The Good News Blog

Walk by Faith

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"For we walk by faith, not by sight" -II Corinthians 5:7, NKJV

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you walking by faith or sight today? In other words, are you choosing to believe God no matter what your circumstances look like, or are you making decisions and focusing your mind on what you can see.

As believers, we have to remember that we aren't just subject to this natural realm–what we can see, hear, touch, and smell. No, we have access to the unseen, supernatural realm where all the promises and blessings of God are stored. When you choose to walk by faith, you are opening a door from the natural realm to the supernatural realm and drawing the blessings of God into your life.

Remember: with God seeing isn't believing; believing is seeing!

Throughout the day, begin to declare, "Father, I want to thank You that my payday is coming. You said no good thing will You withhold because I walk uprightly. I believe even right now You're arranging things in my favor." As you walk and live by faith, you will live a life pleasing to God. You'll see His blessing and favor in abundance, and you'll fulfill the destiny He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, today I choose to walk by faith. I choose to believe Your Word no matter what things look like in the natural. I know You are working behind the scenes, and You will open up doors of blessing and favor in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

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God Opens Doors

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:12:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you" -Matthew 7:7, AMP

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

What doors are you knocking on today? Are you looking for a door of opportunity to be opened? A door of escape? A door of shelter from the storms of life?

God loves persistence. He honors diligence. When you diligently do the will of God, obeying His Word and following His commands, it's like knocking on the door of His promises. He is faithful, and He will open that door! Maybe you're already doing all you know to do today—don't give up! Perseverance will carry you to the promise.

Perseverance keeps on asking and keeps on knocking. Perseverance looks away from discouragement and distractions and keeps looking toward God. It has a voice that says things like, "No weapon formed against me shall prosper! I know God is for me! I am more than a conqueror through Jesus!"

Today, stay faithful to follow God's Word, and remember, every step of obedience is another knock on the door of His promises! He will hear you, and He will answer. He will open up doors that no man can shut and lead you into the life of victory He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for opening doors of opportunity before me and for leading me and guiding me. I trust that You are ordering my steps as I diligently follow Your commands. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

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The Only Thing That Can Heal Your Emotional Wounds?

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:07:00 +0000

By Bo Sanchez

Have you been hurt before?

Have you ever been rejected by others? Ridiculed? Maligned? Gossiped about?

Have you been cheated? Betrayed? Lied to? Stolen from?

If your answer is yes, then I’m writing to the right person.

That means you have emotional wounds, and my big message for you is that there’s only one thing that can heal your wounds.

Let me start by talking about something of great cosmological and eternal significance: My bloody ingrown toenail.

Sometimes called hangnail.

Let me translate that in Pilipino: hangnail is kukong nagbigti.

Anyway, would you believe my ingrown toenail lasted for two years? Because the nail kept re-growing, puncturing my wound again and again. The wound got infected and my entire toe was filled with foul-smelling yellow pus. (I apologize for grossing you out. I’m actually doing it on purpose and having fun.)

This is my claim to sainthood. If St. Francis of Assisi had his stigmata, I had my two-year old bloody ingrown toenail.

After two years, my mother scared me to death and said if the wound doesn’t get well, they might have to cut off my toe.

I loved my toe.

So I visited a doctor. And he said he had to pull out half of my toenail. I fainted.

I still remember that fateful day. The anesthesia didn’t work because of the pus. So I felt like San Lorenzo Ruiz who was tortured in the same way. (Please mention this tiny detail in my sainthood application.)

Here’s how the Doc did it.

Step 1: He pushed his scissors in between my nail and my toe, all the way to the very end. The pain was so horrific, I was ready to recant anything he told me to recant. Even my love for peanut butter.

Step 2: He cut my entire toenail into two. “Snap!”

Step 3: He got his metal pliers and yanked out half of my toenail. Blood and pus spurt like a little fountain.

But it worked.

My wound was now free to heal itself. What lasted for two years took only a few days to heal.

Why am I telling you this gory story?

To tell you that your emotional wounds are just like physical wounds. Bitterness is like the ingrown—it keeps the original wound alive by puncturing it again and again. So your emotional wound doesn’t heal.

And your soul gets infected.

If you’re not careful, the emotional wound can grow until it amputates parts of you, slowly killing you.

I’ve met people like these.

I pity them so much. They’re like the living dead. They are alive but they’re dead.

Like Minette, for instance.

Pressing The Rewind Button Again

Minette’s husband left her three years ago.

But when you talk to her, it was like it happened yesterday.

Adultery is one of the deepest wounds a human heart can have. After entrusting your entire life to one person, that one person betrays that trust.

But I believe even the emotional wound of adultery can be healed. I’ve met many wives whose husbands became unfaithful—and they were able to move on by the power of forgiveness.

But Minette couldn’t forgive.

Because everyday, she pressed the “Rewind” button of the most hurtful scenes.

Today, Minette has cancer. It doesn’t take a psychologist to connect the dots. Her bitterness was eating up her body as well.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

I should know.

I Forgive For Selfish Reasons

I was sexually molested twice, not by strangers on the street, but by an older cousin and by my own youth group leader. William Blake said, “It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.” That’s so true.

