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

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

Today's Devotion- Unto Us A Son Is Given

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peacethere will be no end.He will reign on David's throneand over his kingdom,establishing and upholding itwith justice and righteousnessfrom that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almightywill accomplish this. NIV

One of the most common act on this Christmas season is giving.

This morning our three children asked my beloved wife if the gift for their classmates are already prepared for tomorrow's Christmas party in their schools. One of them gave an amount that is seemingly expensive than others, and he said "because the recipient is special to me and I want to be a real Santa".

As I heard this I started to recollect and remember the idea of being a santa. According to tradition "Santa Claus" was rich man with a name of "Nicholas" who happen to sold all he has and started giving it to the poor people which are many in his time. After this his benevolent act reached the other side of the town and started sending him their donations so that he can distribute it to others. He was then, venerated to saintly status and his act became part of the Christmas seasons, where parents started to tell their children that Santa will come and give them gifts as they do good deeds. So today, it became a model for giving, especially in this Christmas season.

But what is be the greatest gift that we have received that makes this Season a reason to celebrate? Giving kind and even expensive gifts are so noble and even a good spirit not only this season but all year round.

Any how, if Christmas is only to give gifts like this, we might loose the true meaning of Christmas which is centered to the one (The Son) given to us!

He is the reason for this Season! Jesus Christ the begotten of God. If we have recieved Him, then Christmas is a reality to us. But how about the many, whose only reason for the season is finding "Santa" and being a "Santa". Let us give the greatest gift to someone special to us. Let's give them "The Son" who should govern our lives to make it a true merry to live by.

May we being a Christians, together with our gifts in reference to santa should become a messenger of the Son who was given to everyone and to bless those who will believe in Him.

Let's just set aside the argument of the existence of santa, but rather let us use this time to give the one who is given; The Son of God in whom we shall be saved!

As we observe around many are just trying to make this season in the Spirit of Christmas, which is giving and loving, all in which Jesus Christ came!!!

We don't need to have a lot of money to be able to give; Give what's in your heart, your joy, your peace, your forgiveness, your service or a prayer! Why not? Prayer moves mountain, it brings us this miracle, as people of old, prayed for the coming of the Savior and He did come!

Let us start to give the true Christmas gift which is all centered in Christ Jesus!

God bless and Merry Christmas and have an Overflowing Blessed New Year!!!

Till next time!

Tweet

Today's Devotion-A Chosen Vessel

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Luke 1:38
"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. NIV

One of the unusual event in the advent of the Messiah is the way he was born. We all know that He was born to a virgin whose name was "Mary". Without her willingness to be a vessel for the fulfillment of the coming of the Savior, we might still be grasping in the dark and still looking for him.

But was the vessel just randomly chosen? A question that can be answered by the word of God itself. If we will read the whole context of the verse in this devotion note, we will find that the greeting of Angel Gabriel includes the "you are highly favored"! Therefore, blessed Mary was chosen after a series of selection and even of timing! Though it does not imply that she is sinless but rather "Favored". A word that is defined as unmerited and just at the disposition of the one giving it.

This celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is in our midst today because there are vessels who were willing to be used by God even to the price of discomfort, rejection, misconceptions and even death. God is still looking for vessel whom He can choose for His own plans and purposes. In many generations, in our history we can see that many vessels have already done their part. In this season, may we be found by Him ready to fulfill His plans. Mary said, "May it be unto me as you have said." In other translation is goes this way: "Be it unto me according to your word"!!!No complain, no need for explanation, just a simple obedience that resulted in the salvation of many! Most of the time, there will be many unexplained things that happens in our lives, some are painful, some are good, life giving and others taking lives but are good to remember, others are not be be remembered or even told to others. But no matter where we are coming from, in this life we have a calling to fulfill! And only Him who has the disposition to choose will choose His vessel!

That's why the challenge is not in doing many things, or even achieving more than others, but knowing and doing what is required of us by our Maker! When that time comes and it will come, may we be found ready to respond "Be it unto me according to your word'! He choose His vessel. He cleans His vessel. He test and try His vessel. He equip His vessel.
He trusts His vessel. He accompanies His vessel. He protects His vessel. He comforts is vessel. He rewards His vessel!

Are you ready to be found in Him with favor?

May we always thank God for sending His Son to make us His children! May we be a vessel of His Son to make others His children too!

