Today's Devotion- Working with other fellow Steward

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Col 3:12-14
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. NIV

As a steward of God in God's Kingdom and calling, we must realize that we might be called alone but never to work alone. He would not be call a crowd, but He always sends us to work with a crowd!

Therefore, every trusted steward of God who wants to finishe it well must be able to work well with other fellow stewards.

Four basic foundation for a healthy working relationship with fellow stewards:

1. We must recognize that we are called and chosen to do a specific task that contribute to the whole finished product or project.
2. We need to honor that others are equally called to do a task, though they might not be as skillful as you or others. When this happen, we must be willing to bear with one another and help each other to be able to do their part effectively, which in return will make our task easier and will be able to accomplish sooner.
3. We must build a Covenant of Truthfulness with fellow stewards, in which we will be able to do if we do not lie to each other about our situation, feelings and needs.
4. Lastly, working together for common good and for the pleasure of One (GOD) is a habit to develop at any given situation and in any assignment given. An African proverb has this saying: "If you want to go faster, you need to do it alone, but if you want to go farther, you need to go together." Stewardship is both a lone calling and a together work. We need to know when it comes!

In His wisdom He did not make us able to do everything, but He enable us to do certain things, in which made us a necessity for others. Let's consider others as well!

We might be receiving an individual reward in eternity, but rest assured you have not accomplished a whole project alone, someone did something for you!

May He find us always working well with other fellow stewards!

God bless and till the next time!

Tweet

Todays Devotion- Stewards of Mysteries of God

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


1 Cor 4:1-2
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. KJV

There was one movie entitled, "National Treasure". It's a story of finding the secrets of treasures, a mystery that's hidden in many places and kept from many generations. It ended to prove that their apprehension is right as they found the treasure.

We have a better treasure that does not even need to be proven for it exists even before anything exist! And the knowledge of it is not to be hidden but to be declared to others, that they may benefit from it as it is intended to bless those who finds it. Though finding it is not by the wisdom or strength of man but all by His grace! You can't find it except when you seek it with all your heart, humbly believing in Him. But it brings all that man who are seeking. His reason for living, His purpose and the greatest challenge of all: The mystery of the future revealed and made known to those whom God find faithful to carry His plan and purpose!

There is a saying that "Tomorrow is Mystery", but to those who know their God and placed their trust in Him, they know that mystery is settled in His hand. That's why we can say "We are not afraid to entrust our unknown future to our known God!"

Let us be who are - recipients of His grace. Let it be shared to others so that we can be counted as faithful stewards of the mysteries of God! His word is so rich with His knowledge which we can only know by His grace manifested by His Holy Spirit!

God bless and let the whole world know that there is God!!!

Till next time!

Tweet

Today's Devotion- A Faithful And Wise Steward

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Luke 12:42-43
42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. KJV

Every person are recipient of God's grace and gifts, which in return is expected to be a faithful or at least a good steward! As we study life cycle we can notice that the Law of sowing and reaping is consistent with the grace of God and in the faithfulness of man.

Here are some description of a faithful steward:

S - Sowing what is good and to the good ground
T - Thoughful of his Master's expectation and reward
E - Expecting a good result for all his labor
W - Watches on all that his Master entrusted him
A - Accepts full responsibility to the challenges that comes
R - Rejoices in the day of sowing as like in the day of harvest
D - Dedicated to only one Master

May we always be found as good and faithful stewards of our Lord and Master who have entrusted us with this life and every good gifts. For in the day of Harvest we shall rejoice with Him and turn over to Him all the fruits of our labour!

Till next time!

Tweet

Today's Devotion- A Faithful Servant

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Matthew 24:45-48
45 "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. NIV

Every person who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ are called to serve. Though some are specifically called for a certain task, some are called by conviction or circumstance. Some are called personally by God, while others are called by God's trusted servants who in turn are calling people to join in the joy of serving the Lord.

