PCTV Inspirational

Vengeance - Daily Disciples - April 14

2012-04-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 25-26; Luke 12:32-59

Today's Thoughts: Vengeance

David said to Abigail, "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands.” 1 Samuel 25:32-34

Have you ever found yourself in a situation in which you truly felt that you were being paid evil for good? You reached out to help someone or extend certain acts of kindness to your neighbor only to discover later that they would not do the same in return. Or, worse, that same person comes against you to cause you harm in some way.
As humans, our response in the flesh tends to lean towards revenge. When they were in the fields together David and his men had protected Nabal's men who were tending their sheep. Even though David was in need of provisions, he never took anything from them. When David heard that Nabal was shearing his sheep, he sent messengers to ask Nabal for some food and whatever else he could spare. Nabal's response was harsh. No way would he going to help David. David became angry and, as a man of war, David immediately sought retaliation. But God intervened through Abigail, Nabal's wife, before David could act.

Abigail intervened on behalf of her husband, without Nabal knowing it. The sovereign Lord led Abigail to David to prevent him from taking steps that would lead to bloodshed. The Lord impressed upon Abigail the fore-knowledge that David would one day be king, and as king he would not want to bear such a burden of guilt. You see, God knows all things. God allows all things that happen to us. We may not understand why suffering seems to be such a permanent and prominent part of our lives, but God does. It is hard to deal with people who hurt us, especially when we have been kind to them. But God is with us through every situation, just as He was with David. Abigail was sent by God to speak words of wisdom to David. David was wise enough to listen. David gave his vengeance to the Lord and the Lord dealt with Nabal (he died a few days later).

Remember today that our Lord is sovereign. God is in control of all things. He knows every circumstance of our lives. The decision for us is how we will choose to respond to our circumstances, especially when we must deal with being hurt or betrayed by someone. Know that God will work in your life through every situation. If someone is sent to help you, ask the Lord to give you wisdom and discernment to listen to them. Maybe God has an Abigail in your life. Or, maybe you could be an Abigail to someone who seeks revenge. Regardless of where circumstances place us, our only answer is to seek the Lord's guidance and allow Him to handle it on our behalf.

BUHAY DOTDOT! ^^.

2012-01-21T02:10:00.000-08:00

Tambay, dotdot,vc,tawa,kulitan,asaran,Wb si ganto, Welcom is ganyan, Goodnight kay ano.... "uy pakiss daw".. "VC NA OH", "Bawal po capslock", "Anon bihis ka po". at kung anu anu pa.

Mga adik tawag sa kanila. Sa araw araw Panalo ka kung pag pasok mo ng vc badtrip ka, wala sa mood,homesick, basted,borken hearted, kaka break lang, naholdap, nasaksak,nabaril, o nadasalan sa vc kagabi. kasi pag labas mo ng cbox.. sigurado yan MASAKIT ANG PANGA AT CHAN MO!! ganyan sa cbox at vc.

Hindi lang puro kalokohan nabubuo sa PCTV. sa dinami dami ng mga adik na labas pasok....
NABUO ANG ISANG SUPER BEKILOUS EKLAVOUSH CHORVANG FRIENDSHIP.!!

May mga naging lolo at lola sa tuhod, sa patay na kuko, sa talampakan at sa kadulo-duluhan ng kalyo. Mga tumayong nanay at tatay, Mga kapatid, Bestfriends at mga karibals at mga nagkainlovan (AAAYIIIIEEEEE)

Kaming mga adik hindi mormal at masaya ang araw pag hindi naka dotdot at naka Vc, Meron mga after school or work derecho cb. pampatanggal ng stress, meron naman mga natutulog at nadadasalan sa vc.

Sa mga taong nakilala ko, Nakabuo kaming lahat ng NAPAKALAKING FAMILY TREE!! or pinakamalaking connect the dots. Dahil konektado and isa sa isa pa.

Nakakabilib isipin na sa napakadaming chatters everyday na galing sa statosphere, sa galaxy, o sa kahit anung planeta sa solar system, Mga taong magkaka iba ng ugali at posisyon at sitwasyon sa buhay. mga taong how many months ago hindi magkakakilala ngayon mga adik na!! ganyan buhay ng cbox at vc SIMPLE LANG PERO ROCK!!!!

More adiks to come PCTV family♥♥♥

The Hitch

2012-01-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

Hitch is a 2005 romantic comedy film directed by Andy Tennant and starring Will Smith. The film, which was written by Kevin Bisch, co-stars Eva Mendes, Kevin James, and Amber Valletta. Smith plays a professional matchmaker who makes a living teaching men how to woo women. It was released on February 11, 2005 by Columbia Pictures.

Live and Love Simply

2012-01-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

"Are You Reciting the Gospel by Yourself?" - Jan. 10, 2012

2012-01-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

Are You Reciting the Gospel by Yourself?

Alex Crain

Editor, Christianity.com

"…with Him… Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking

of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem."
Luke 9:30-31 NASB

It's good to see that the idea of 'preaching the gospel to yourself everyday' is becoming more popular. At least that's how it seems to me. Things that point to the gospel are popping up in all kinds of places and ways, not only in big and new movements but in short videos, articles and Twitter messages ("Gospel Tweets"). A caution in the way we think about the gospel was brought to my attention recently in chapter two of True Spirituality. If you're not following along in our weekly journey through this important and helpful work by Francis Schaeffer, I invite you to join us.