Till next time and have a Blessed Christmas Season!!!

Tweet

Today's Devotion-We found the Messiah

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


John 1:41-42
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.NIV

Before migrating here in Canada, December is a very lively and Christ-centered month. Especially to us who came from a nation whose only hope is God! As we adjust to the new home and country, we found that December is not the same as to where we came from, there we greet each other "Merry Christmas." Here we will be greeted "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings".

Its because our society here does not want to offend those who don't believe the Messiah. Well, not in the Scripture, for there, we found the record why this month is something to really celebrate. Its not because there are more sales in the malls, neither because we have lots of invitations for almost all special events, but simply because this is the celebration of the most awaited "Messiah". He has been prophesied thousand of years before His birth. Many still do not know He already came, some are still waiting for another one, which for them is better than Him. But who can meet up with His credentials? He is born of a virgin, fulfilled all prophesies in the book of the prophets and of course, rose from the dead!

We have found the Messiah!!! A proclaimed word of those who believed Him! Like the early apostles, our message to the world should be "We have found the Messiah!!! For many are still lost in hope, tortured by shame, in bondage of sin and living in hopelessness! This Christmas season, may the true celebration come to the heart of many if not to all! "The messiah has come" He is the center of this season!

Christmas spirit is not in the month, its in the "Man." He came to bring salvation to all mankind, but like a gift we must accept Him, by believing in Him!

But how can they know HIm, if we who knows Him are not as bold as those who were before us in Him? They were willing to give up their lives for Him who gave His life for us!

May we also go to our friends, relatives and area of influence and tell them "We have found the Messiah" and bring them to Him!

Its our moral duty to bring people to Him, for that's what right minded people should do, after receiving so much blessings, like peace, health and freedom. Let us celebrate this season by proclaiming that "The Messiah has come". He is the Christ, the Savior, and whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life!!!

Let's give to them what we have found: Christ Jesus, "The Messiah"!

If you came across this message and have not yet found Him, well He is just a prayer away! He is alive and can give you what you are looking for. Actually only Him can give! The life ever lasting, the peace that passes all understanding, the joy overflowing and the acceptance without condition! An unconditional love!!!

God bless and Till next time!!!

Tweet

Today's devotion-Blessed to be a blessing

by Pastor Bong Gonzales


Deuteronomy 28:8
The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.NIV

There was a man, who owns a "well" but he is so arrogant and selfish. Every time his neighbor would ask for a bucket of water, he will turn them away with nothing, for he said to himself; "this is mine and for my family alone. What if it runs out as I give some to them?" So he decided to put a cover and padlock it so that no one can get water when he is not around. Because of the attitude of this person, he has no friend and his neighbors hate him so much and even despise him. One day, while he was cooking, the fire got loose from his oven and caused the fire to consume his house, as he asked for help, his neighbor run to assist him and all went to the "well" to get water, but to their disappointment the well was covered and locked, so they just ended up, watching the man in his helplessness while all his belonging was consumed by fire.

An opposite story also happened somewhere, that a certain man, who just bought a new car, which is actually the only one in the neighborhood. His neighbors would come to him for any emergency and even for many kind of occasion to request and borrow his car, where he usually grants and lends without charge. Because of this, many loved him and became his friend. But because of overuse, his car broke down in just few years. He was not able to replace it for lack of money to buy a new one. After a while Christmas time came, then a knock on his door came that night. As he opened his door, there were his neighbors, singing to him Christmas song and after that gave him a gift well wrapped. As he open it, he found a key, with a note that says "During your time of blessing you bless us. Now that you need one we will bless you. The key is for your brand new car!!! Our gift to you!!!"

An old story, but that character still roams around, specially to those who have been blessed somehow. Whether we share it or hide it is our call and disposition, but let us always remember that we are "blessed to be a blessing". Let us follow the very example of our Lord who gave the best for all of us. He is the source of all that we have, and to Him, its always blessed to give than to received!

Let us look for an opportunity to be blessed as well as to be a blessing! May we become a "well" of blessings to many so that we can become a "Spring" of blessings before we can become an "overflowing fountain" of blessing!!!!

Expect to be blessed, because our God is a blessing God! But He expect us to be a blessing as well!!

God bless and let's share a blessing again next time!

Tweet