Those traumatic events warped my thinking, opened my life to addictions, and gave me self-contempt that would affect my entire life. I hated myself. I was ashamed of myself. Oh yes, my wounds were deep.

Yet in my heart, I’ve forgiven them. Totally.

I’ve released the bitterness in my soul.

Why?

Because of a very selfish reason.

Remember: Forgiveness is first of all a gift you give yourself.

I forgave because I wanted peace.

I wanted to move on with my life.

I wanted to get rid of the emotional baggage.

I wanted to be free.

And today, I am!

Let me share with you one more personal experience…

When You Forgive, You Bless Your Future

Many years ago, I started a tiny business with a friend. I was the investor and he was the guy who ran the show.

One day, I saw him with a new cell phone. A really cool, top-of-the-line thing that had everything you could think of—camera, video-cam, GPRS, missile guidance system, and an umbrella.

“Wow, that’s a great cell phone,” I said.

“This is a gift. Someone gave it to me,” he said.

The next time we meet, he brought a new laptop.

“That’s really nice,” I said.

“Oh, this is also a gift…,” he said.

A few months later, the business collapsed.

After looking at the records, I realized I was the one who gave them to him!

He was stealing from the business.

A year later, he came to me and asked for forgiveness. I forgave him even before he asked for forgiveness.

Here’s the reason why I forgave him.

Again, I did it for selfish reasons. I didn’t want to waste any of my time and energy trying to get the money back. Instead, I wanted to use all my time and energy to earn ten times what I lost. I used my frustration to create more wealth. I wanted to focus on the future, not the past. I wanted to focus on my dreams, not my wounds.

Imagine if you lost one peso. And you have two options: Spend one hour looking for that one peso or spend that same hour earning P100 somewhere else?

A bitter person will choose the first option. Crazy but true.

Today, let me report to you: I’ve earned many, many times what I lost from that tiny business. This is the power of forgiveness. It heals your wound and blesses your future. That’s why I believe forgiveness is one of God’s greatest inventions!

Let me tell you how to forgive…

Stage One: Get Angry

Forgiveness is not a one-stage process.

It’s a two-stage process.

Here they are…

Stage One: Get angry.

Stage Two: Release the anger.

That’s it.

Don’t be shocked, but anger is the first stage of forgiveness.

You have to admit the hurt.

You have to acknowledge the pain.

You have to say, “What he did to me was wrong.”

Some people think forgiveness is pretending nothing bad happened. That’s not true. If you’re angry, feel the anger.

But you must express your anger in a non-hurtful way, without screaming or attacking. Bring your anger before God. Share your pain to a few trusted friends. Ask for prayer. Go ahead, cry. Offer your tears to God.

Anger heals because it’s about loving yourself—and love always heals. Anger means you’re standing up for you. As an abuse victim, I had to do this. Anger is needed to rebuild my broken personal boundaries.

How long should you stay in Stage One?

Not too long.

Because anger has an expiry date.

How Long Have You Been Angry?

Here’s the truth: Bitterness and anger is one and the same thing. But Bitterness is anger past its expiry date.

Let me illustrate.

I love spaghetti.

Served hot, it’s wonderful.

But left on the kitchen counter for a whole day, it may still be good but be careful.

After two days, you may get an upset stomach.

After one week, there’ll be more germs than spaghetti. At that point, the plate of spaghetti has become poison

Just like anger.

If anger stays too long in your heart, your anger no longer heals but kills. When anger turns into bitterness, it’s poison.

The Bible says, “the sun must not go down in your anger.”

I believe it. Except perhaps for severe wounds (like abuse, adultery, betrayal, etc.), I feel Stage One should not last for more than a day. I’m talking about the regular hurts we encounter everyday. Before nightfall, move onto Stage two.

But deeper wounds may need weeks or even months of anger and grief. For deeper wounds, I believe there’s no clear divide between Stage One and Two. There’ll be an overlap. But your movement must be towards Stage Two.

Because that’s where the real magic happens.

Stage Two: Release Anger

In Stage Two, you decide to forgive. Key word: Decide.

It’s not about feeling, but about willing. The feelings of anger can linger (that’s normal) but the decision has already been made in your heart.

Remember, Love is a decision, not just a feeling. If forgiveness is love, then forgiveness is a decision too.

But here’s a very important footnote:

Forgiveness isn’t necessarily bringing back the relationship to where it was before. If you caught your boyfriend cheating on you, what should you do? Forgive him! But that doesn’t mean you have to get back with him again. That’s all up to you.

Let’s say you caught your boyfriend cheating on you twice. What should you do? Again, you have to forgive him. Now, do you get back into his arms? If you’re a psychotic with sadomasochistic tendencies, go ahead. Your desires will be granted.

Forgiveness is also not opening up yourself to more hurt. For example, if your alcoholic husband beat you up, you still need to forgive him; But do you back into the house? No way. You run away and never see him until he gets counselling and stops drinking for 6 months.

Forgiveness Heals The “Enemy”

The cousin who molested me has long been dead. So forgiving him in my heart was enough.

