Inspirations Just For You

Smile, Great is the Lord's Faithfulness!

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Tue, 15 May 2018 08:17:00 +0000

It was April 29 when I felt awkward that it seems half of my face was not responding properly.

The left part of my lips and cheeks were twitching. I then found out that it was Bell's Palsy after a Medical Checkup.

Fears and worries started to come upon me; "what if I would not recover from it at all?"

I sought the Lord, and asked my family and friends as well to pray for me.

I am very thankful to the Lord for giving me a very supportive girlfriend who accompanied and encouraged me all throughout the checkups and tests, and for a very supportive family and Church family who has been praying for me.

True Healing is From the Lord

You know what the Lord has taught me all throughout this sickness? True healing is from the Lord. By His grace, as He was healing me physically, God was strengthening my faith in Him in the process.

I regularly look on myself on the mirror during the first three to six days, and there were no significant improvement. This caused me to worry again.

I was then reminded of the story when Peter was sinking after looking onto the giant waves caused by strong wind.

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:28-33)

"Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'”, this has spoken to me loudly during this time.

While I was busy worrying and doubting, God was busy in working in me and for me as He strengthen my faith in Him through His promises on His Word.

It was as if God was saying to me at that time, "Why are you doubting? Don't you know that you can give me all of your fears, worries, doubts, frustrations, disappointments, and unhealthy emotional baggage, and ask me to take them away and replace them with more faith in Me?"

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)

Taste and See that the Lord is Good

I could say that I was first healed spiritually, before I first felt the physical healing. After my 7-day steroid medication, I stopped looking on the mirror looking for improvements, and started looking on to the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord once again.

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" (Psalm 34:8)

It was after 11 days that the MRI results and the EMG-NCV (to test the nerve electrical functions and muscle strength) results were given back to the Doctor to see if there have been improvement after all. The Doctor congratulated me and said that favorable recovery is expected.

It was by the Lord's marvelous grace through Jesus Christ that I was healed and now am recovering from Bell's Palsy!

But above the physical healing, I praise the Lord all the more for healing my doubting and worrying heart and strengthening my faith!

Visible Reminder of God's Faithfulness

I posted on the wall of my room one of the results of the MRI of my brain.

I posted on top of it a printed copy of Psalm 34.

It has been two weeks already since I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, and I would like to declare how good the Lord is because I have a big smile once again (literally)!

Every time I see that MRI result I was always being reminded of how big our God is, and of His faithfulness and goodness.

This brings back to memory of the story of David when the Lord has delivered him from Goliath.

"This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand... and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.

And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent." (1 Samuel 17:46a, 47, 54)

David kept a visible reminder that the Lord was bigger than the giant enemy, and it was God who was able to deliver him from that gigantic problem.

Indeed, the battle is the Lord's. Great is His faithfulness!

Give your fears and doubts to Jesus Christ, ask Him to take these and replace it with more faith in Him.

As you seek the Lord, He answers and delivers you from all your fears.

The Safety of God's Presence

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 01:12:00 +0000

The Safety of God's Presence
| Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley |

If you’re a parent, your arms were (or are) the place of safety for your children. When they got hurt, or when they felt sick or afraid or anxious, they would raise their arms for you to pick them up. Your presence could make monsters disappear and boo-boos feel all better, and little wounded spirits would be healed.

Take a moment to remember how it felt when your toddler (or any child) would grab you around the neck and hold on for dear life.

That’s what God’s presence can do for you.

All the spiritual disciplines and religious activity won’t change you or heal your fear and anxiety if they don’t help you enter God’s presence.

And worship is the way you get there.

In true worship you lose sight of what’s around you and see only Him. Whether alone or with other believers; in nature, church, or your own home; in silence or with music; your heart is stilled, cleansed, healed, transformed.

In the presence of God, evil leaves the way darkness leaves when you turn on the light.

When you are troubled, run into His arms through worship. Grab on to Him and hold on as if your life depended on it.