But what ever the reason for serving Him, only one counts most: "to serve Him faithfully". That's what really counts! For some reason many started well but ended up poorly, others did not make it even to the midst of the call, others still just give up, but the few remain faithful!

How can we be counted as faithful servants?

1. It basically begins with the assurance that you are called.
2. You always remember who called you and the purpose of your service.
3. You remain in your true motivation to serve - your love for the Lord.
4. Your passion to please Him.
5. Your source of power to serve - His Holy Spirit.
6. Your focus for all that you do - people saved by the power of His might and by your obedience.
7. An acknowledgment that this life is all for Jesus.

A faithful servant finishes well and knows that his Master is coming anytime to see how he is doing!

As the sun rises, the servant rise up to do as called, for the night will come that no work could be done!

Let's serve Him as faithful as we can, while we have time! Our call is bring as much soul to His Kingdom and transform them to the image of Him who called us as we ascribe to His glory!

Till next time!

Tweet

Today's Devotion- Completely Trusting the Lord

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Psalm 37:3-7
3 Trust in the Lord and do good;dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; NIV

For those who know the Lord and the power of His might, trusting Him is not an issue but rather a fact! For their comfort is in Him. They learn to show their trust in Him by doing these things with confidence:

1. Giving to God whatever He would ask, for they know He would give them what He see as better than what will be taken.
2. They would only take a step to the path that their God wants them to take. Though at times it's in rugged road and long highway to take. They could do this as they acknowledge that He does not just know the right way, but He is there with them along the way.
3. A complete rest in Him, in spite of the storms and trouble that come their way and life, for they believe Him whom they have placed their trust and their confidence is able to bring them through and will not lead them in a place where He cant bring them through!

This season of testing and difficulty is the best time to show that we trust our Lord God Almighty!

A portion of a song we sing in our church goes like this: "So I lift my eyes to you Lord, In your strength will I breakthrough Lord, . . .Through the storm I will hold on Lord and by faith I will walk on Lord . . . one day, I will be complete in You!!!

Hope you will find strength to trust Him no matter what!!

Till next time!

Tweet

Today's Devotion- Jesus is Alive

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Matthew 28:5-7
5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." NIV

One of the most challenged belief of Christianity is the "Resurrection of Jesus Christ" the founder and head of the Christian faith. Though there are few scientific evidence of His this account it does not mean that it is not true.

There are many facts to settle and accept or even believe that Jesus rose from he dead.

1. It is recorded in the Bible. All four gospels recorded it to show that it was an undeniable event.
2. St. Paul who was once an arch enemy of this faith wrote and believed it after he encountered Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:1-33)
3. All the followers of Jesus Christ believed and hope in this from the first century to this time. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
4. Resurrection is a necessity to make heaven an eternal abode. For those who will resurrect will have a glorified body fitted for eternal life.
5. It completes the redemptive work of Christ for by His death, life was brought back to man. (Romans 6:23). All curses like sickness are all broken, so you are healed for the Healer is alive. You are saved for the Savior lives. You are free, for the deliverer is on the Throne!
6. Jesus is alive as being proven by the transformation that happens to those who believed in Him.
7. He must be alive, if He will come back again as He promised. (John 14:12)

Well my friends, if the record of the Bible, the testimonies of the saints are not enough to prove He is alive, you will see that He is on the day He returns! But to believe on Him on that day, might be too late to be a blessing. Believe now! So that on the day the living Christ return, you shall be with Him forever!

Hallelujah, Jesus is alive!!!

Till next time.

Tweet

Today's Devotion- Jesus Died For You And Me

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Romans 5:6-8
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Many people lived and died without knowing what Christ did for them. Some people though, refused to accept what Christ died for. A faithful seeker of this matter will come to a conclusion that Christ died for all of humanity!