The youth group leader who sexually abused me is still alive. After 30 years, I have yet to face him. You see, I reported his name to a Bishop, asking that he be barred from doing any religious work until he gets help for his perversion. I had to protect other young boys who may be working with him. He has yet to come to me to ask for forgiveness. But even if he does not, I’ve forgiven him—and sent that “spiritually” to him.

The guy who stole money? As I said, he asked for forgiveness, and I was able to say to him, “I forgive you.”

When you forgive someone, you also offer healing to that person. Whether he accepts it or not is not your concern.

And by some magic, you don’t only heal yourself and the other person. You also heal all your loved ones.

Forgiveness Heals Everyone In Your Life

Imagine a room of ten people.

And one person there stepped on poop. (Sorry, my article is really gross today—about ingrowns and poop. But bitterness is gross.) Slowly, everyone in the room smells the awful stench. Only one person has the poop, but everyone is affected by it.

Bitterness is like that.

It wounds everyone. Your family. Your friends.

Bitterness is an evil spirit and people feel it. They smell the poison. They sense it. They want to run away.

Sometimes, when I enter a home filled with conflicts, I feel the collective wound of the family. You cannot breathe.

But when a person forgives, he’s like opening a window in a smelly room because one person stepped on poop. Fresh air comes in. If bitterness wounds everyone, forgiveness heals everyone too.

My last story is a story that I created, adapted from other sources. Be blessed as you read it.

The Son Who Hated His Father

“Hi John,” the priest greeted his favorite nephew.

“Fr. Chris,” the young man said, his voice betraying his troubled soul.

The cleric felt so much pity for the teen. “I heard you’re having problems with your father.”

A frown formed on John’s face. “You know him. He’s your brother. You know he’s impossible to deal with. He’s so selfish. He’s so cruel…” He fought back his tears.

“Tell you what, son,” the priest tried to sound encouraging, “let’s pray for him.” He stood up and pinned the photo of the boy’s father on the wall.

“What’s that?” John asked. The sight of his father’s face stung him. He clenched his fists.

The priest said, “It’s just a way to help us pray for him. It’ll be our visual connection to your father.”

“But I don’t want to pray for him!” the young man shouted.

At that moment, the phone rang. “Excuse me, son,” Fr. Chris said, “let me answer this call and I’ll get back to you right away.” He left the room.

John found himself alone, staring at the photo of a man he despised with his entire being. Seething with rage, he saw a knife on the kitchen counter. On impulse, he grabbed it and ran back to the photo of his father. “I hate you!” he screamed, and stabbed the photo many, many times.

That was when Fr. Chris ran back. “Oh my God…,” The priest said, as he could only look in horror.

His energy spent, John thrust the knife into the photo one last time.

He took one step backward, panting.

“John, I had other photos there,” Fr. Chris said.

“What?” The young man looked at the priest.

Fr. Chris walked to the wall and removed the damaged photo.

John couldn’t believe his eyes.

Because underneath it was John’s photo. Also torn.

The priest explained. “After praying for your father, I wanted to pray for you, John.”

The young man looked at his damaged photo. His face was torn, punctured by the same stabbing he himself made.

Tears rolled down his cheeks.

But even as his vision blurred, John noticed that there was something else behind his torn photo.

He pulled it off the wall.

Underneath his photo was the picture of Jesus, His face, also torn, also wounded.

And John collapsed on his knees, and wept for a long time.

— 0 —

This is the ultimate reason why we forgive: Because even if we sin against God, He still forgives us. We don’t deserve His love, but He loves us anyway.

Heal yourself, my friend.

Forgive anyone who has wronged you.

May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez

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Speak Life

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:34:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"The tongue has the power of life and death…" -Proverbs 18:21, NIV

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has given every person incredible power through the use of our words. Maybe you aren't where you want to be in life today, but could it be because of the words you've spoken in the past? Have you spoken words of death by saying things like, "I'll never rise any higher; I've gone as far as I can go"? Or maybe you've said, "I'll never break this addiction. I've had it too long. It's too hard." And now you are eating the fruit of your words. You're still in the same place.

If you are ready to change your situation, then it's time to change what you say about your situation. If you want a different harvest in your life, you have to change the seeds you are sowing. It's time to speak life over your future. Our attitude should be, "This may be the way it's been in the past, but this is not the way it's staying. I'm coming up higher. I may feel weak, but my declaration is that I am strong."

Remember, when you sow words of life, you will reap life and move forward into the victory the Lord has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, I repent for speaking words of death and sowing defeat in my own life. I ask that You uproot any negative crop from the past and help me speak words of faith so that I can walk in victory in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

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A Different Spirit

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:28:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it" -Numbers 14:24, NAS

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

One time in Scripture, Moses sent twelve men to spy out the Promised Land. The people of Israel were camped right next door and excited about possessing the land. But after 40 days, ten of the men came back with a negative report. They said, "Moses, there are giants in the land, and we'll never defeat them." That negative report spread throughout the rest of the camp, and the people began to murmur and complain.

But one of the spies named Caleb said, "Moses, we are well able to defeat these people. Let us go up at once and take the land!"