In chapter two, Schaeffer mentions our Scripture passage today (above) where we see Moses and Elijah speaking with Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration about His impending departure—His death.

It's subtle, but notice that they're not just making a passing mention of the fact. Rather, they were actively andcontinuously speaking about it. They were dwelling on the gospel; at least the substitutionary atonement part of it. And with the Object of their redemption (Christ) standing right there, no doubt there must have been more than just theological accuracy in their conversation. Probably more like amazement and deep gratitude. As they thought of all that Christ was about to endure for their sin, I'm sure they had correct thoughts about the gospel. But Christ's own presence energized their orthodox theology.

At times, there can a detached, tearless way that we think about the gospel. When I have well-articulated and familiar facts about Christ's life/death/resurrection/ascension, and they are just empty echoes down the icy corridors of my thoughts, the diagnosis is simple: I have broken fellowship with Christ. It's evidence of unconfessed sin.

Schaeffer reminds us that when we rehearse the gospel, we must do so in the presence of the Living Christ; in humble worship of Him. He is not a distant figment of man's imagination. He is the God Who is there. Just as Moses and Elijah were "with Him"… in His presence, so we too must continuously rehearse the gospel while recognizing that we are in the presence of the God Who is there. The Christian life flows from the constant spring of dwelling on the gospelwith the Redeemer Himself.

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Remember this paraphrase of John Piper: the gospel is like blood, it's supposed to course through your veins not be carried in a bucket.

John Owen, (a 1600s Puritan) often prayed, "Lord, may I commune with You in the doctrines I espouse." Make this your prayer and experience today.

In Touch - Jan. 2, 2012

2012-01-02T11:39:00.001-08:00

Hope: The Anchor of the Soul

Hebrews 6:13-20

Hope is a healthy attitude. Anticipating good brings comfort to the mind and heart. In contrast, a state of hopelessness is a terrible condition in which to find oneself. It's overwhelming and depressing to think that what you're facing cannot be changed or resolved. For the person who has lost all hope, life looks like a long dark tunnel going nowhere.

Included in Proverbs is a verse that describes the result of this oppressive feeling: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Prov. 13:12). Emotional, physical, and even mental illness haunt a person who feels trapped in a bleak situation. But I want to tell you, my friend, that as long as there is a God, no situation is hopeless. In Him, we have the promise of the second half of that proverb: "Desire fulfilled is a tree of life."

Believers have a hope that anchors their souls. Our relationship with Jesus Christ brings us close to the throne of heaven, where we can cast all our burdens before an omnipotent God. Moreover, we can cling to Him through whatever trials are facing us. Because of the Lord's great love, He provides strength for weary bodies, peace for anxious minds, and comfort for grieving hearts. In short, He lights that darkened tunnel and tenderly guides us through trying situations.

An anchor was a popular image in the ancient Mediterranean world. In an economy that depended on shipping, the anchor symbolized safety and steadiness. The writer of Hebrews used the word to remind believers that God has given a hope that holds firm in any storm.

Within Limits - Greg Laurie Daily Devotion- Dec. 29, 2011

2011-12-29T00:25:00.001-08:00

Within Limits

Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. —2 Corinthians 12:8–9

When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, a sign is effectively hung around your neck that says, “Under new management.” You now belong to Jesus Christ, and He does not operate on a timeshare program. Isn’t that nice to know? He doesn’t say, “Okay, now I have Greg for six months, and the devil can have him for the next six months.” That is not what happens. When we put our faith in Christ, He comes in and is the sole resident in our hearts and lives.

Although a Christian cannot be demon-possessed, the devil can affect a Christian outwardly. For instance, demons can tempt and oppress a Christian. The apostle Paul wrote, “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure” (2 Corinthians 12:7). The word “buffet” means to hit in the face. So Paul was essentially saying, “Yes, I have come under some demon attack. But here is the good news: God will never give you more than you can handle.”

The Bible tells us in James 2:19, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” Of course, just because you believe something is true doesn’t mean you have committed yourself to it. Obviously, demons are in rebellion against God.

Paul’s oppression was allowed by God and orchestrated by Satan. So God may allow the devil to tempt you or harass you in some way. But remember, He won’t give you more than you can take. The only thing that will stop the devil is the power of Jesus Christ. He is our only protection. He is the one we need.

Summary sentence: God will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can withstand!

Encouragement for Today - December 21, 2011

2011-12-21T21:13:00.000-08:00

All by Myself
Samantha Reed

"My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted." Psalm 25:15-16 (NIV)

Don't look his way, my heart and mind insist.

I don't want to look. Then again, I do. Though I did not check the "Plus One" box on my RSVP card, I wish I had. I wish I hadn't come alone. Maybe then I wouldn't gravitate to him.

He's reckless and destructive. I know better, but he's the only one who can relate to me. Even so, I avoid eye contact; I must trick him to believe she doesn't need me anymore.

I succeed, until another joined-at-the-hip couple walks into the holiday party. My resolve walks out. He walks up to me, extends a knowing hand. Fingers entwine, I fall in his snare. My stomach lurches. I hate him. I hate Loneliness.

I hate feeling alone and attending life all by myself.

