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!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, April 24, 2009
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?
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!
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?
- It basically begins with the assurance that you are called.
- You always remember who called you and the purpose of your service.
- You remain in your true motivation to serve - your love for the Lord.
- Your passion to please Him.
- Your source of power to serve - His Holy Spirit.
- Your focus for all that you do - people saved by the power of His might and by your obedience.
- 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!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
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:
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!
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:
- Giving to God whatever He would ask, for they know He would give them what He see as better than what will be taken.
- 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.
- 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!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
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.
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.
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.
- It is recorded in the Bible. All four gospels recorded it to show that it was an undeniable event.
- St. Paul who was once an arch enemy of this faith wrote and believed it after he encountered Jesus. (1 Corinthians 15:1-33)
- All the followers of Jesus Christ believed and hope in this from the first century to this time. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
- Resurrection is a necessity to make heaven an eternal abode. For those who will resurrect will have a glorified body fitted for eternal life.
- 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!
- Jesus is alive as being proven by the transformation that happens to those who believed in Him.
- 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.
Friday, April 10, 2009
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:
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!
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:
- 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!
- 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).
- 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!
Friday, April 3, 2009
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)