It's interesting that they all saw the same land, the same circumstances, yet they had totally different views. How could their reports be so opposite? Here's how: Caleb had a different spirit. He saw things with a different perspective. Others were focused on the giants, but Caleb was focused on his God. The people who complained never actually made it into the Promised Land, but Caleb did. He accompanied a new generation that chose the blessing of God.

Today, choose to have a different spirit. Don't listen to what everyone else says, listen to what God says. Choose to believe His Word, and He will carry you into your promised land!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, today I choose to tune out the negative voices of the world. I choose to trust in You even when no one else will. I thank You for the good things You are doing in my life and trust that You will fulfill every promise You’ve made to me. In Jesus' Name. Amen. "

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In Everything, Give Thanks

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:19:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" -Thessalonians 5:18, NIV

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you giving thanks in every circumstance? This might seem like a stretch at first, especially when you are going through a season of difficulty. But notice today's verse doesn't say to give thanks "for" everything, it says give thanks "in" everything. In other words, no matter what's going on, find something to be thankful for. Don't just focus on what's wrong in your life; focus on what God will do in your life!

When you are thankful, it opens the door for God to move on your behalf. That's why it says "this is God's will for you." He wants you to be close to Him and receive His strength and power by giving thanks.

Today, have the attitude that says, "God, in spite of what's happened, I choose to be grateful. I may be sick, but Father, thank You for being my healer. Thank you for giving me great friends and family." Or, "I may be struggling in my marriage, but God, thank You for being my restorer. Thank You for giving me another sunrise."

As you give thanks in everything, you will see God's hand move mightily on your behalf. Before long, you'll come out of that difficulty better, stronger, and wiser than before!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, today I choose to give You thanks in all things! I know that You are a good God, and You have good plans in store for my future. I bless You and thank You for another day to sing Your praise! In Jesus' Name. Amen."

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Retrain Your Mind

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:27:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind…" -Romans 12:2, AMP

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Many people today don't realize that the reason they're not happy, the reason they're not enjoying life is simply because they've trained their minds in the wrong direction. They've trained their mind to worry. They've trained their mind to complain. They've trained their mind to see the negative. But just as we can form these negative mindsets, we can retrain our minds and form positive mindsets.

One of the main keys to developing a positive attitude is to learn how to stay grateful. When you stay grateful, you are focusing on what's right rather than what's wrong. This doesn't happen automatically, you have to discipline yourself to focus on the positive. You have to make a conscious effort every single day until a good habit is formed.

Remember, when you live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you are shielding yourself from the attacks of the enemy. The seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart. Neither can bitterness, envy, or strife. When you have a grateful heart, you are strong. You are empowered, and you can confidently enjoy the good life He has prearranged for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, today I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your will for my life. I choose to have a positive attitude of faith and expectancy and thank You for empowering me to enjoy the good life You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

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Finished with Fear

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:58:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline" -II Timothy 1:7, NLT

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

So many people today are living with less than God's best because they've allowed fear to stop them from pursuing their dreams. We have to remember that fear is not from God. It's a lie from the enemy to paralyze us and steal our power.

Today's verse tells what God has given us: power, love, and self-discipline or self-control. When you are confident in God's promises, there's nothing that can stop you. But when fear creeps in, you hesitate. You're not as strong as you were before. You feel powerless. Not only that, but it affects your love. Love prompts us to give, and when we are afraid, we tend to clench our fists and act selfishly. Fear also affects our self-discipline or self-control. It makes us panic and do things without thinking.

If you've allowed fear to steal from you in any area of life, today you can be free–you can be finished with fear. Conquering fear starts with a choice to believe God's promises, and then taking a step of faith to act on them. As you step out, God will be with you. He'll give you power, love, and self-discipline so that you can confidently move forward into the abundant life He has for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, I come to You today declaring that I am finished with fear. Thank You for giving me power, love, and a sound mind. I choose to stand on Your promises. Fill me with Your peace and joy today as I move forward in victory with You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

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A Vital Necessity

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:20:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Set your mind and heart to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God."-I Chronicles 22:19 AMP

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

What things do you consider a vital necessity in your life? In other words, what can't you live without? Most people would immediately think of food, water, and shelter; but in reality, we can't really live unless our minds and hearts are set on seeking the Lord. Sure, you can exist without seeking Him, but you are called to more than just existence. You are called to live…to thrive…to enjoy your life abundantly!

The good news is that you have complete control over what you set your mind and heart on. You decide what to think about. Today, I encourage you to set your mind and heart on seeking the Lord! Write down your favorite scriptures and commit them to memory.

Whenever you can, think about those verses. Think about God and His infinite love. Make a habit of seeking Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. When you require the Lord as a vital necessity, you will enjoy living the abundant life He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, today I choose to set my mind on You. I seek You with my whole heart. Show me Your love and character today. Show me Your ways that I may walk and live closely with You. I love You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

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Visits from God

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:17:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"…And God has visited His people [in order to help and care for and provide for them]!" -Luke 7:16, AMP

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Every person has times of visitation from the Lord. These are the times when God distinctly intervenes in our lives to bring us help, direction, care, and provision. He's ordained special times to pour out His love, favor, and blessing. It may be through a person we meet, an unexpected promotion, or supernatural favor so that in a split second we are thrust years ahead. These marked moments in our lives keep us on the course of our destiny.

