Voice of Truth

Oh, what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are

* Casting Crowns

Definition of Terms

Endurance \En*dur"ance\, n.

1. A state or quality of lasting or duration; lastingness; continuance.

2. The act of bearing or suffering; a continuing under pain or distress without resistance, or without being overcome; sufferance; patience.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

~ Hebrews 12:1-3 (emphasis mine)

There's only one way to run a race, keep your eyes focused on the goal.

Wars are coming. None can steal my joy. As 2009 ushers in, promise and excitement surround all the doom and gloom. Unusual, but not crazy to those who understand -- those who are sanctified, enduring, rejoicing...

Praise and Glory to the King!

God is good.

All the time!
All the time!

God is good, so good, so good!

Shout it from the mountaintops!
Makes me dance on the roof!
His ways and thoughts I can not comprehend
All I know is He is so, so good!

Surely goodness and love follow me all my days.

The Good Shepherd | Ang Mabuting Pastol

Ang sarap ng pakiramdam
nang may pinapasahan

Bawat takot, bawat hinanakit
bawat galit, bawat lungkot may karamay...

Ang sarap ng pakiramdam nang may nagmamahal
Nakaakap at nakabalot sa piling Nya
at kahit ano pa ang mangyari, salo ka Nya

Hesus

Kung nagiisa at nalulumbay
Dahil sa hirap mong itinataglay
Kung kailangan mo ng karamay
Tumawag ka at Siya'y naghihintay

Siya ang iyong kailangan,
Sandigan, Kaibigan mo
Siya ang araw mo lagi
At karamay kung sawi
Siya ay si Hesus sa bawat sandali

Kaya ang lagi mong pagkakatandaan
Siya lang ang may pag-ibig na tunay
Pagibig na tunay

Siya ay si Hesus, Siya ay si Hesus...
Siya ay si Hesus sa habang panahon

* Hesus by Aegis, partial

In Awe of God

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
      Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress,
      My God, in whom I trust!"

Psalm 91:1-2

Definition of Terms

Rhema

The second primary Greek word that describes Scripture is rhema, which refers to a word that is spoken and means “an utterance.” A rhema is a verse or portion of Scripture that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention with application to a current situation or need for direction.

In the regular course of our daily reading of God’s Word (logos), we need to ask God to speak to us through His Word and give us insight into it. The Holy Spirit can cause certain passages to stand out with significant meaning or application for our lives. These are the rhemas of Scripture and should become a part of our daily thoughts and actions.

* Source: Institute in Basic Life Principles

Related Topic
What is Rhema?

I Cling to the Cross

Cling to the cross and everything it means
I know it's the only hope there is for saving me
For without Your great mercy
I would be forever lost
With a thankful heart I come
And cling to the cross

Standing at the empty tomb
Promises I have in You arise
I was made alive in You
Everything You said was true
You suffered, died, and rose to bring us life

I cling to the cross and everything it means
I know it's the only hope there is for saving me
For without Your great mercy
I would be forever lost
With a thankful heart I come (Jesus I come)
With a thankful heart I come
With a thankful heart I come and cling to the cross

The world behind me, the cross before me
The world behind me, the cross before me
The world behind me, the cross before me
No turning back, no turning back

©2007 Paul Baloche Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Integrity's Hosanna!

As I Wait Upon the Lord

Finally, finally...completing the song!

Rejoice! Take Heart

"See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty
(Malachi 3:1)

Healing and Deliverance

To those who have experienced this, you would understand. To those who have not, it begins with your cry to God for help,"Lord, Save Me!"

Ezekiel 47:8 Then he said to me: “This water flows toward the eastern region, goes down into the valley, and enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed. (NKJV)

Then he said to me, “This river flows east through the desert into the valley of the Dead Sea. The waters of this stream will make the salty waters of the Dead Sea fresh and pure. (NLT)

Lord, I want to be whole...heal me...deliver me!

The goal of deliverance is wholeness *

It is easy to think of the deliverance ministry as a quick-fix... simply casting out demons takes away all of a person's bondages. The ministry of deliverance is often a process which involves more than simply driving out the demons. There are usually strongholds to be torn down. Since strongholds are incorrect thinking patterns, this is done through the renewing of your mind according to the Word of God. There is often inner healing that needs to take place as well. I cannot stress how important it is to pursue an intimate relationship with the Lord once you have been delivered. If you neglect your relationship with God, the enemy would be more than happy to begin finding ways to cause you to lose your newfound freedom.

The purpose of deliverance is to receive freedom from any hindrances in your life that would keep you from walking in the fullness of God's plan for your life and your relationship with Him. Deliverance is only for believers.

* Deliverance in a Nutshell

Related Topics

Healing
The Ministry of Deliverance
Tearing Down Strongholds - Receive Freedom
Removing Legal Rights
Jesus, Son of Man, Our Example

Prism |<>| Face to Face with Evil

For things we do not fathom
Evil, pain, distress, suffering in this world
Things our human minds can not comprehend
Things our hearts can not accept
Hideous, disgusting, unjust, and oppressive things
We ask "why, why, why?"

Though I ache
I have found the answer that quiets my soul
An answer that humbles me
I am awed and ever grateful...

For no reason but His glory.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We witness evil everyday, we see it all the time in the news. But until it strikes and personally affects us, only then do we realize the hideousness of what we know we abhor. We ponder and ask, why? Why has God allowed it? Why? Why?

