

Jesus brings into our lives the ability to live strong, healthy Christian lives. He helps us remain spiritually healthy by being connected to God and living lives according to God’s plan for us. Before we are born again, we are weak and sickened by the effects of sin and death.

Jesus came as man so he could teach us about God’s kingdom. He died so we can be reconnected to God and don’t have to pay the penalty of sin.

Because Jesus is the light of the world, he helps us understand what God wants us to learn. Bit by bit as we live our life with Jesus and seek to please God, we will find ourselves becoming new, better and better. God wants only the best for us. He will keep changing us and perfecting us until as we are able to be the person we dreamed for. Because Jesus is light of the world, we are to be like him, we are supposed to be light for those around us; especially the ones who don’t know Jesus. We can be light to them by helping them to see more clearly all that Jesus is and all he has done for them.

@danlopez11
 

Shine Your Light

Matthew 5:16 NIV

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

// You are here to be light, bringing out the God's glory in the world... God is not a secret to be kept... A God's light bearer is always seen by others... God purposely put you in a place, situation to be seen, to shine.. be generous of God's light that is entrusted to you by opening up your lives to others, prompting people to give up  and  trust their lives to God...

// As the song goes... "shine your light, and let the whole world see..." for our God is mighty to save…

Psalms 1:1‭-‬3 NLT

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

// God promised fruitfulness, vitality and prosperity as long we dwell into His presence… though we may be tempted to do sins, as we see other prosper even they do what is wrong but their joy will not last… because the true lasting prosperity and fruitfulness is only can be found in having relationship with God. and we are assured that we are being watch by Him. 

God Disciplined Those Who are His

 

Hebrews 12:6 NCV

The Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as his child.”

// As our earthly parents disciplined us for our own good, same as our Father in heaven, God also want the best for us. most of the time discipline is not fun and and seems not favorable to us, later we will be able to see and grasps what is behind it. We are being trained how to handle every situation and make us mature in our relationship with the Lord..

Hebrews 12:11 HCSB

No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:14 HCSB

Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness — without it no one will see the Lord.

Hebrews 11:4 NLT

It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.

Hebrews 13:7 NIV

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

God's Eyes On You

 

James 1:2‭-‬3 NIV

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

James 1:17 NIV

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 2:1 NABRE

My brothers, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.

// Trials, trials, trials... nanung atin? it('s) (maybe) (a) part of our lives and no one is exempted... it is just how you see and handle it... make it your motivation to do and give your best.. Gods promises are there, we just need to see it coming and claim it... God's blessing comes in different shapes and colors... need lang natin i-appreciate and recognized that it comes from HIM... 

Be Glad as James said, God shows no favoritism. He constantly looking after you (us). We need to learn (how) to wait of His timing.

Is Your Faith Can Be Trusted?

 

Proverbs 28:5 MSG

Justice makes no sense to the evilminded; those who seek God know it inside and out.

#BibleVerseOfTheDay 

#VerseOfTheDay

A faith that has not been tested, cannot be trusted.

-#AdrianRogers

#Quotes

Need Help???

“Do you need help today? Lift up your hands to the Lord in supplication and in expectation, and soon you will lift up your hands in jubilation and celebration.”

—WARREN W. WIERSBE

#Quotes

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