Because it does.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I [Jesus] have overcome the world."" - John 16:33

"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!" - Psalms 46:10

"The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, 'Destroy.'" - Deuteronomy 33:27

* Adopted from YouVersion Bible Plan: Overcoming Fear And Anxiety Through Spiritual Warfare

Guard Your Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 01:03:00 +0000

Guard Your Heart
| Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley |

The fog of a troubled heart can obscure what’s really going on, but God’s Word provides plenty of clues.

If stealing, killing, and destroying are happening around you, you know the thief is at work. Sometimes that’s because of our own or other people’s sinful behavior, and sometimes it’s simply because we still live in this messed-up world.

Be especially alert for condemnation and confusion.

Condemnation from the enemy and conviction from the Holy Spirit may seem similar on the outside, but they couldn’t be more different. Condemnation is dark, hopeless, destructive, and holds you to your past. It feels like the end.

Conviction from the Holy Spirit feels light, hopeful, uplifting, and points you to your future. It’s a beginning and provides a clear sense of the next step to take.

Confusion from the enemy brings oppression, darkness, and fear. The harder you wrestle to break free, the more entangled you become.

Peace from the Holy Spirit brings clarity and light. Regardless of what happens externally, your inner world can experience calmness and hope.

When you are experiencing condemnation or confusion, literally STOP! Move away mentally and/or physically. Calm your mind, run into God’s presence, and listen for His voice. He will meet you there.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." - Romans 8:1

"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
As in all the churches of the saints..." - 1 Corinthians 14:33

* Adopted from YouVersion Bible Plan: Overcoming Fear And Anxiety Through Spiritual Warfare

Master Your Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 00:47:00 +0000

Master Your Thoughts
| Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley |

Controlling your thoughts is not magic or mind over matter. Your thoughts are powerful, but they are not all-powerful. We usually place too little emphasis on our thoughts. Taking control of your thoughts will, over time, change your feelings and even your circumstances.

I learned basic computer programming as a senior in high school—using the old eighty-column paper punch cards. If one little hole was punched wrong, the output would be meaningless. We were told “garbage in, garbage out.”

To bring your thoughts under control, take care of the hardware of your mind. Your brain needs water, healthy food, exercise, and rest.

Put a strong filter on the input your mind receives. Decrease or eliminate input that is anxiety-producing, ungodly, or negative. Feed your mind daily input that is encouraging, godly, uplifting, and positive.

And do a reboot, a software update on your thoughts. Choose to focus on the truth, on things you can change, and on what God says about the situation.

As you care for your mind’s hardware, input, and software, your thoughts and emotions—the output your mind produces—will better correspond with “these things” Paul encourages us to think about.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." - Philippians 4:8

"For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ," - 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

* Adopted from YouVersion Bible Plan: Overcoming Fear And Anxiety Through Spiritual Warfare

Be Anxious for Nothing

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 01:03:00 +0000

Be Anxious for Nothing
| Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley |

Anxiety can take over your thoughts and emotions and often lead to physical symptoms. In our world there’s plenty to worry about—financial pressure, family or marriage problems, political unrest, and so much more.

How can you not worry about what other people think about tomorrow, about success or failure, about your spouse or children?

Jesus said don’t worry about it. Don’t be anxious. But how?

The Greek word translated “casting your care” in 1 Peter 5:7 paints a colorful picture of taking what you have and throwing it onto something else. It’s the same word used to describe the way Jesus’s disciples threw their garments on the donkey He rode into Jerusalem (Luke 19:35).

Imagine your worry as something tangible, like a garment you’re wearing. Write down what worries you, or draw a picture symbolizing your worry.

Then imagine taking off that garment of anxiety and throwing it onto Jesus. Do something physical to symbolize casting your worry on Him. Take what you wrote or drew, crumple it up and burn it, or tear it up, or place it at the altar at your church.

Cast your worry onto Jesus, and leave it there. He can handle it.

"...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." - Philippians 4:6

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." - Matthew 6:34

"...casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

* Adopted from YouVersion Bible Plan: Overcoming Fear And Anxiety Through Spiritual Warfare

Be Not Afraid

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 00:26:00 +0000

Be Not Afraid
| Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley |

God must have known we would struggle with fear. He says at least one hundred times in the Bible, “Don’t be afraid!”