When you really understand this point, you don't have to be frustrated because things aren't happening as fast as you'd like. You don't have to worry about how things will turn out. All you have to do is stay in faith, knowing that God is directing your steps.

As long as we keep believing, our marked moments are on their way. Don't allow the enemy to steal your joy or distract you by getting you focused in the wrong direction. Remember, God is on your side, and He is leading you and guiding you in the path of victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, thank You for Your divine favor and direction on my life. I choose to release my cares today and trust wholeheartedly in You. Teach me to recognize those marked moments so that I can give all the glory and praise to You! In Jesus' Name. Amen."

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In Due Season

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 04:55:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase and the trees of the field yield their fruit" -Leviticus 26:4, AMP

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has set up seasons in our lives. It's easy to get frustrated when our dreams aren't coming to pass on our timetable, but every season is not harvest season. There are plowing seasons. There are planting seasons. There are watering seasons.

Sure, we would love for every season to be a time of increase left and right, good breaks here and there. But without the other seasons, we wouldn't be prepared. For example, it's during the plowing seasons that God brings issues to light that we need to deal with. He's getting us prepared for promotion.

If you're not making as much progress as you would like, the key is to not lose any ground. Don't go backwards. Hold your position. Keep a good attitude and do the right thing even when it's hard. When you do that, you are passing the test, and God promises that your due season of harvest is coming.

Be encouraged because your appointed time of increase, favor, and promotion is on its way, and He will fulfill every dream and desire He's placed within your heart!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, I bless You today. I thank You for preparing me for the blessing and promotion You have in my future. I surrender my heart, mind, will and emotions to You so that I can live as a testimony of Your work in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

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What a Blessings!

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:24:00 +0000

Praise God! Glory to God!

I am so happy to announce to all of you that today 19th of October 2009, SFI promoted me again from Silver Team Leader to GOLD TEAM LEADER for accumulating 5,000 Versa Points for the month of October.

I'ved been in this online business for almost two years. During that time, it is my fervent prayer to God to grant me a business that would help a lot of people becoming financially-free. And God is faithful. He answered my prayer. He showed me SFI.

I am #1 among all active affiliates in Bahrain.

I am #2 among all active affiliates who joined last November 14, 2007.

I am Top 1000 among all active affiliates around the world.

As Jesus said, "Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours."

To GOD be the glory!!!

James Parmis
SFI Gold Team Leader
Tel: +973 36739914
YM: jamesparmis
Web: http://www.SFIBahrain.com

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God Will Multiply You

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:32:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"And I will make My covenant (solemn pledge) between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly" -Genesis 17:2, AMP

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God is in the multiplication business. It doesn't matter what your need is today, God wants to increase you.

One time in the Old Testament, God simply multiplied the sound of four men's footsteps and caused them to sound like a mighty army. When their enemies heard them coming, they took off running. Thousands of people, thousands of troops running for their lives, scared to death, thinking they were being attacked by a massive army, when in fact, it was just four people.

Friend, God can make you seem bigger than you really are. He can make you look more powerful. He knows how to multiply your influence, your strength, your talent. He can multiply your income or whatever else you need! You don't have to figure it all out.

All you have to do is believe. If you will release your faith and get up every day expecting God's far and beyond favor, then you're going to see God show up and do amazing things. He’ll bless you beyond your wildest dreams and multiply you in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for Your promise to bless and multiply me. Direct my steps and keep me close to You as I stand in faith for the good things You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

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Hold On to Your Dream

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" -Hebrews 10:23, NIV

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

At some point in life we all face hardships. It may be something physically or emotionally challenging. Or it may be a dream or an opportunity that we missed out on. Whatever your difficulty is, don't let it discourage you from believing in God's best.

The enemy wants to keep you focused on everything negative that's happened, but don't let him steal the dreams God has given you. He knows that if he can deceive you into thinking things won't get better, you'll lose hope and give up.

There will always be obstacles trying to keep you from becoming all God's created you to be, but God has given you a promise for good and not harm. He has plans for better things ahead. It's important to believe God and keep an attitude of faith despite your circumstances.

Choose today to hold on to God's promises no matter what your situation looks like. Refuse to give up on the plans He has made for your life. God knows what challenges you've faced, and He has a way to turn things around for your good. Start thanking and praising Him for what He's already done and what He will do.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, today I choose to believe in Your promises instead of what I see around me. I will not give up on the dreams You have given me because I know they will come true. Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

See the Whole Picture

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:20:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." -Philippians 1:6, NLT

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

It's easy for people to let go of their dreams when all they see is what they're lacking or what's not happening for them. But God sees the whole picture when He looks at your dreams. He has equipped you for the victory, even though you sometimes can't see how you will win with what you have to work with right now.

Remember that God is always at work in your life. He is giving you favor and opening doors of new opportunities, so keep looking and hoping; the things He has promised and planned for you will happen. As you put your confidence in God, He will continue to work in supernatural ways to guide you into all He has for you.