We float from couple to couple. Each marriage, baby, holiday, life-is-grand story runs together like mud. The mud Loneliness slings my way: You'll never have this. You'll be lonely forever.

I can't look at their joy. Instead I turn my eyes to him as I mutter repeatedly through my clinched jaw and cinched heart: Do. Not. Cry.

A deep breath holds back the lonely tears, the lonely years, the lonely fears.

His cruelty seeps in my pores as we make our way from conversation to conversation. Christmas carols in the background promise it's the best time of the year and tell tales of sleigh rides taken with loved ones. Lovely sentiments, but they make me feel even more alone in a crowded room. How can two hours feel like thirty years?

By the time the clock chimes an acceptable hour to bid my goodbyes, I'm eager to be gone. One step out the door and I lower my guard too soon. Loneliness has saved his best for last. Powerfully, he beats me down with lies until I believe: I will always be all-by-myself.

Then Loneliness walks off; leaves me there, ironically, alone.

Compassionately, a different hand reaches down. One that is gentle and healing. Let me help you up. Rough night, huh?

I look up to see His scared hand extended. How'd You know I was here?

He tells me He's been there the whole time, always near. And even though He knows, He asks for details, dreams, despairs. We talk until I can hear His assurances over the barrage of Loneliness' discouragement.

Hollow parts of my heart fill with the lavish warmth of Jesus' courage. Truth soldiers through my thoughts, throwing shields up against the deception. And I know Loneliness can't be my "Plus One" - my go-to guy. I need to rely on my Only One - my Always Near.

It's time to break-up with Loneliness for good. Not just at parties, during holidays or weekends with nothing planned. Because truth is, Loneliness also courts my friends who are married, have children and all that I long for. Loneliness tags along whether alone or surrounded by family and friends, on special days and ordinary days.

There's only one way to keep Loneliness from being a constant companion in life. I must fix my eyes "ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare" of feeling alone. I need to invite Him to attend the lonely times with me, and hold my hand, keeping me company with the truth that He is always by my side.

And the next party I'm invited to? I won't go all by myself. Instead I'll invite the Lord as my "Plus One."

Dear Lord, my eyes are ever on You, for only You will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Seduction of Christmas - Christmas Devotional - December 20, 2011

2011-12-20T21:49:00.001-08:00

{the seduction of Christmas}

an inspirational entry from a woman who got sucked in

It's just a few days before Christmas and I'm reminded of my love/hate relationship with this holiday. Over the past few weeks I've done the shopping thing [love], the baking thing [hate], the decorating thing [love], the party thing [hate] and even the church play thing [love].

I've been stressed over money and disillusioned by the idea of a perfect family get-together. But more than anything, I feel like my entire identity has been controlled by this [almost sickening] need to achieve the ultimate Christmas. If I keep this up, by Christmas Eve, I will be perfectly exhausted from chasing after something that seems so deceptively good.

My confession: I've been seduced by a manufactured idea of Christmas.

But today, I am working through this. I'm realizing that:

I can abandon this desire for the ultimate Christmas.

I can flee from the greatest temptations this season throws at me.

I can still have an amazing Christmas by setting my desires in the right direction.

The first thing I'm doing is reminding myself that Christmas is not about traditions and doing. While as a culture we have convinced ourselves that in order for Christmas to look like Christmas - we have to do certain things. But there was nothing traditional about the birth of Christ. It was a miracle. While it's great to do for others, the greatest thing I can do is point people to what was done for each of us through the birth of that child.

The second thing I'm doing is realizing the best moments of Christmas are when I choose to stop the busyness and focus on being grateful. Gratitude is one of the best ways to take our eyes off ourselves and give the credit back to Jesus. When gratefulness is flowing from my heart, it will be almost impossible to allow these seasonal stressors to compete with that.

While Christmas seasons past have fed me lies of what it means to have an incredible Christmas, I want this year to be different.

With that determination in mind, this Christmas will be so much more than exhaustion, mediocrity and empty promises from TV commercials. In this present moment, the idols that rival my heart for God's place are in check. The manufactured idea of Christmas may tempt me to want many things, but the awareness of Jesus in my heart will help me keep Christmas in its rightful place.

From the entire She Seeks Team, Merry Christmas.

Resources...

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior -- yes, the Messiah, the Lord -- has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." - Luke 2:8-12

No Other God's by Kelly Minter

Flash Mob Sings Hallelujah Chorus in Food Court

2011-12-20T00:43:00.000-08:00

At noon on November 13, 2010 unsuspecting shoppers got a surprise while enjoying their lunch. A flash mob singing the Hallelujah Chorus!

Why Bethlehem? - Answering the Mysteries of Jesus Christ - Dec. 20, 2011

2011-12-20T00:25:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Day

"That’s the beauty of the Christmas event. Jesus took His place in a manger so that we might have a home in heaven."

- Greg Laurie (from The Perfect Gift in the Manger?)

Today's Answer

Why Bethlehem?

John Piper

Bethlehem is scarcely worth counting among the clans of Judah, yet God chooses to bring his magnificent Messiah out of this town. Why? One answer is that the Messiah is of the lineage of David and David was a Bethlehemite. That's true, but it misses the point of verse two. The point of verse two is that Bethlehem is small--not that it is great because David was born there. (That's what the scribes missed in Matthew 2:6). God chooses something small, quiet, out of the way, and does something there that changes the course of history and eternity.