As a little girl I had some Bible story books my parents bought for my sister and me. I can vividly remember the depiction of Jesus in the boat on the Sea of Galilee as the storm arose and threatened the lives of all aboard. When the disciples woke Him, Jesus stood up in the boat and with only a word calmed the wind and the waves. Then He looked at his disciples and said, “Why were you afraid? Why were you afraid when I was with you?”

Indeed, why are we afraid when He is with us?

Can you imagine Peter, John, or Paul spending one moment afraid of what other people thought, of what the devil might be doing, or of what persecution they were about to experience? Spending time with Jesus, seeing Him alive, and experiencing the Holy Spirit turned them from fearful to fearless.

If you could see Jesus standing beside you right now, do you think you would be afraid of anything?

Practice being in His presence and your fear will have to leave.

"...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7

"And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, "Save us, Lord; we are perishing." And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?" - Matthew 8:23-27

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." - 1 John 4:18

* Adopted from YouVersion Bible Plan: Overcoming Fear And Anxiety Through Spiritual Warfare

The Good News For Reconciliation

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 02:07:00 +0000

This was the scroll that Jesus read when He visited a synagogue (Church). It was from the Book of Isaiah. And afterwards, He said to them, this day this has been fulfilled.

There is good news in Jesus, my friend. In fact, Jesus is the Good News. There is now reconciliation to God through the Cross and Resurrection of Christ. By faith we trust in Jesus as we make Him the Lord and Savior of our lives, thanking Him for the grace and the love He is showering us. Repent from your sins, and talk to Christ.

Paglalakbay sa Buhay

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 22:52:00 +0000

Napagod. Nasaktan. Nabasag.
Pinagpahinga. Natuwa. Binuo.

Eto ang kwento ng buhay ko.

May mga tagumpay.
May mga pagkatalo.

May mga tamang nagawa.
May mga maling di na uulitin pa.

Buhay ay sadyang isang paglalakbay.

May masaya, may malungkot;
Sa lahat ng iyon, may isang hindi nagbabago.

Ikaw, Hesus, and Diyos ko anuman mangyari!

Hindi Ka nagbago, Ika'y tapat kailan pa man.
Sa lahat ng pighati at katuwaan, kasama Kita.
Lumingon ako, nandun Ka.
Bukas, sadyang nandun Ka pa rin.

Ikaw, Hesus, and Diyos ko anuman mangyari!

* Adopted from the Song, "Through All Of It" by Colton Dixon. It seems every line of that song says what my heart would exactly say to God.
* Image comes from Google Image Search

Rejoice In The Lord

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 23:00:00 +0000

Do you want to have peace of mind and peace of heart, the kind of peace which surpasses all understanding?

You rejoice in Jesus Christ, our Lord; you delight in Him! As you delight in Christ, you talk (prayer) to Him and share your burdens (supplication) and thanksgiving - causing you not to be anxious about anything because you rejoice in Christ.

While you rejoice in Christ, and you talk to God in prayer with a thankful heart, our God of peace fills you up with that peace of mind and peace of heart - peace which you could not explain that you are joyful in Jesus Christ even in the midst of the negativity of the world. And in this way, Christ's peace overflows in you, that you become a channel of God's peace to others - giving back the glory to our Everlasting Father!

* Image comes from YouVersion Bible App

Practice What You Learn

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 02:00:00 +0000

As we practice what we learn from God's Word, the God of peace is in us changing us to be more like Christ.

* Image comes from YouVersion Bible App

More of You, Less of Me

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 13:18:00 +0000

You might have heard, "Knowledge is power!" There is truth in this. Learning more and gaining more knowledge means being one step wiser than before.

Gain more knowledge about History and we eventually become expert with Historic facts.

Gain more knowledge about Law and we eventually become expert with how Law and Justice works in the society.

Gain more knowledge about Jesus Christ through the Bible, and we are amazed and humbled at the same time!

John the Baptist was amazed and humbled when he met Jesus. (John 3:22-30)

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison).

Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him." John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.' The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease."

John knew that though he gained so many followers, he was just the friend of the bridegroom, and the bridegroom is Jesus Christ.

