Fresh Start Daily

I’ve learned to trust God more as I learn about His character. When I realized how big God is, how generous He is to His children, I started to feel secure. God is a GIVING GOD. He knows the needs of His children. When I’m in need, I pray to God and I am reminded that my FATHER IN HEAVEN owns EVERYTHING! HE owns the universe. There is nothing He cannot give me, if He wills to give it to me.

I’ve proven the Lord’s faithfulness many times. I appreciate God in big things but it’s in the little things that I see how much He cares for me. When I’m hungry and I don’t have time to buy food because I’m busy with work or other tasks, I pray to God and He sends me someone to give me food. In the office, He often uses my prayerful friend, Anna.

Every time I forget my apartment keys, I ask God for someone in the compound to open the gate for me and every time I come home, the gate is open. When I’m running late for work and the cab driver who drives me to work every morning isn’t available, I ask God to give me a ride immediately and He sends a cab right on time.

It’s more amazing when I don’t ask God to tap someone to give me things (thank God I have a job) and He uses people to give them anyway. I remember I was planning to buy shoes last year because the shoes I was using were already worn out. Although I had the money, I couldn’t buy as if something was hindering me. Then when my mother got home, she handed me a pair of shoes! I exclaimed, “Kaya pala hindi ako makabili-bili!”

When I asked God for a miracle to be assured that He still knows me, He dropped a paper bill on the sidewalk. (I did not ask for money. I just asked Him to assure me that He still knows me by giving me a sign.) God does things that leave me in awe of Him. He is so sweet. He answers prayers. When I’m in need, His help always comes right on time. God is able to do anything (Luke 1:37)! God is able to give us anything because He is God. He wants us to rely on Him more than ourselves. God doesn’t like it when we rely on our abilities and forget that our abilities are from Him in the first place. Our talents and skills are from God. Everything is from Him.

I realized, we won’t experience blessings from God when we live in abundance and we are able to provide for our needs. Why will we call on God for help when we can help ourselves, right? Sometimes God allows people to face financial crises because it is when we have nothing left in our pocket that we remember God. Sad to say but it is when our limited power is consumed that we turn to a supernatural being to manifest His limitless power. God will not stop reaching out to us because He cares for us. He loves us. He doesn’t want any of His children to perish.

“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God…” 2 Corinthians 3:5

My sufficiency is from the Lord. I may be able to do things on my own but without God, the things I do have no meaning. Without God’s guidance, I struggle; with God’s guidance, things run smoothly. Everything I have belongs to God: the roof over my head, the clothes I wear, the money in my wallet, the food I eat, etc. My hands are His, my feet, my body… Everything! He owns everything!

I feel happy for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are blessed materially. I know that whatever they have is a product of God’s grace. 

 There’s no need to feel envious or to compete because God’s children have the assurance of provision (Hebrews 13:5). When we are deeply rooted in Christ, we won’t be blinded by the riches of the world. Even if there’s nothing left in our pocket, God will always, always provide. He can use even wicked people to provide for our needs. The Lord can and will sustain us. All the riches in the world is nothing compared to what God has prepared in heaven for those who love Him.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT

“The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.” Revelation 21:21 NLT

The street that we will walk on in heaven is of pure gold! However, the Lord’s eternal presence excites me more than gold. It says in the Bible that God Himself will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death, weeping, or pain (Revelation 21:4). There is no need for moon or sun because God’s glory is enough to light the place. Wow!

“And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.” Revelation 21:23

My prayer is that I will store treasures in heaven more than in this world. Heaven is my home. We are mere sojourners on earth.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

We don’t own anything because everything we have is only entrusted to our care by the Lord. We cannot boast about anything, even if we worked hard for it, because everything is from God–even our strength and ability to make wealth. We are only STEWARDS of God’s creation.

“Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17

“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18

Financial stability is not guaranteed. Even if we have saved enough for the next generations in our family, anything can happen. We can lose our wealth any time. Job was a wealthy man. He was also blameless. One day Satan appeared to God and God boasted to Satan about Job’s righteousness. Satan told God that Job was only obedient to God because HE blessed him. God allowed Satan to test Job but warned him not to take Job’s life. In one day, he lost his livestock, servants, and children. Despite what happened, Job still blessed God.

Satan appeared again to God and HE allowed Satan to test Job for the second time. Job was then inflicted with skin sores. His wife told him to curse God and die and his friends mocked him. Job wished he hadn’t been born. He wanted to know why it all happened to him. God was upset with Job’s friends because they said things that were not right. God had a dialogue with Job and reprimanded him. God described to Job how He created the universe. God reminded him of His power. Job then acknowledged his wrong thinking. He realized God’s sovereignty and God was pleased with Job’s response. God forgave Job’s friends because Job interceded for them. Then the Lord restored his health, doubled his wealth, gave him new children, and gave him a long life.