Why? Because when he acts this way we can't boast in the merits or achievements of men but only in the glorious mercy of God. We can't say, "Well, of course he set his favor on Bethlehem, look at the human glory Bethlehem has achieved!" All we can say is, "God is wonderfully free; he is not impressed by our bigness; he does nothing in order to attract attention to our accomplishments; he does everything to magnify his glorious freedom and mercy." ...

God chose a stable so no innkeeper could boast, "He chose the comfort of my inn!" God chose a manger so that no wood worker could boast, "He chose the craftsmanship of my bed!" He chose Bethlehem so no one could boast, "The greatness of our city constrained the divine choice!" And he chose you and me, freely and unconditionally, to stop the mouth of all human boasting. This is the point of Romans 11 and this is the point of Micah 5.

The deepest meaning of the littleness and insignificance of Bethlehem is that God does not bestow the blessings of the Messiah--the blessings of salvation--on the basis of our greatness or our merit or our achievement. He does not elect cities or people because of their prominence or grandeur or distinction. When he chooses he chooses freely, in order to magnify the glory of his own mercy, not the glory of our distinctions. So let us say with the angels, "Glory to God in the highest!" Not glory to us. We get the joy. He gets the glory.

Excerpted from "From Little Bethlehem Will Come a Ruler in Israel" by John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org.

Hasty Judgment - Transformation Garden - 06 November 2011

2011-11-06T22:19:00.000-08:00

“Then they wept aloud again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye.”

Ruth 1: 14

Amplified Bible

EXPLORATION

“Orpah’s Choice”

“I learned early in life not to judge others.”

Ethel Waters

1951

Is there a time in my life when I made a hasty judgment about someone else’s behavior only to find out later that I had completely misread the situation?

What can I do in my life to be less judgmental of those whom I do not understand?

How do I apply the words of Jesus, “Do not judge and criticize and condemn others,” in my every day dealing with those I don’t agree with?

Text: Matthew 7: 1, Amplified Bible

“Heavens! Whatever possesses us, here below, that we mutually torment ourselves, sourly reproach our mutual faults, and mercilessly condemn all that is not cut according to our pattern?”

George Sand

INSPIRATION

“Alas! We give our own coloring to the actions of others.”

L.E. Landon

1831

I have my mother to thank for the great enjoyment and love I have for reading. One of the tremendous joys of preparing the daily devotionals here at Transformation Garden is that I need to read a great deal, especially as I dig for the diamonds penned by others.

Through my studying, I try to read a wide-variety of books – autobiographies, inspirational, historical and philosophical.

Recently, I picked up a small volume called, Sway, that really caught my attention because of the interesting subject matter. The entire title of the book is: “Sway – The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior.” This title alone grabbed me for I think it is quite common that at one time or another we have all watched someone make a decision or we have made a decision ourselves, only to say later, “Why in the world did they do (or did I do) something so stupid?”

Throughout this book, the authors, who are two brothers, look at specific irrational psychological forces that compel and even undermine rational decisions.

Now if you think that my next statement is going to look at our text for today and based on Orpah’s choice to go back home to Moab, I’m going to ask how she could have made such an irrational decision. You are wrong!!

Based on my current reading, I’d like to share a few lines from the book Sway, before we jump to conclusions about Orpah’s choice, as I have so often done in the past.

In my reading, I found there is a decision making process we all use which is defined by psychologist Franz Epting as “diagnosis bias,” through what is identified as the “personal construct theory.” Here’s how this principle is explained: “We make diagnostic errors when we narrow down our field of possibilities and zero in on a single interpretation of a situation or person. All of us have certain lenses…that we use to sift through the endless flow of information we encounter. For example, when we meet new people we may judge them on whether they dress well or poorly, whether their shoes are polished or not…whether they are religious or secular…forming initial opinions is one of the ways in which we try to make sense of the world given limited time or information. But we have to be careful not to rely too much on such pre-emptive judgments…they can narrow our perceptions and make us more apt to get swayed by a hasty diagnosis.”

As I read this statement I began to reflect over my own life and some of the rash opinions or snap judgments I’ve formed about others, without taking time to thoughtfully weigh and consider another perspective before I quickly jump to an errant conclusion. And I want to underscore, the same can be said about the way we study the Bible sometimes. We’ve already found this out as we’ve dug deeply in our study into the lives of individuals like Rahab or Dinah or Tamar or Jepthah’s daughter. We’ve found these women were often portrayed as one-dimensional characters, defined by history or ineffective Bible study by one word labels – harlot, rape, prostitute, or sacrificial lamb. In reality, these women were so much more, and their stories opened windows and doors for you and me as daughters of God as we’ve studied how they dealt with some of life’s harshest events.

The same can be said about Orpah. For years, I had a “diagnosis bias” that Orpah was the “wrong” one and Ruth was the “right” one. I thought Orpah made the wrong choice and Ruth the right choice. But what if, just for a moment, we re-think, re-read, and re-study the Biblical account and we find that Orpah’s choice, in the light of eternity may have been as appropriate as Ruth’s choice was. It’s just a thought we are going to explore more tomorrow. In the words of Jesus, “Judge not.” So let’s hold our judgment of Orpah until we study all the facts – for remember, God’s plan for Ruth’s life, her mission may not have been the same as it was for Orpah’s life and what we may find out, is that both of these women allowed themselves to be used by God, to fulfill His plan for ALL His children here on earth.