John was sent to prepare the way for the Christ, and as soon as he met Jesus he humbled himself before the Christ. It is interesting that this humility John showed came from a heart completely amazed with and in knowing Jesus - Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease. (verses 29b-30)

As we learn more about Jesus Christ of the Bible, we gain more knowledge about Him that leads to our joy being complete which should humble us more.

Human flesh craves for recognition from other people. We tend to put the spotlight to ourselves. And it is with this natural heart that we are to look to Jesus always, be amazed with His glory and power, and with all surrender we say,

"More of You [Jesus], and less of me."

And then we become transformed (Romans 12:2) to be more like Jesus as we meditate on His Word with a joyful humble heart - a heart completely surrendered to Christ.

"He must increase, but I must decrease." - John 3:30

*Image comes from Google Image Search

Your Money, Your Heart, and The Treasure

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 21:49:00 +0000

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21

It is Pay Day again! Some are in that time of the year when Companies are reaping the harvest from last year's performance. Bonuses are given out to employees to let them share with the Company's success from all throughout last year.

It is that time that many are tested once again where truly his heart will be.

Whenever you receive your paycheck, what is the first thing that comes up to your mind?

Some may think of buying a new gadget or spending it on Fashion wear. Some may think of having a vacation somewhere far to get away momentarily from the noise of the city. Some may think of food and lots of food!

These may be legitimate needs for some, though some may object that these are just cravings.

But don't you feel that you have been forgetting something from the list above?

Who is the One who enables you to work so that you may earn such salary?
Who is that Person who strengthens you day in and day out so that you can earn a living?
Who made it possible for you to have that job in the first place?

Isn't that it is God, by the riches of His mercy and grace, who gave you that job, strengthens you day in and day out, and enables you to do your work?

Without God, you can do nothing.
And with God, you can do everything according to His will by His grace!

So why not give God back the glory by "bringing the full tithe into the storehouse (Church), that there may be food in God's house"?

Ask God to open your heart today so that you might see that Jesus Christ is the treasure that is far greater than the wealth this world can ever give you. Jesus offers forgiveness for those who repent from their sins and turn back to God. Jesus offers Himself as the Treasure your heart can ever have.

Seek Jesus Christ as you read His Word today, and may your offering be a pleasing sacrifice to Him as you make Christ your greatest Treasure.

*Image comes from Google Image Search

Teach Us to Number Our Days

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 07:56:00 +0000

The year 2016 has gone so fast, and now 8 days have passed as we entered the new year 2017! The Lord teaches us to number our days, for our days are short. "For a thousand years in God's sight are but as yesterday when it is past", as Moses described it in his Psalm (Psalm 90:4).

Teach Us to Number Our Days

We could plan and execute these plans flawlessly this year, but always remember that our life is but "like grass that is renewed in the morning, in the morning it flourishes and is renewed, in the evening it fades and withers." (Psalm 90:5-6) Always keep in mind that our life is short, no matter how young we are today. So it is important to see our life as how God wants us to see it - to number our days, so that we could have a heart of wisdom!

That We May Get a Heart of Wisdom

What does it mean to have a heart of wisdom?

"And he said to man,‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” - Job 28:28

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." - Proverbs 9:10

In short, to have a heart of wisdom is to believe in God's promises written in His Word, the Bible, and to trust that Jesus Christ is the only One who could satisfy the longing of your heart - leading you to turn away from your lifestyle of sins and living your life for God's glory!

Make it a goal this year to make your every day count as you live it for God's glory, with our hope anchored in His amazing grace!

*Image comes from Google Image Search

Are You a Fragrant Flower?

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 05:53:00 +0000

"Just as a flower which seems beautiful and has color but no perfume, so are the fruitless words of the man who speaks them but does them not." ~ John Dewey

While walking at a park with my lovely girlfriend, we took the chance to take some photos using our phone cameras. It was just right after a downpour. These little red flowers caught our attention, and it was indeed beautiful!

But I felt something is missing. I never smelled its fragrance. It should have been a more delightful experience if it had a very pleasant aroma!