Are you looking at the whole picture today? Can you see how God is working to bring the right things together for your success? If you're not seeing things happen for you, don't give up on your dreams. Be confident in God's promises; He sees things that you can't see, and He will make sure that His plans for you are fulfilled. Hold on to your dreams today. Have faith in God – He wants to bring you the desires of your heart.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, today I have a renewed confidence in You. Help me to see my life the way You see it – whole and complete. Thank You for not only beginning a good work in me, but also finishing it. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Good news, I am #1 in Bahrain!

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:48:00 +0000

Hello Subscribers,

Good day to all of you!

I have a very good news to tell.

For complete details, check this link:
http://www.makemoneyonlinemanila.com/2009/10/good-news-i-am-1-in-bahrain.html

God bless and more power!!!

James Parmis
http://www.FireTheBoss.visit.ws

Every Storm Will End

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:00:00 +0000

by Bo Sanchez

            Did you suffer a loss recently?

A job? A relationship? Material things stolen from you?

Many of my friends lost many things in the recent flood.

My friends lost homes. My friends lost businesses. With tears, my auntie said, “Bo, I lost all the material things I’ve collected over the past 50 years of my life!” Some friends told me that what was most painful was loosing all their photographs—the memories of a lifetime.

Friend, I’ve got a message for you today: Believe that every storm will end. And after the storm, a new morning begins.

          Remember that every loss is temporary.

If you lost a loved one, that loss is temporary. In heaven, you’ll see your beloved again and your reunion will last forever.

If you lost photographs, believe that in heaven, God will give back to you DVD copies of all the sweetest memories you’ve had in your life. (I’m not sure what video version they use up there, but I’m sure it’ll be the most modern. Perhaps it’ll be a virtual reality video!)

If you lost material things or opportunities or relationships, believe that God is creating room for something better to come your way.

How will this “better” happen?
Start being grateful.
That’s not a typo.
In the midst of your loss, be thankful.
I know you’ll complain, “Bo, there’s nothing to be thankful for! I lost half my life!”
Well, be thankful for the other half that you still have.

          Don’t focus on what you lost, focus on what you still have.

You’ve got too many good things happening to you to be down!
          Say this with me, “I’m too blessed to be stressed.” (Not original from me. Got it from a bumper sticker.)
          Why be grateful?
          Because you attract what you focus on. I’ve said that before so many times, but I’ll keep saying it until God calls me home. Because it’s so powerful.
          When you become grateful, you attract more of what you’re grateful for.
          Gratitude is a blessings magnet.

My Business Loss

Many years ago, I lost a lot of money in a businesses venture.
It was a big loss for me. At that time, I lost almost my entire net worth.
I was tempted to mope, to sulk, to carry a heavy burden for a long time.
Actually, I allowed myself to grieve for awhile—which was very healthy.
But I decided not to grieve for too long, or I would be stuck forever.
After some time, I declared, “God has something better for me.”

I chose to smile. I chose to look at the brighter side. I chose to believe that better businesses would come my way. In fact, I began declaring the unbelievable. I said, “I’ll earn ten times what I lost!”

Later that week, a friend asked me, “Is it true that you lost a lot of money in that business?”
          I said, “Yes, I did.”

“It happens to you too, huh? And I thought people like you are exempt from these things. So why are you smiling?”

“Because I believe God is redirecting me to a better business. And I know that I’ll earn ten times what I lost.”
It was a big claim and some friends couldn’t understand why I was so relaxed.
But a few years later, what I declared happened.

I started new businesses and I began to earn ten times what I lost. What I lost—my savings for years—I earned in a few months. Today, my new businesses are multiplying. I ask myself sometimes, “What if I didn’t fail in that business?

I would still be stuck in that business! I wouldn’t have the new business that I have now.”
And imagine if kept moping and sulking—would I have seen the new opportunities around me? Imagine if I kept mourning my loss—would I have had the energy to venture into something new?
Friend, don’t focus at the problems in your life.

Don’t focus on what you loss.

Instead, focus on two things: look at what you still have and look at the new things that God will give you.
And be grateful.

Where Is The Real Storm?

Typhoon Ondoy came and went.
But the real storm is not out there.
The real storm is in your mind.
Do you believe that great things will happen to you?
Imagine a party balloon.
At first, it’s bright and fat and goes up to the ceiling.
But after a few days, it becomes deflated.
It stays on the floor.
We’re like balloons.
What keeps us up is hope.
But life happens, and everyday, we leak hope.
Especially when big trials come, we surely leak out a lot of hope.
And we’re deflated.

Here’s what you need to do: You need to refill your heart with hope. So that you can rise up again.

          Dispel the storms in your mind.
          It may be stormy on the outside but it shouldn’t be stormy on the inside.
          The only way to dispel the storms is to be grateful for what you have today and what will happen tomorrow.
          God is redirecting you to something better.
          Sit up straight. Out loud, say this declaration with me…

I’m strong in the Lord. I’m blessed. I’m forgiven. I’m protected. I’m redeemed. I’m equipped. I’m anointed. Healing flows in my body. New doors will open before me. I’ll meet the right people, the right opportunities, at the right time, at the right place. I’ll regain ten times what I lost… In Jesus name!