“Someone has said that it requires less mental effort to condemn than to think.”

Emma Goldman

AFFIRMATION

Love’s Insight

“Take me, accept me, love me as I am;

Love me with my disordered wayward past;

Love me with all the lusts that hold me fast

in bonds of sensuality and shame.

Love me as flesh and blood,

not the ideal which vainly you imagine me to be;

Love me the mixed-up creature that you see;

Love not the man (or the woman) you dream of but the real.

And yet they err who say that love is blind.

Beneath my earthly, sordid self your love discerns

capacities which rise above the futile passions

of my carnal mind.

Love is creative. Your love brings to birth

God’s image in the earthiest of earth.”

Robert Winnett

20^th Century

Our Great High Priest - 05 November 2011

2011-11-05T14:40:00.000-07:00

November 5

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 34-36; Hebrews 2

Today's Thoughts: Our Great High Priest

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:14-15

For the Jews, there was no higher office than that of the High Priest. The High Priest held a position of religious supremacy and honor. He was the one responsible for the cleansing of sins for the people on the Day of Atonement. On this holy day, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies. Through the acts passed down from Moses and Aaron (animal sacrifices, the sprinkling of blood, and prayers offered on behalf of the people), the High Priest would make atonement for their sins. In the book of Hebrews, we learn how Jesus Christ came to earth as the final High Priest. Not only was He the High Priest, but also He was also the Sacrifice. His death on the cross ended the need for the man-held position of High Priest, sacrifice and the Day of Atonement. Jesus took care of it all.

Not only was Jesus the High Priest, the Sacrifice and the Savior, but also He was still a person in flesh and blood. For us today, this point is so very important to grasp. Because Jesus was here on this earth in a human body, He understands everything we go through. Jesus experienced feelings, hurts, weaknesses and temptations, just as we do. He knows what it is to suffer, to hurt, to be rejected, ridiculed and mocked. Jesus got angry at the Pharisees, He cried over Lazarus and He showed great compassion to a prostitute. But, Jesus was God. He did not sin. He was the perfect, spotless Lamb—the ultimate and final Sacrifice. Why did Jesus go through all of this for us? Love. He loved us then. He loves us now. He has always loved us. He wants us to be with Him, now and forever. The only way to be with Jesus is to believe that He is the Son of God, the Son who came to earth as a Man, and who offered His life on our behalf as the final atonement for all sin.

Take time today to start reading the book of Hebrews. If parts of it seem hard to understand, pray for the Holy Spirit to open your minds to comprehend the Scriptures. Pray and meditate on those verses that stick out, or the ones that seem the hardest to grasp. If you will commit the time to the study of God's Word, you will grow closer to Jesus in more ways than you can imagine. You will see Him as One who understands you better than anyone else and who loves you more than anyone else can.

In Touch - 29 October 2011

2011-10-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

Can You Trust God?

Romans 4:16-21

As we all know too well, life often confronts us with unexpected or painful circumstances. Sometimes these situations leave us feeling fearful, discouraged, and frustrated. Consequently, we may question whether the Lord truly is reliable.

During such troubling moments, we can rest on this essential truth: The Lord is perfect in His love. Consider verse 5 from 1 John 1: "God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." In other words, everything our heavenly Father does is righteous. And if He is a God of love, then it is impossible for Him to mistreat any of His children. We can be assured that whatever He places or permits in our lives is good and that His motives are perfectly pure.

Jesus demonstrated this deep care for us when He offered His blood on the cross—there exists no greater display of love than giving one's life for someone else (John 15:13). Our sin debt could be paid only with a flawless sacrifice (Deut. 17:1). Christ, the perfect lamb, was willing to die in our place so that we could have an eternal relationship with the Father. If God gave us His Son—the most precious and amazing gift possible—to take care of our greatest need, then we can trust Him to provide for all areas of our life.

When difficulty arises, remember how much God loves you. He proved this by willingly giving His Son to take the penalty for your sin. Even when circumstances are painful, you can be confident that you are held in the capable and caring hands of your heavenly Father, because of His love.

Proud Pinoy :)

2011-10-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

Budots Budots Dance HELLO WORLD Version

* No copyright

This is one of those things that would make you feel proud being Pinoy. Enjoy watching guys! Video courtesy of one of the dancers, our own "Akista", thanks for the video.

For more videos, youtube Budots Budots Dancers.. :)

What Physical Torture Would the Messiah Endure? - 25 OCTOBER 201125

2011-10-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

What Physical Torture Would the Messiah Endure?

Verse: Isaiah 50:4–9

Even before Jesus was crucified, he underwent a merciless beating and public mocking that were meant not only to inflict maximum pain but also to humiliate him. Isaiah prophesies this torture and abuse that the Messiah would have to endure.