God is able to give and take away. Job lost everything he possessed but God was able to return them to him twofold. He is God and He can do anything! He is a God that can do miracles. I learned that just because a person is rich doesn’t mean that he/she is blessed by the Lord. There are wealthy people who have no regard for the Lord. What gives joy and security is God. I’ve heard of a lot of stories of rich, famous, and successful people who committed suicide because they were not happy. They lost hope. If God is not in our heart, no matter how big our bank account is, we will always feel empty. There is no true peace without HIM. It says in the Bible that we should not envy the wicked (Proverbs 24:1, Proverbs 24:19-20).

“So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid. For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave. In this life they consider themselves fortunate and are applauded for their success. But they will die like all before them and never again see the light of day. People who boast of their wealth don’t understand; they will die, just like animals.” Psalm 49:16-20

“What does a man profit if he gains the world and loses his soul?” Luke 9:25

God’s blessings don’t always come in monetary form. Of all the blessings that I have received, the ones I am most thankful for are those that money cannot buy. I am grateful for the Lord’s salvation, protection, healing, deliverance, mercy… Oh, I can go on and on. I would be a hypocrite if I’d say I don’t need/want money. Who doesn’t need/want money?! To survive, we need to eat, we need to clothe our bodies, we need a shelter, etc. Money is a necessity. Just because a person wants to earn more doesn’t necessarily mean that he/she is not content. We can bless others with what we have. Sometimes our physical presence is not enough help. It’s not enough to just pray for people and spend time with them. Sometimes we really need to help financially/materially, and we cannot give what we don’t have.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17

“‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:35-40

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:42

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19:17

“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Proverbs 22:9

Money isn’t evil. It’s the love of money that is [evil]. The problem is the motive of the heart. If we want money to heed the lusts of the flesh, to boast…then that’s what’s evil.

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10 NLT

“Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!” Ecclesiastes 5:10 NLT

God doesn’t want His children to suffer in poverty. God made Solomon the richest person in the world even without Solomon asking for riches. God returned the wealth of Job and even doubled it. Jabez, the man mentioned in the first Chronicles, prayed to God for His blessing and God granted him what he requested.

“There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!’ And God granted him his request.” 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT

God knows we have needs and wants. God is not a miser. God is not selfish. God wants to satisfy the desires of our hearts ACCORDING TO HIS WILL. He wants us to enjoy His creations. God is not narrow-minded. The Lord delights when we are happy.

“The Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground. For the Lord will again take delight in prospering you, as he took delight in your fathers…” Deuteronomy 30:9 ESV

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 ESV

God is faithful. He will never forsake His children. He will not leave His children’s needs unmet. He is my true wealth. With or without money, I love the Lord. When everything is stripped off, who am I? Sometimes I ask myself this question to check my heart. The body that God gave me is more precious than anything I adorn it with. I’m learning to put God’s agenda before my agenda. I’m learning to just obey the Hoy Spirit. For the desires I have that will not be satisfied, I know God has a reason. I just have to keep on trusting Him. He knows best.

“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25 ESV

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 ESV

I don’t know why as I get older, I become more clumsy. Last Saturday, I tripped and the back part of my right leg scraped the rough part of the chair. It’s been 6 days and a scab has formed but it’s still painful. The wound is not that big but it causes me to limp.

The thought of it leaving a scar worried me but at the same time, it led me to worship the Lord. I told God that He is more important than my skin or my body. Even if my body gets destroyed, God will give me a new glorious body in heaven. Our bodies will be transformed from perishable to imperishable.

I opened my Bible tonight and was surprisingly led to 1 Corinthians 15:50-54. Goosebumps!!! Not only because He led me to those verses but also because His Words are real.

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

I offer my body to the Lord. My hands, feet, eyes, ears, lips… My entirety is His. God is more important than our body. I surrender everything to my God. 

I experimented with three different chocolate cupcake recipes today to see which one is the best. The third one turned out to have the best texture and taste. This will be my go-to chocolate cupcake recipe from now on

Today, we went straight to the Mangyan Village in Talipanan after our morning prayer and breakfast. The handicrafts shop where the Mangyans display their own products welcomed us. A man named Angelito approached us and volunteered to give us a tour of the place. He said that he really guides tourists in their area. We told him our purpose and he gladly accommodated us. We gave candies to the kids we passed by and introduced Jesus. When we asked one girl if she knows Jesus, she said no. It’s sad that many of them do not yet know the Lord.

The first house that we visited was Kuya Angelito’s. To be honest, Anna and I were not able to practice the message we wanted to share. Anna suggested John 3:16 to be our main verse. However, when we started sharing, God impressed upon my heart the message from John 1:12. I emphasized that those who will believe and obey the Lord will become children of God.

We were able to visit 4 families. One household belongs to a pastor. We really just let the Holy Spirit guide our feet. Even before going to Puerto Galera, Anna and I asked God to prepare their hearts to receive His Word. Praise God, the people were very receptive. The people gathered around us to listen to the gospel. Wow! Such humble hearts! They did not sneer at us. They were very welcoming. Nahiya lang kami ni Anna dahil konti lang ang dala namin na goodies. Our main purpose was really to share the gospel because that’s the most important thing to leave them with. Even if we don’t give enough food, when they truly know God and have a personal relationship with Him, when they learn to call on Him for everything, they will always be provided for.