          May your dreams come true,
          Bo Sanchez

If There Was A Dream

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:05:00 +0000

by Jo-Anne A. Cuyugan

If there was a dream,
I would call it “you”
To take me to places
Where skies are more blue.

Where the lake is more clear
And flowers sing sweetly
Where the birds are free
And the trees are dancing.

Then I would wish to dream
Night after night
In the stillness of the world
I would hold you tight

The sound of your name
Lightens my window
Sprinkling some stars
For my own pallid glow

The music of your voice
Feeds my lonely soul
The fire in your eyes
Rage against my cold

My life, my world
Float like a distant dome
Let my slumber be deep
I’ll drift in your arms once more.

For if there was a dream,
I would call it You.

“May the ‘Force’ NOT Be with You”

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:37:00 +0000

by Jo-Anne A. Cuyugan

Whether you call it “Ketsana” or simply “Ondoy” in the local Philippine setting, this super typhoon shook the nation once again making history after 40 years.

Ondoy just took everybody by surprise with its magnitude of damages estimated to be Php 4 Billion in agriculture and infrastructure; leaving almost 250 people dead; and more than 2 million Filipinos affected.

Ondoy’s force belted out a month’s worth of rain for only 6 hours, leaving most of Metro Manila, Rizal, and Laguna, neck-deep.

For some people, it was like an endless Judgment Day when nature took its fury against a hapless generation. Many stranded on their roofs overnight thought it’s going to be their end. Properties, businesses, livelihoods, were destroyed by Ondoy.

On a positive note, Ondoy gave a shattering wake-up call to all Filipinos and to the whole world. It gave us a truthful realization that God exists and is powerful. He is capable to sweep everything we hold on to in one strike. Nobody is rich, popular, poor, or impoverished when nature goes against mankind. This time, we are all equal.

On another positive note, Ondoy forced Filipinos to manifest its “Bayanihan” spirit. We thought bayanihan is a bygone we learn from our history books. But in times like these, this Filipino character trait soars and shines, showing the whole world what a great country we are.

May Ondoy’s memory remind us always that life is vain and short. There is a God who is all-powerful and who can save us. We have nowhere else to go but to come to Him. Our lives are in His hands. IF there’s one thing we should fear, it’s not nature, nor Ondoy. It’s GOD.

Let this be our prayer: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12). Life is precious, life is short. Ask God to teach us how we are going to spend every second of it in wisdom and in love.

May the “force” (like Ondoy) not be with us.

In GOD we trust.

*******
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A Fantastic Pinoy for CNN hero of the Year!

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:27:00 +0000

EFREN PENAFLORIDA for CNN Hero of the Year

I was touched by the heroism of this man because he made a big difference in the lives of the street children in the slum area in Philippines. Efren, I admired your heroic deeds. May God bless you beyond what you could ever imagine.

Pushcart classes help break gang chain

CAVITE CITY, Philippines (CNN) -- At 16, Rhandolf Fajardo reflects on his former life as a gang member. Using a pushcart classroom, he and volunteers teach reading and writing to children living on the streets.

"My gang mates were the most influential thing in my life," says Fajardo, who joined a gang when he was in sixth grade. "We were pressured to join."

He's not alone. In the Philippines, teenage membership in urban gangs has surged to an estimated 130,000 in the past 10 years, according to the Preda Foundation, a local human rights charity.

"I thought I'd get stuck in that situation and that my life would never improve," recalls Fajardo. "I would probably be in jail right now, most likely a drug addict -- if I hadn't met Efren."

Efren Peñaflorida, 28, also was bullied by gangs in high school. Today, he offers Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. Vote now for the CNN Hero of the Year

"Gang members are groomed in the slums as early as 9 years old," says Peñaflorida. "They are all victims of poverty."

For the past 12 years, Peñaflorida and his team of teen volunteers have taught basic reading and writing to children living on the streets. Their main tool: A pushcart classroom.

Stocked with books, pens, tables and chairs, his Dynamic Teen Company recreates a school setting in unconventional locations such as the cemetery and municipal trash dump.

Peñaflorida knows firsthand the adversity faced by these children. Born into a poor family, he lived in a shanty near the city dump site. But he says he refused to allow his circumstances to define his future.

"Instead of being discouraged, I promised myself that I would pursue education," he recalls. "I will strive hard; I will do my best."

In high school, Peñaflorida faced a new set of challenges. Gang activity was rampant; they terrorized the student body, vandalized the school and inducted members by forcing them to rape young girls, he says.

"I felt the social discrimination. I was afraid to walk down the street."

Peñaflorida remembers standing up to a gang leader, refusing to join his gang. That confrontation proved fateful. At 16, he and his friends "got the idea to divert teenagers like us to be productive," he says.

He created the Dynamic Teen Company to offer his classmates an outlet to lift up themselves and their community. For Peñaflorida, that meant returning to the slums of his childhood to give kids the education he felt they deserved.

"They need education to be successful in life. It's just giving them what others gave to me," he says.