Isaiah 50:6 foretells that the Savior would offer his back to those who beat him, which prophesies the vicious flogging that Jesus endured. In ancient Roman times, flogging was often administered before crucifixion and was done with a whip made of strips of leather embedded with lead balls and shards of bone to inflict gaping wounds that caused the victim unbelievable agony. The church historian Eusebius described a later Roman flogging by saying, “[The victim’s] veins were laid bare, and the inner muscles and sinews, and even the bowels, were exposed.” The New Testament confirms that Jesus received the prophesied flogging (see Matthew 27:26; John 19:1).

Isaiah also predicts that the Messiah would endure mocking and spitting. Jesus experienced the cruel taunts of the temple guards (see Luke 22:63–65), of the Roman guards (see Matthew 27:27–31), of the onlookers, of the religious leaders and even of the robbers crucified with him (see Matthew 27:39–44).

Despite his innocence, Jesus did not fight the intense physical and verbal abuse heaped upon him. Instead, he accepted the pain, fulfilling the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah and proving, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54).

DREAM♥

2011-10-23T02:10:00.000-07:00

Sun is Shining one me

I wonder how's life gonna be

No rainfall

Either downfall

My smile is Fulfilling

This becomes my beginning.

I want a guy who can take me for who I'am

Who will love me and not just my body

Tell everone I'm pretty

Not through my Virginity

The one who will be so angry

COz I'ts late already and I'm not yet sleepy

Who can say "SHE'S HER"
and not "JUST LIKE HER"

A guy who will cry over me

Coz' he doesn't want to be more crazy

And end his life way early

To know w/out me he is really EMPTY

I found love is very playful

So, I gotta say it more careful

I just want to be enough

When the road gets rough

I'm not looking for Tall Dark and Handsome

But who can hold my heart with his wholesome

And stand in front of his parents and kiss me

To say "Dad,Mom; She's my bride to be"

I want a guy like him

The one i saw on my dream

and Sorround me with his everything

for LOVE IS A CRAZY THING!♥

♥Pattyeyy ^^.

True Friends

2011-10-20T18:01:00.001-07:00

Then you showed me the way

I never Felt this way

I said what i true friend that i found

Someone who'd be there all around

Laughs with me everytime I'm Happy

Hold my hands eventhough it's icky

Wipes my tears if I'm crying

Though it gets so annoying

Catches me when I fall

Backs me up to stand tall

They took away all my stress

slapped me hard when I'm depress

And who hugs me when something is not right

To tell me everything will be alright

And now i wanna say Thankyou

To each and everyone of you

I know i'm mentally retarded

But i never take you for granted

Please Don't mind if were miles away

Coz' in my heart you'll always stay

♥Pattyeyyy

The Miracle that Brought Miracles

2011-10-19T11:12:00.001-07:00

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

~Proverbs 3:8

We were the couple living our dreams. My husband Bryan had a successful masonry contracting business and I worked with The Christian Broadcasting Network. We had a family, the home we always wanted, and life was great. We were so busy with our work that we took little time off to visit loved ones or really talk to each other like when we first married. But time has a way of eluding that thought as it races on. But then I began to notice a dark feeling I could not shake. I'd be at my desk and suddenly a sad feeling would wash over me, as if waiting for something awful to happen that we could not stop. I mentioned it to Bryan and he simply said, "Pray about it."

And so I did. I didn't really think about it again until we sat in the doctor's office a few days later. Bryan had been having back pain and the doctor ordered a routine MRI, predicting he'd probably need surgery. After reading the results the doctor said, "Well you won't need surgery." He paused with a grim look. "You have inoperable cancer in three places -- on your sternum, backbone and pelvis."

We stood there together, hand in hand, staring at the MRI. We asked the questions one asks when given this diagnosis. The doctor shook his head. "There is nothing that can be done. It is a matter of months. I will send all the reports to your family doctor. I am so sorry."

Bryan and I walked out into the early winter's night feeling as dark and cold as the night itself.

He was young. We had a child and a grandchild. We had a life. We had plans, hopes and more dreams.

The next morning when I awoke, my loving husband was sitting by our bed staring at me, tears rolling down his cheeks. "I do not want to leave you," he cried. We wept together that morning, canceling work and all appointments. We talked as we had not talked in years -- not so much about the future, not about all the things we usually talked about -- finances, dreams, and plans. We talked about our love, about the memories we shared, about our family.

Our family doctor called in a cancer specialist. We called all the churches we loved so dearly and put Bryan's name on prayer lists all over the country -- and we prayed with a fervor we had never known.

A month passed. A myriad of tests were done and doctors seen.

One night my faith-filled daddy called. "I was praying and I sensed it was all going to be all right. And I believe it with all that I am."

Two weeks later we sat before the cancer specialist. He closed the folder on his desk and looked at us. "Well, we have run all the tests. There is good news. There is no cancer anywhere in Bryan's body."

I stammered, "What about the MRI? The other doctors?"

He smiled. "All I know is he does not have cancer. Perhaps the neurologist saw scars from an auto accident years ago. But there is no cancer. Your prognosis is -- you are well."

It has been fifteen years since that day, and still whenever I look at Bryan I am reminded of how all our prayers were answered, and how our lives were changed forever. We focus more on each other and our family. We moved back home to a quiet town where neighbors know neighbors and hearts knows hearts. Our goals changed. We live one day at a time, and instead of planning so much, we simply enjoy the moments.

When I see Bryan playing with our grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I breathe a prayer of thanks that they know their Papa. Our house creaks at night and there are times when new dress desires do not match my pocketbook, but we are rich.