His goal in the crucifixion is to shed His blood and die so that we could be restored and be set free! The 3 spheres/realms that His blood take effect on His death:

1. Heavenly realm - in the presence of God, His blood brought us the full payment of the demand of our sinfulness (Romans 6:23). His death paid the justice that the righteous God requires. By His blood we are restored to God as children and can call Him "Abba Father" (Romans 8:14-15). It brought us back to our position as blessed and trusted. A beloved!
2. Hell and demonic realm - His death brought back the judgment to Satan and his demons, who were all condemned forever. When we sin, his curse come to us. But by Christ's death and shedding of His blood, we were set free. No more condemnation for us, but freedom. No more oppression but joy of the Lord. (1 John 3:18). Darkness left us, when His blood was shed. We were taken back from darkness into His light (1 Pet 1:9).
3. Physical realm - Christ's shed blood brought us back to life streaming with God. As life is in the blood. He is our life and in His blood we live again to Him (John 6:53). All sicknesses must depart from our bodies for the blood of Christ runs in us, where no sickness can live! We received the perfect sacrifice to live a perfectly blessed life! He shed all His 3.5 liters of blood! There was no blood left in His body as we all know that when He was speared, water run out with his blood. An average man has about 3.5 liters of blood in him. Christ in His human body poured it all out, to cover all humanities' physical needs of restoration and redemption!

Hallelujah! His death brought you and me life! A life to live and to enjoy!

Let us honor Him and serve Him, for in Him we now live!

Till then!

Tweet

The Obedient Christ

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Phil 2:5-11
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing,taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father. NIV

What an example to follow, a principle to apply and a Master to love!
Christ Jesus our Lord is being honored both in heaven and on earth not because He assert but because He deserves!

How many of us were willing to sacrifice everything just to get the best place in this world? How many of us will fight to death for anything that many will take from us!

But Jesus Christ demonstrated the opposite!

He willingly gave all that He has that no one did ever have - being God.
He willingly became whom many of us despised - being just a man.
He willingly took what many of us escapes or even fear - death.
He willingly accepted what many of us hates - shame.
He willingly submit what many of us avoid - obey.

Well my friends, this season, many still wonder who this Jesus called Christ is. Why it is hard to accept Him? Why many rejects Him? Oh, simply because no one could ever did what he had done!
To add to that, He did not do it for any other reason, than out of love to whom who send Him and out of love to them to whom He was sent for!

May we always remember that He is our Lord not because He insists, but because He is worth it!
May we learn to follow His step not because we want to be honored by men but just to deserve being called His servant!

May we always be willing to obey even to the most difficult times of our life knowing that the Christ has set an example for us!

They that honor Him, honor Him not just by mere words, but by following His steps!

God bless and lets honor The Christ the Son of the living God!

Till next time!

Tweet

Jesus-The Full Package Provision

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Galatians 4:4-74
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. NIV

In this season of the year many pilgrims are going to celebrate the greatest story ever told which is the Suffering of the Christ for the redemption of mankind. To many somehow who celebrates, they only thought that He just came to redeem us from sin. But let's see what's included in the package when Jesus came to this earth the first time as Messiah.

Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death!

What did He pay in full when He shed Hid blood to redeem us?

1. He redeemed us from sin - the most important of all, for all the wages of sin encapsulate in it. (Rom 5:12). All of our sins are forgiven as we place it upon Christ (1 John 1:9).

2. He broke the bondage of satan - (1 John 3:18, 2 Corinthians 4:4). Everyone who comes to the Lord will be freed from the forces of darkness!

3. He healed us from all our sicknesses and diseases - healing of all kinds of sickness, all kinds of diseases are included in the redemptive work of Christ for He will be honored in a healthy body! (2 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Peter 2:24)

4. He sent provision for all our needs- No more poverty in Christ! He will supply all the things that we need (Philippians 4:19, Romans 8:32). A heaven here on earth to those who will believe.

The best of all!