It is just as the same way as the words that we speak. We might be the best silver-tongued man, but if our actions do not back these words up, we are more like a man who after looking at himself on a mirror, immediately forgets what he looks like.

"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like." - James 1:23-24

The Word of God, is like a mirror that makes us see our true nature - sinful, wicked, wretched, hopeless, all because of sin. It shows us that we need help. On our own, we tend to ruin ourselves.

That is the reason why Jesus Christ became a baby - a human like us but still God at the same time, grew up, was crucified on the Cross - to die for us as the punishment for our sins, buried - to show that our sins were also buried with His body, and was risen again - to demonstrate that every one who believes in Jesus Christ and surrenders everything to Him has a new life already!

My friend, if you have surrendered your life to Christ already, you are a new person now. Jesus Christ is living in you now. Therefore, let us ask God that by His grace He would help us walk what we talk about.

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves... But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." - James 1:22, 25

Be a fragrant flower today, my friend, and may others smell that fragrance and point them to Jesus Christ who is far more fragrant and delightful and pleasing - the One who made it possible for us to appreciate beauty in the first place!

© 2016 Erickson Ibana

Image is my own capture.

Be Careful My Sturdy Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 00:39:00 +0000

A rock so sturdy and so tough can be deformed even by a tiny persistent wave. Likewise, a good character can eventually be corrupted by giving in to little innocent-like temptations. Guard your heart, my friend, from these things.

Image found using Google Image Search: "rock waves"

The Focus, Fixing Your Eyes on Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 22:51:00 +0000

One thing I have noticed, that when you focus your camera on to a tiny flower, the mighty mountains behind it become blur. In the same way, the Enemy wants us to focus on the problem to make it big. But God wants us to fix our eyes on Him because reality is, Jesus Christ is much bigger than any and all of our problems. Shift back your focus to Christ, my friend, and He would grant you the peace that passes all understanding.

Image found using Google Image Search: "camera focus on flower mountain background"

In Highs, In Lows, Be Satisfied in Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 08:45:00 +0000

After a 20-minute climb up the hill, I reached the peak and was awestruck by God's greatness through His creation, viewing them from the top - the sea, the sunset, the trees, the beach. But then, I realized I have to descend back to the shore - I cannot stay on top all the time. Life may bring you to your highs and lows, but always remember that a heart completely surrendered to Christ is a life completely satisfied by Christ. Be delighted in Him, in your highs and even in your lows.

Image found using Google Image Search: "view from top of a mountain"

Grace that Tamed a Raging Sea Like Me

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 05:00:00 +0000

The vast sea can be as violent as a devouring lion, but can be as peaceful as a grazing deer in a matter of hours. All is because of the wind which the human eye cannot see. In the same way, our heart as violent as the lion can be tamed only by God's grace through our faith in Jesus! Graze in His amazing love, my friend!

Image found using Google Image Search: "raging sea"

The Rainbow After the Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 13:11:00 +0000

A rainbow cannot exhibit its beauty without a shower of rain. A butterfly cannot unfold its splendor without first struggling as a larva inside its cocoon. In the same way, faith in Christ is tested through many trials and hardships. Do not give up, my friend! Instead, lift it all up to Jesus Christ.

Image found using Google Image Search: "rainbow in a rain"

The Sky, My Heart, and the Hand that Holds Them Both

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 07:37:00 +0000

The same sky lightened by the sun will be the same sky brightened by the moon and the stars. Be encouraged that the same Hands who are holding the sun, the moon and the stars, are holding your heart. My friend, the same Mighty Creator who by His Word created and sustains everything, knows every detail of your heart - your joy and your pain. Cry out to Jesus, my friend. He listens.

Image found using Google Image Search: "night sky"

The Bamboo Grows, So is Your Faith in Christ

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 04:51:00 +0000

A bamboo shoot has to grow its roots first before it grows its 30-foot stem. This is a lesson that we have to learn - we cannot climb the ladder of success without proper foundation. Build your life on Jesus Christ, He is the firm foundation!