That one miracle birthed so many other miracles in our lives.

Reprinted by permission of Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC (c) 2011. In order to protect the rights of the copyright holder, no portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent. All rights reserved.

Eat Pray Love (2010)

2011-10-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

Eat Pray Love (previously "The Virtues of Life") is a 2010 comedy-drama film starring Julia Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert, based on Gilbert's best-selling memoir of the same name. The film was co-written and directed by Ryan Murphy. It opened in the U.S. on August 13, 2010.

Elizabeth Gilbert (Julia Roberts) had everything a modern woman is supposed to dream of having - a husband, a house, a successful career - yet like so many others, she found herself lost, confused, and searching for what she really wanted in life. Newly divorced and at a crossroads, Gilbert steps out of her comfort zone, risking everything to change her life, embarking on a journey around the world that becomes a quest for self-discovery. In her travels, she discovers the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy; the power of prayer in India, and, finally and unexpectedly, the inner peace and balance of true love in Bali.

Monalisa Smile (2003)

2011-10-18T15:17:00.001-07:00

Mona Lisa Smile is a 2003 romantic drama film produced by Revolution Studios and Columbia Pictures in association with Red Om Films Productions, directed by Mike Newell, written by Lawrence Konner and Mark Rosenthal, and starring Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Julia Stiles. The title is a reference to the Mona Lisa, the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, and the song of the same name, originally performed by Nat King Cole, which was covered by Seal for the movie. Julia Roberts received a record $25 million payday for her role — the highest ever earned by an actress.

Forrest Gump (1994)

2011-10-18T15:11:00.000-07:00

Forrest Gump is a 1994 American comedy-drama film based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Winston Groom. The film was directed by Robert Zemeckis, starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright and Gary Sinise. The story depicts several decades in the life of Forrest Gump, a Greenbow, Alabama simpleton who travels across the world, meeting historical figures, influencing popular culture, and experiencing firsthand some of the historic events of the latter half of the 20th century.

A Daily Word - 17 October 2011

2011-10-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him … Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead… - John 3:17; 2 Timothy 4:1

A judge was driving to his court when a drunk driver suddenly veered off the road in front of him, and smashed into a tree. The jurist jumped from his car, and tried to rescue the man from his burning car. Instead, the uninjured drunk ran away. Police caught and arrested the drunk driver. Ironically, the man was brought before the very judge who had saved him. In one venue, the judge had come to save him, but in another, he was the man’s judge. In His incarnation in the earth, Jesus came to save the world, but in eternity, He sits as the world’s judge.

My Running Partner

2011-10-18T13:41:00.001-07:00

In May of 1988, I started a new job and met Paul. He found many pretenses to come to my office, usually bringing an entertaining story or joke along with the ostensible reason for his visit. Six weeks later, at a Friday night gathering at a local pub, he finagled a seat across from me. In case I didn't already understand, he made his romantic interest perfectly clear. I enjoyed no similar interest in him, but something kept me from rejecting him completely. I settled on the old line, "Let's just be friends."

During that same summer, another co-worker walked into my office with an application for a road race. He knew I ran but had never entered a race. Apparently he thought I should. I didn't consider myself an athlete, but the application refused to disappear. It lay there -- taunting me. Three days later, I mailed it in.

Undaunted, Paul continued the chats. He wanted to know all about me, including my running, which was peculiar since Paul made no attempt to exercise. His diet was unhealthy (high fat, few vegetables) and he smoked. He apparently wanted to show me that he was interested in everything about me, even the ways in which I was different from him.

After the race, as we were drinking Gatorade and eating bagels, I was shocked to hear my name called for second place in my age group. This was a first for me, someone who had never before done anything athletic.

From the shelf in my family room, the small award dared me to enter another race. I hoped to earn that heady feeling of achievement again.

By August, Paul's humor was melting my resistance. When I mentioned the first race in September, he said he wanted to go with me.

He became an enthusiastic supporter, getting up before dawn to tramp through cool, dewy fields to the start and wait with his camera at the finish. Six months later, we were living together. Within another year, we were engaged.

In 1992, I joined a marathon training program. After each run, Paul greeted me with coffee on the back porch, and eagerly listened to the morning's adventure. He lent encouragement during my first marathon, and met me at the finish to rejoice at my 4:28 time (considerably faster than the five hours I had hoped for). Occasionally, he even joined me on short runs, in spite of the fact that he still smoked.

A year later, he joined the marathon training program himself. The Sunday he ran 8 miles for the first time, he said it was much harder than he had expected. But since he had never run that far before, he thought maybe that's simply what 8 miles felt like. Besides, he had a persistent cold. Later that week, he also had a fever and decided to see a doctor.

Paul went to a nearby clinic, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. When he went back for a follow-up visit, the doctor was disappointed that a dark area remained in one lung. Two weeks later, a bronchoscopy revealed a large, inoperable, malignant tumor. It wrapped around the trachea and right bronchial tube, partly closing it. No wonder Paul had difficulty running 8 miles. Paul declined chemotherapy, but began radiation therapy right away, which his oncologist said offered the greatest hope.

