God Is Your Provider, Not People

One of the things the Lord has been strongly teaching me these days is that He is my provider, not people. Not a company or group. Not a system. People nowadays are tempted to fear this "money beast" at a time of economic recession. In fact, countless are the numbers of those who would trade their honor or faithfulness at the altar of the material god. When I view a person or anything else as my provider, I'm giving that person or thing Lordship over my life. That's idolatry and faithlessness. It then becomes a source of brokenness and woundedness in the different aspects of our life. For resources on financial healing and stewardship, go to www.crown.org.

It Matters How You Finish. Are you going to finish strong?

Learn from Bro NICK how to really live life.

Are you ready to meet your Maker?

This past couple of weeks, we've two media reminders for you and I of the inevitability of death. One is the untimely death of pop star Michael Jackson at only age 50 (gone too soon!). The other one was that of Farrah Fawcett, a favorite star in "Charlie's Angels" series. Regardless of what age you are in right now, death brings about the reality of one of our greatest fears in this temporal, earthly life.... While all of us are so busy -- trying to create wealth, raise families, enjoy pleasures, love, relationships etc -- we all need to take time to reflect. We all need a pregnant pause. Common are the countless times when our busy preoccupations and relationships tend to cloud us of our real purpose in this life. While many of us feel bad witnessing deaths of those we care about, we're reminded of our own mortality. All of life is a preparation for death to meet our Maker! Are you ready to die and meet your Maker? Where are you going after death? Find this out before it's too late.

How do I know I'm ready to meet my Maker?

The Peace of Christ Indicates Healing

How do you know if you're recovering from a hurt, wound, or trauma? A Christian man was cracking jokes and laughing a lot with friends during an out-of-town retreat. He asked how he could be enjoying laughs when he's going through a deep loss and suffering. What can I say? God's peace passes all understanding. No anger. No sel-pity. No blame. No bitterness. No resentment or unforgiveness. When these are truly the condition of your heart (no pretending or denial of sin), that's how you know you're healing and recovering.

Jesus suffered tremendously during his life on earth. But He chose to "see it through." He knew the lasting divine rewards of moving forward.

YOU can be happy no matter what happens because the peace of Christ is there!

"Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God" (1 Peter 4:1-2).

"Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow" (Jeremiah 31:13).

Prayer: "Thank you, Lord, for signs of healing in my life. Thank you for the jokes, the laughs, and new, happy remembrances. Amen."

Wellness Through Positive Mindset

I like Bo Sanchez, especially his humor. He's one of the Philippines' best selling Filipino authors and inspirational speakers. He once spoke on developing a positive mindset. Catch it below:



Catch the rest of Bo Sanchez' teaching here: 2 / 3

Your Hand in God's Hand

" 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 17:9)

I was reading portions of Bo Sanchez' book dealing on "you past does not have to define your present or future" when I got reminded of Jeremiah 17:9. Past failure and mistakes need not destroy our hope for the future. If we choose to trust in and follow the Lord, we can discover the elation of being reborn and stronger than before! .... In actual life, I know it is not easy. It will be painful when you begin to realize your sins and failures and move to correct them. That's why changes are not likely to happen without the help of God's Holy Spirit and power. The Bible is filled with examples among His people who found the greatest successes after experiencing overwhelming brokenness and failures. Even if healing, restoration, or reconciliation is not possible after your best efforts, do not think God's plans for you are over. God has called you and He wants to use your life for positive purposes... Maybe, you'll say, "I can never be happy without this thing or that person!" You can choose that road, but it will make your life miserable by making each day a rerun of the past. If after you make your best efforts, nothing still happens, where does that leave you? It leaves you with your hand in God's hand! That's beautiful, secure position to be in. You'll be free from past guilts because you've repented of your sins and mistakes and made efforts to correct them. It leaves you with the satisfaction of standing before God with a clear conscience. That's God's hand of personal growth and ministry for you that will lead to deep fulfillment. Your relationship with God will be vital and growing... Rejoice with the psalmist who says, "This is the day which the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118: 24). You may not be able to feel like rejoicing over the past or even the present. But you can rejoice that God has a plan for you and can use this day for good... Remember that your happiness and security are not dependent upon a thing or the other person, but upon your response to God and life. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Here's the spiritual principle: IF IT DOES NOT HAPPEN, YOU CAN BE HAPPY. WHY? YOUR HAND IS IN GOD'S HAND. Let go and let God. Believe that the best is yet to come. God "works all things together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28).

What's Inside the Chicken Box?

Recently, I was struck by this story from Dr. Chuck Swindoll's book "Strengthening Your Grip." It illustrates a very vital point for all of us in this journey called "life."

"Some time ago, I heard about a fellow in Long Beach who went into a fried chicken franchise to get some chicken for himself and the young lady with him. She waited in the car while he went in to pick up the chicken. Inadvertently, the manager of the store handed the guy the box in which he had placed the financial proceeds of the day instead of the box of chicken. You see, he was going to make a deposit and had camouflaged it by putting the money in a fried chicken box. The fellow took his box, went back to the car, and the two of them drove away. When they got to the park and opened the box, they discovered they had a box full of money. Now that's a very vulnerable moment for an average individual. He realized there must had been a mistake, so he got back in his car and returned to the place and gave the money back to the manager. Well, the manager was elated! He was so pleased that he told the young man, 'Stick around, I want to call the newspaper and have them take your picture. You're the most honest guy in town!' 'Oh no, don't do that!' said the fellow. 'Why not?' asked the manager. 'Well,' he said, 'you see, I'm married, and the woman I'm with is not my wife!' "

INTEGRITY. Big, life-and-death issue. How appearances can deceive! You see, on the surface, we may show signs of integrity, like returning money that's found or being faithful attending or giving to church. But If we are to tell everything about our lives, would we be willing to really get honest and tell everything 100%?

"He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion." (Proverbs 28: 13).

Are you sheltering a "secret sin?" Reach out for someone who can help you restore your integrity. God may surprise you with His healing and blessings.

Life of Joni

Do you know JONI? She was a beautiful, athletic youth when she met a diving accident that disabled her to this day. She testified from her wheelchair that God has been using the disability and disease to minister to many others. She says, "Satan schemed that a 17-year-old girl named Joni would break her neck, hoping to ruin her life; God sent the broken neck in answer to her prayer for a closer walk with Him and uses her wheelchair as a platform to display His sustaining grace." .... Despite some of the evil intentions of Satan to destroy God's children, some of the results of pain or suffering can be beneficial. The Apostle Paul encouraged us that in "all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (see Romans 8:28). Even he experienced the blessings of God in his life through his "thorn in the flesh." Some people say it was physical illness; others say it's something else. But whatever it might have been, it was clearly an attack from Satan and the apostle Paul did not like it. Through all the pain of his "thorn in the flesh," Paul realized God was using it to keep him humble and greatly used in His Kingdom work.... What is your pain right now? What kinds of suffering or "disability" are you going through at the moment -- physical, emotional, mental, relational, financial, family, etc.? Don't waste them! Continue to pray daily for God's healing and wholeness along with "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." God has great plans and blessings ahead of you!