5. He restored our position as Children of God -lost of fellowship with God is man's greatest dilemma. It is the heart of all hurts. His rejection, because of man's willful sin, is  mankind's greatest curse. But in Christ all of these were restored!
He placed us again in the beloved of God (John 1:12, Romans 8:14-15)

Well my friend this Lenten season, lets put to heart that Jesus did not just die for our sins! He died to make us live again in a heavenly condition, here on earth and on the age to come in eternity!

Glory to the Lamb of God who was, who is and is to come!

Everytime you are in a situation opposite to what Christ did, do all your faith can, and bring back what is yours in Christ!

By prayer and supplication let your request be known to him, who will do more than what we could ask or think!

Hallelujah!

Tweet

Today's Devotion- Jesus: Who is He to you

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Matthew 16:15-19
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
NIV

The knowledge of who the Lord Jesus Christ is, not by the decision of the majority, nor in the level of human intellect! It is a revelation of God the Father to the person to whom it is given.

That’s why as Christians, we should not be offended on why others are saying who Jesus is opposes the word of God. For as in the days of Jesus in the human flesh, many already struggled to know who really he is. But only as the Father reveal Him, then and only then the truth of His person is known to the recipient of who Jesus is.

For God is beyond mans understanding!

The true knowledge of Him as the Christ is just the beginning of a worthy journey. That’s why those who were before us willfully gave their lives for Him when required. Jesus is the greatest knowledge to know, greatest treasure to be found, greatest friend to find and greatest saviour to serve!

That’s why even St. Paul was willing and had counted everything a dung just to know Jesus.
Every followers of Jesus must have the same passion and heart after they have known Jesus as Lord and saviour. He is more than just answering our prayer, more than a healer, a deliverer! He is the Lord God, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit!

We who have the revelation of Him must cherish and be humbled in the grace received from Him.
May we always worship and honor Him as He is!

God bless!

Till next time!

Tweet

Being Steady in Shakening

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Hebrews 12:25-27
25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." 27 The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken — that is, created things — so that what cannot be shaken may remain. NIV

As stated by the word of God, that everything that was created will be shaken. So, all of us and all in us will be shaken! It is expected that our lives will be stormed with so much for the purpose of keeping what is unshakable.

Shaking comes through various Testings and trials!

The only thing that is unshakable in us are the things that are not created! So we must identify whats unshakable in us and what shakable! Well, let me share to you what we have that's unshakable!

1. Faith is unshakable, though it is the target of all trials and testings (1 Peter 1:7). It cannot be shaken because it is given to us by God as stated in (Romans 12:3). Though we have the duty to make it strong and keep it growing through the meditation of the word of God. (Joshua 1:8-9, Matthew 4:4, Romans 10:17).

2. Our personal relationship with Jesus cannot be shaken, because He is the one holding us, not us holding Him. He chose us, it is not us who chose Him. (John 15:16). Therefore, no matter what the testing will bring He can bring us through for He will never leave us nor forsake us! (Hebrews 13:8). But again ,we need to remain in Him, allowing Him to bring us wherever and whatever He wills and in His ways.

3. Our opportunity from Him, which is a 24/7 communication line without any off line. A privelege to talk to Him and ask for His help in times of need is unshakable, because He is the one who offered it to us (Jeremiah 33:3).

Let us always come to Him to discuss and express what troubles us, for it is His pleasure to bless us.

No trouble, no trial, no testing in this life is able to bring us down, for there in a God-given unshakableness in us!

In Him we live and move and have our being!

God bless and till next time!

Tweet

Today's Devotion-Refuge in times of Trouble

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


2 Chronicles 20:12
O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." NIV

This year was ushered to us with many exciting event in our history. The first African American President took an oath. Which has been covered by all news and headlines all over the world, almost simultaneous with the increasing number of people worldwide who were laid off and lost their job.

As a believer we recognize that these events and developments are not happening by chance but by divine providence. God always brings hope in any given situation to lead people to recognize Him as the source of life and blessing!