I had been more content than ever before -- my kids were grown, I liked my job, I was in good health, and I had a loving fiancé. Now my future had been ripped out of my hands. I was unable to accept the bleak prognosis. There had to be help somewhere, and I intended to find it. I had little time for anything other than searching for alternative treatments, since traditional medicine offered little hope.

But in the midst of my search, Paul insisted I take the time to run. He said it was more important than ever for me to have that one bit of normalcy and the support of our running friends. He was right. They told me stories of courage and beating the odds, as well as giving us advice about several non-traditional therapies.

Even though the radiation therapy weakened him, Paul insisted on going with me in October to my first big city marathon -- the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. After we returned, his condition worsened. Even so, he insisted I keep running for both of us, which I did until the last month before he passed away.

After his death, grief paralyzed me. I could barely make it through a workday. I couldn't cook, I couldn't shop, and I certainly couldn't run.

Six weeks later, Sophie, a fellow runner, called and asked me to run with her the next Sunday morning. I made excuses, but she insisted.

Sophie knew just what to say while we ran. She reminded me that Paul wanted me to go on with my life, including my running. She suggested we meet in a few days for another run. I did. Running reminded me I was alive.

Running had been a thread throughout my relationship with Paul, and now it would have a role in easing my grief.

In November of that year, I ran the New York City Marathon in Paul's memory. He had so wanted to go with me to New York, to show me where he grew up, to show me the sights of Manhattan. Though he wasn't with me physically, I felt his presence every step of the way. I was sure I saw him in the crowds with his camera. I know he saw me cross the finish line. I even heard, "Way to go, Bet."

Reprinted by permission of Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC (c) 2010. In order to protect the rights of the copyright holder, no portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent. All rights reserved.

Watch Out! - Transformation Garden - 16 October 2011

2011-10-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

“When you go, you will come to people feeling safe and secure. The land is broad….”Judges 18: 10

Amplified Bible

EXPLORATION

“Watch Out!”

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a (woman’s) life does not consist in the abundance of (her) possessions.”Luke 12: 15

New International Version

What is there in my life that I possess which makes me feel, “safe and secure?”

“All possessions of mortals are mortal.”

Metrodorus

INSPIRATION

“You actually possess everything you can see when you close your eyes.”

Anonymous

It was a fertile land – Laish, a northern most settlement in Israel. Near the foot of Mt. Hermon in the vicinity near the headwaters of the Jordan River. Isolated from trouble, the people in this city apparently felt so secure they didn’t build high walls to defend themselves. In security and safety, contented and well-provided for, the people of Larish didn’t have a concern in the world.

But to the Danites, Laish meant something very different.

Remember, the Danites had no inheritance. Unable to take any land from the native inhabitants in Canaan, the Danites had been forced by the Canaanites to move into the rough mountainous country. With no prospect for improving their lot in life, they decided to take what wasn’t theirs. And in Judges 18: 27-29 we find the Danites surprised the unsuspecting people of Laish and the city was captured and burned to the ground.

Far away from any outside help and feeling safe within their own city, the citizens of Laish were not prepared for the heartless attack of those who were propelled by greed to take what didn’t belong to them.

And I ask you, “Does this scenario sound familiar?” Frankly, this story could have been taken right off the pages of any current newspaper. Unsuspecting victims, who are relying on the protection of the wealth they’ve built for themselves through the years, find all their well-laid plans upended by those motivated by uncontrolled greed that leaves a path of ashes behind. It wasn’t just the Danites who had a scorched earth financial plan. For greed in the hearts of many today, leads to the same abuse of power. This is why Jesus was so definitive in His warning in Luke 12: 15 (N.I.V.) when He said, “Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” In the King James Version, this text uses the word “covetousness” in place of greed. A word that is defined as, “the envious desire for that which is another’s.” As Thomas Watson so correctly noted, “The itch of covetousness makes a man (or woman) scratch what he (she) can from another.”

This is what the Danites did. Discontented with their life, they found a weak link where the inhabitants of Laish had become comfortable in the secure and safe little world they had created for themselves. Sitting in an unprotected environment, feeling that nothing could touch them, the citizens of Laish became “sitting ducks” for the hostile attack by the Danites who were prompted by the yearning for more. As Thomas Manton wrote, “Beware of the beginnings of covetousness, for you know not where it will end.” And in the case of the Danites, their greed led to the destruction of others on the outside and themselves on the inside. In the words of Leonard Wright: “Covetousness is the root of all evil, the ground of all vice.”

“Abundance consists not so much in material possessions, but in an uncovetous spirit.”

John Selden

AFFIRMATIONS

“Lord, you told us that a person’s life does not consist of the things he possesses. Help us not to judge others by what they own. Help us not to want more and more things for ourselves but to spend our lives seeking the true riches that will endure to life everlasting. Amen”

Malcolm L. Playfoot

"Lord, teach us to value our possessions in the right way. Help us never to think more of them than of people. Make us ready to use them freely for the good of others and to share them generously without grudging. Thank you for the beautiful things that we enjoy possessing. May our enjoyment be wholesome and right and may we hold lightly to all we own. For the sake of Jesus Christ, who became poor that we might be eternally rich. Amen.

“Lord, in times of poverty make me perfectly content, and in times of wealth make me generous and liberal.”

John Eddison

Your friend,

Dorothy Valcarcel, AuthorWhen A Woman Meets Jesus

Dorothy@Transformationgarden.com