Kuya Angelito, drove us back to the resort free of charge! We declined his offer but he insisted. God is really amazing! We didn’t know anyone there and He gave us kuya Angelito as our guide. We didn’t even have to ask him. He volunteered to help us. Everything went well. We know that it was God’s plan for Anna and I to go on a mission trip. Honestly, we had more time for the mission than our vacation and it was great. We only had little time to relax but the trip was worth it. I had a smile on my face the whole time. 🙂

Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to serve. I only get to serve You because of You. Everything is by You and for You. It is You and only You I exalt in my life. All the glory, honor and praise are Yours forever. Continue to use me, oh God. I want to serve You for as long as I live.

Anna asked me a couple of months ago if I want to go to Puerto Galera for a vacation. I hesitated at first but with much persuasion, I was convinced I needed a break. 😁

I thought about sharing the gospel to the people there but I did not verbalize it to Anna because it was supposed to be our vacation. The next day, she suggested that we share the gospel there and I was ecstatic! I told her that I was just thinking about it. It’s amazing how we are one in Spirit! My cousin told me one time that Anna and I are soulmates. She said that when I told her about the dream I had about Anna. In that dream, Anna told me that she and Johnny were having a child. About two weeks after telling her about the dream, she found out she was pregnant!

Anna also told me before that when I left our previous company, she used the computer at my station and she got to listen to the audio sermons I downloaded and she was delivered from her struggles. That time she was under a great spiritual attack. I never got to listen to the audio sermons from that particular pastor because I prioritized other sermons. It was really meant for her.

She also told me recently how our being co-workers again is not an accident because we encourage one another. I told her that she encourages my spirit every time. One of my prayers before the start of the year is for me to stop being a weak Christian and to start being an encouraging Christian. This year, I truly feel God’s empowerment through Anna. I feel stronger spiritually through her encouragement. I’m not as emotional and sensitive as I used to be. God really knows who we need in our journey. 😊

Anyway, we got to Aninuan in the afternoon today. We left our things at the resort, had late lunch, then headed to a nearby beach. Sadly, we were not able to swim because we were advised to leave before it got dark because there were no light posts in the area. We just strolled along the beach and took pictures which were equally fun.

Our topic today in Sunday school is “Pass It On”. We talked about the stories from Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 1:6-11. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb of Jesus and the angel spoke to them and told them that Jesus had risen. The angel instructed the women to tell the disciples that Jesus rose from the dead and will meet them in Galilee.

When the disciples went to the mountain Jesus told them to go, Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus commanded His disciples to:

• go and make disciples of all nations
• baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
• share God’s Word to others and teach them to obey God’s command

Many people question the authority of those who teach the Word of God in our time today. Unbelievers think that the command was given only to the Jesus’ disciples in the Old Testament. However, everyone who believes in God are commanded to do the same today. We are Christ’s present-day disciples.

“So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’” Acts 6:2-4

“So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7

“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.’” Luke 10:1-3

We are all sinners (Romans 3:23), but when we receive Jesus and believe in His name, our sins will be forgiven and we will become children of God.

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God–children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13

“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

When we sincerely repent from our sins and accept Jesus in our heart, we will be made new. It says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

When God cleanses us from our sins, He gives us a new heart, He makes brand new, and He welcomes us into His family. As children of God in heaven, we are to obey His Word. The great commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is His command to all His children.

How are we now going to do all these things God commanded us to do? We are merely humans with limited abilities. Jesus told His disciples before He ascended to heaven, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

When Jesus ascended to heaven, He left His disciples with the Holy Spirit.

“On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 1:4-5

We will receive the Holy Spirit when we repent from our sins and call on the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit in us will enable us to do what God commands us to do. The Holy Spirit will guide and help us fulfill our mission.

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

Jesus gives us power when we call on His name. Jesus’ name is powerful.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” John 14:13

“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” John 14:14

“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:23-24

Jesus gives us the authority to preach His Word. We are His vessels on earth.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God for He called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which HE HAS CALLED YOU, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and HIS INCOMPARABLY GREAT POWER FOR US WHO BELIEVE. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, are above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1:17-21

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mark 16:17-18

“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:7-8

“And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” Matthew 10:1

“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:1-2

“So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.” Luke 9:6

“Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.” Acts 3:1-8

“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.’” Luke 10:17-19

“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.” Matthew 16:19

“Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.” James 5:17-18

I learned that we should preach with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We should cover everything in prayer.

“But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:19-20

We will witness God’s miracles when we believe. Our lack of faith hinders us from experiencing the power of God.

“And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” Matthew 13:58

“‘Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’” Mark 11:23-24

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

It is not about us but about God and what He can do in and through us. The power comes from Him, not ourselves. We cannot rely on our own strength and knowledge. Our confidence should come from God and not ourselves. We are nothing apart from Him.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

It is about God’s power through us, His disciples. Our authority comes from our submission to God’s authority. If Jesus is in us, we can do great things. The one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). All glory is HIS!

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20

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