We might mistakenly consider to find our help in man, but though man will do everything he could, he will always come to his limits. That's why in situations like we have today may we seek our help in God through...

1. recognizing His capability;
2. remembering and believing His promises; and
3. resolving to trust in God.

As of this writing, I received messages of some brethren who just lost their job, a sudden change of life, especially to those whose dependence is in their good employment! But thank God, that He taught us to place our trust in Him.

We might lost our employment, but it does not mean we lost our blessing and provision, for God is our supply!

You might be in the most troubled time of life, but this is also your most privileged time to enjoy the power, the love and the goodness of God!

Please read the whole story of King Jehoshapat and see yourself in the same way God brought their deliverance and help!

Let's settle our case in God's hand!

Tweet

Today's Devotion-Overflowing love

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


1 John 4:7-12
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. NIV

Life is not worth living when there is no love lowing and coming to it!

Many are expecting to have a healthy relationship but refusing to express their love to those they should show love.

But God showedd us how to and whom to love. The Bible is teaching us at least three different descriptions of love: The Agape, which the highest of all is selfless and unconditional, a kind of love the God showed and we are expected to show specially to the most unworthy of it and to those whom God brought to us whom we call family.

Another is Peleo which is a friendly love, a mutual expression of people who choose to maintain a good relationship, sharing laughter, joy, sorrow and almost all that life brings. This is also shown by God to those who will honor Him and love Him as our verse on top record.

Last is the Eros, a love that is monogamous and private. God calls any practice of it in more than one person as a sin. For it is a marital love that includes the sexual love which is only allowed after the day of marriage.

The point is this, what ever status you have in this love, you are expected to show love without violating the right application of it. Agape is open to all, while Peleo is limited to those you trust. Eros is only when God bless you with the one you choose to love as your life time partner under God's will and word.

Let us overflow with love, not because we feel like doing it, but simply because we choose to show it!

God bless and let His love show to you and may you enjoy it too as you give to others!

Till next time!

Tweet

Today's Devotion- The Year of Overflow

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Psalm 65:11-13
You crown the year with your bounty,and your carts overflow with abundance. 12 The grasslands of the desert overflow;the hills are clothed with gladness. 13 The meadows are covered with flocksand the valleys are mantled with grain;they shout for joy and sing. NIV

The word of God is the sure guidance for what we can be certain as we placed our trust in God through Christ our Lord!

Most people in every turn of year are doing everything to somehow welcome the new year with luck or blessing. In this the believer of the Lord are already delivered for he knows whom to trust and where to find the answer! Some as usual are taking a chance through rituals, omens, traditions and all other possible ways to have a good life ahead. Well, we cannot blame them for who does not want a sure blessing and a good future?

Needless to say that God above all person wants His creation to be blessed and abundantly blessed, that's why He sent His begotten Son Jesus, who came to give life and gave it abundantly (John 10:10b).

So my fellow in pursuit of blessedness, may we hear His word for this year 2009 as the "Year of Overflow" of blessing and of God's goodness which can be received by those who will believe in Him and in His word.

What areas in our lives can we believe for the overflow? Well, let me list some:
1. Overflow of blessing for family matters - This will be the year where we will be able to spend more time, quality time for our family. It will be also the year of having a healthy relationship with someone special, specially for those who are praying for it for years in the past.

2. An overflow of opportunity to re-align your job based on your skills and expertise, both in the secular and in the ministry. We can believe God to give us joy not only in the salary we receive but also in the work we do!

3. Overflow of winning souls for the Lord! As the crisis bring depression to the lost, it will be a doorway to bring them faith in Christ, the hope of glory!

So, my friends and fellow bound to overflow, let us be ready to go with big bags for the blessings will be boundless, more than what we can contain, exceeding and excessive than what we could ever imagine!

God bless and always believe for God is delighted to give us His Kingdom's blessing!!!

Till next time!

Tweet