Image found using Google Image Search: "bamboo shoot"

Little Unnoticeable Blessing Called New Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 21:46:00 +0000

The roosters are crowing, the birds are singing their songs, and the sun is about to rise again. Thank God you are still breathing today! Pause and learn to appreciate those little unnoticeable blessings.

Image found using Google Image Search: "rooster in the morning"

The Sun Rises, The Sun Sets

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 22:30:00 +0000

The sun sets in the west, and then rises in the east after a number of hours. Just like the night that does not last forever, are your troubles and pain. Rise from your hardships as you fix your eyes on Jesus!

Image found using Google Image Search: "sun rise"

Lesson From the Oak Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 23:32:00 +0000

A mighty oak tree was once a tiny acorn seed. Let us be reminded that while we are waiting upon the Lord, He is working in growing us up.

Image found using Google Image Search: "oak tree" and "acorn seed"

Conquer Your Fears, Failures and the Future

noreply@blogger.com (Inspirations Just For You) — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 22:10:00 +0000

What is your Fear? Are you afraid of the dark?
Frightened to take risks because of the fear of failure?
Scared of the uncertainties of the future?

Darkness is oftentimes associated with nasty monsters, creepy villains, and scary demons. Fear of the dark frequently is rooted from childhood experiences.

Fear of failures is one of the major reasons why even a very capable employee would not volunteer for an upcoming Project. He would rather choose to be silent and would just go with the flow, hoping that someday his manager would just suddenly notice him and appoint him to lead a Project.

A saying goes like this, "No one knows what the future holds." That is an accurate statement! Really, no one could predict exactly what the future may bring. These uncertainties might cause anxiety and fear to creep into you slowly every day, if not addressed properly.

How should you respond to your Fears, Failures, and the Future?

Maloi Malibiran-Salumbides, a Radio Announcer of 702 DZAS (FEBC Philippines), wrote in her article in "Protips" on July 29, 2014 Tips on How to Conquer Your Fears, Failures and the Future.

1. The best way to respond to your fears is this: Face Everything And Rise. Napakaraming uri ng phobia. May takot maligo, ang tawag diyan ay ablutophobia. Alam mo bang mayroon ding may takot na yumaman ang tawag naman sa phobia na iyan ay plutophobia. Ang takot naman na matuto ay may sophophobia. Many of our fears are irrational pero may mga takot din naman na bunga ng traumatic na karanasan. Kung pababayaan mo ang iyong takot na ma-overpower ka, marami kang mami-miss na opportunities sa iyong trabaho. Maraming magagandang karanasan ang hindi mo masusubukan. Kaya, face your fears and rise above them. There are different kinds of phobia.

2. The best way to respond to failures: Learn from them and move-on. Marami na tayong inspiration dito. Nariyan si Manny Pacquiao na ilang beses ng natalo sa laban pero palagi pa rin bumabangon, natututo buhat sa kanyang pagkatalo at nagwawaging muli. Mistakes can be our best teachers. Conquering our failures can be our best accomplishment. Pagdating sa failure, learn from them, try again and move-on.

3. The best way to respond to the uncertainties of the future: Be still and learn to trust. Magtiwala sa Diyos na nakaaalam kung ano ang nasa hinaharap. Magtiwala din sa iyong team na makakatulong mo sa iyong trabaho. Magtiwala sa iyong sarili at sa mga karanasan at kakayahang ibinigay sa iyo ng Diyos. Sabi nga ng awit, "I don't know about tomorrow but I know who holds my hand." Kung ang Diyos ang iyong pinagkakatiwalaan, kahit ang mga bagay na hindi mo alam ay di dapat maging dahilan upang mangamba.

But don't you know that there is a healthy kind of fear?

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." - Proverbs 1:7

If you fear the Lord, the Creator of everything, you won't need to be afraid of any created thing.

Even if you fail, you know that "all things work together for the good of those who love God..."

And though you are not certain of what the future holds, you are sure who holds the future - the One who is the Beginning and the End, Jesus Christ, and He promised to never leave you nor forsake you.

God's amazing grace is calling upon you, lay down your fears unto Jesus, by faith acknowledge that you need Him. Turn away from your sins. The truth is, we all do need God.

© 2015 Erickson Ibana

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