Today, children ranging from ages 2 to 14 flock to the pushcart every Saturday to learn reading, writing, arithmetic and English from Peñaflorida and his trained teen volunteers.

"Our volunteers serve as an inspiration to other children," he says.

The group also runs a hygiene clinic, where children can get a bath and learn how to brush their teeth.

Since 1997, an estimated 10,000 members have helped teach more than 1,500 children living in the slums. The organization supports its efforts by making and selling crafts and collecting items to recycle.

Through his group, Peñaflorida has successfully mentored former gang members, addicts and dropouts, seeing potential where others see problems.

"Before, I really didn't care for my life," says Michael Advincula, who started doing drugs when he was 7. "But then Efren patiently dug me from where I was buried. It was Efren who pushed me to get my life together."

Today, Advincula is a senior in high school and one of the group's volunteers.

Peñaflorida hopes to expand the pushcart to other areas, giving more children the chance to learn and stay out of gangs.

"I always tell my volunteers that you are the change that you dream and I am the change that I dream. And collectively we are the change that this world needs to be."

Watch Peñaflorida and his group in action with their push cart classroom [click here]

Source

What Makes This Music Video Popular?

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:51:00 +0000

This is a video montage of the different scenarios during and after typhoon Ondoy hit various places of Metro Manila and nearby cities and municipalities... The photos show the Filipinos' unwavering faith in God, strong determination to survive and heart to care & share...

PRAISE YOU IN THE STORM
by Casting Crowns

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

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The Secret Things

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:52:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God……" -Deuteronomy 29:29, AMP

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you going through a situation in your life that you don't quite understand? During these seasons, it's natural to question things in your mind. But during these uncertain times, it's important to continue to put your trust in God.

We have to remember, God's ways are not our ways, and we don't always understand what He is trying to do in our lives. The Bible tells us that adversity will come, but God is the one who promises to lead us into victory.

Serving God means we're going to have some unanswered questions. You may never understand why a relationship ended sooner than you would have liked. You may never understand why you lost a loved one. You may never understand why you went through something difficult or why your prayers didn't get answered. But at some point, you have to decide to put your questions aside and go on with God. We have to decide to trust His character even when our circumstances don't make sense.

Remember, He has promised He's going to turn that difficulty around and use it for your advantage. He is faithful to His Word, and you can be sure that He will fulfill every promise He's made to you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, I choose to trust You with my unanswered questions. I choose to release any doubt and confusion to You. Help me to focus on Your Word which is truth that sets me free. Thank You for Your goodness and for the blessings You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

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When You're Making A Decision

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:35:00 +0000

Dear son,

When you're making a decision, don't ask, “What will other people say?” or “What will be the easiest thing to do?” or “What will be most beneficial to me?”

All those question are distractions.

Only ask yourself one question: “What's the right thing to do?”

If you don't know the answer, ask help from wiser friends. Once you know the answer, do it.

Love you,
God

P.S. Scared, son? Love drives out all fear. So do everything because of love.

Deal Aggressively with Fear

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:39:00 +0000

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline" -II Timothy 1:7, NLT

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

So many people today are missing out on God's abundant life of joy, peace, and victory because they keep giving in to fear. They are afraid to make a decision, they are afraid to confront issues, they're afraid to step out in faith, they're afraid of the past, and they're afraid of the future. But as believers, we don't have to live that way.

Fear is not from God. God has given you power, and His power is greater than the power of any of your fears. You have to make a decision to deal aggressively with fear. You can't be passive and expect to live in victory. The only way to conquer fear is to confront it head on.

As long as you're running from your fears just ignoring them or sweeping them under the rug, you're not going to get any better. Refusing to deal with fear doesn't make it go away. Instead, be strong-willed and determined knowing that the enemy is defeated.

As you declare God's Word that says you can be bold and strong, you'll have the courage to conquer fear and move confidently into the destiny He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, thank You for giving me power to overcome fear. I choose to face fear head on and drive it out of my life. Show me any areas of my life where fear is holding me back so that I can press forward into the life of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

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Please Help Philippines from Typhoon "Ondoy" Victims

jamesparmis@gmail.com (The RichMan) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:13:00 +0000

It's been 5 days since typhoon "Ondoy" strikes Philippines. It caused more than 240 people dead not including those people who were still missing. The world mourned for Philippines great loss.

We, the Filipino people, appeal to the whole world to ask your help for the typhoon "Ondoy" victims. Your help in any form is greatly appreciated. We want you to watch this video coverage taken during the actual event of typhoon "Ondoy" in the Philippines.

If you would like to donate something for the flood victims, just CLICK HERE

Prayer for the Philippines:

Our Father in Heaven, we humbly pray to You as a Nation. We plead to Your merciful heart that You may look upon us with compassion.

We pray for our brothers who have lost their lives. Receive them into Your heavenly kingdom. We pray for those who are lost and those who are trying to get home to their families. Make their way easy.

We pray for those who have lost their homes. Give them comfort. We pray for those who are still exposed to the bad conditions and awaiting help. Give them strength.

Everything we do for our unfortunate brothers, we offer to You & Your Glory. All this we pray in the most Holy Name of Jesus. Amen.