(Romans 9:11-23) "11Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad --in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by HIM who calls--...14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! 15For He says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. 18Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden... 23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory--"

Not because of anything we do or can do, nor is it because of our desire, our strength, our weakness, our effort nor our choice. But because of our sovereign GOD, only by His choice. Because of who He is...faithful, good, and strong. God does things for a purpose.

To all of those have stood against disobeying God, be reminded, we do not stand because we choose to, we stand because of HIS mercy.

Understand, all these things are for His glory.

When I Think About the Lord
by Hillsong


When I think about the Lord
How He saved me
How He raised me
How He filled me with the Holy Ghost
How He healed me to the uttermost
When I think about the Lord
How He picked me up and turned me around
How He placed my feet on solid ground
It makes me wanna shout,
"Hallelujah! Thank you, JESUS!
Lord, you're worthy of all the glory and all the honor and all the praise!"


It makes me wanna shout,
"Hallelujah! Thank you, JESUS!
Lord, you're worthy of all the glory and all the honor and all the praise!"

For the joy of the Lord is our strength...and His peace, that transcends all understanding, our fortress.

To God, Jesus, our Lord, be the glory!

When God Smiles

I beam
when God's light shines upon me
I feel like the sun
has risen inside me
and its rays
a stream of light
touching people around

I smile

How faithful is God?

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills
be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will
not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be
removed, says the Lord, who has compassion
on you.
( ISAIAH 54:10 *NIV )

HOPE :: Jeremiah 31:31-34

'The time is coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, ' declares the LORD. 'This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,' declares the LORD. 'I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,' declares the LORD. 'For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.'

This is My Desire...

Let me serve you, Lord, with my unworthy life, let your humble servant offer You my life, my strength, the best of me to glorify Your name -- that others may share in Your light, that they may experience the same joy that I have in Your presence and in Your promises.

...that I may praise You til the end of my days...that I offer you the best of me, always the best!

Let me be a beacon of light, to shine like a star pointing people to Your Son, Jesus Christ.

I give you my heart, I give you my soul
I live for You alone
Lord, have Your way in me...

Prism |<>| What Does it Mean to be Free?

    when in the deepest moment of pain, you let go
    when amidst the fast paced world, you be still
    when at the height of happiness, you give thanks
    when you have no more strength left, you go on
    when there is no one looking, you do good
    when amidst lies, violence, and darkness, you love
    when faced with death, you see life everlasting
    when given the choice of anything and everything in the world...
          you choose the Truth

"I'm Just Out to Find...the Better Part of Me..."

“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24 (NIV)

There's nothing more difficult than running a race you know you have trained for but realize can't finish well.

Excerpted from The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional

When you think about your walk with Jesus, some days you may wonder, “Why is this so hard? I’m still struggling with so many problems. When will I finally get it right?”

Try these steps for spiritual growth:

* Nurture growth with God’s Word – I know you’re already doing this, but when you read the promises of God, again and again, it helps you remember that He is at work, even when you can’t see Him at work: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

* Cooperate with God as He prunes – Praise God for the work he’s doing in your life, remembering “he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more” (John 15:2 NLT).

* Pray through the “fruit list” – Pray through the “fruit list” (the fruit of the Spirit) from Galatians 5:22-23. The NIV Bible lists the fruit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Ask God to help you grow this fruit in your life.

The Drumbeat of Creation

All God's creation echo God's rhythm and His melody.

Listen to the crescendo of God's love
As the music builds up and soars
Remember those moments of captivated awe
Of being awash in waves of golden choruses and rainbow harmonies
And wait...wait...wait for that last sweet and final note...
In that one note, remember...
the magnificense of creation...
the sunrise...the sunset...
a child's laughter...the glorious mountains...
that special smile of someone you love...
and as the note fades...

Love, joy, and the peace of God fills us like an everlasting sustain...

Sing a New Song

"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
~ Deuteronomy 31:8

I am a Messenger

Nothing but the moon in the midnight sky, horses hooves pounding on the ground, torches suddenly light up the night, furious continuous knocking on the door...the messenger has come with urgency. It isn't as dramatic as this setting, but in the same way, I have come.

It is time. The Lord Jesus has been my teacher, He has been feeding my hunger and thirst for His word. People wonder where, how have I learned what I know. I believe, for us who seek Him earnestly and want to know Him -- He does not leave us in the dark. The Lord has given me His scroll. His message I am passing on.

Let this be the story of those who are chosen. The message but goes through our hands. At the appointed time and place, we are called to speak. Speak.

He is my Strength, my Source, my Portion. I am His cup, His mouthpiece, His instrument. Lord, let no force on earth stop me nor make me hesitate to deliver Your word to Your people. Town to town, person to person, moment by moment...encourage me up to my last breath!

I am Your messenger.

Lord, I Offer My Life to You

All that I am, all that I have
I lay them down before you, oh Lord
All my regrets, all my acclaims
Joy and the pain, I'm making them yours

Things in the past, things yet unseen
Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true
All of my heart, all of my praise
My heart and my hands are lifted to you

Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice

Lord I offer you my life
Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life

What can we give
That you have not given?
And what do we have
That is not already yours?
All we possess
Are these lives we're living
That's what we give to you, Lord

Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life

Lord, I offer my life to you
Everything I've been through
Use it for your glory
Lord I offer my days to you
Lifting my praise to you
As a pleasing sacrifice
Lord I offer you my life
Lord I offer you my life

Sing a New Song

Prism |<>| Therefore, Consider This Pure Joy...

What joy a parent feels the first time the child recognizes the sound of his/her voice. Coming home and the child shouting with glee.

What joy I felt with a friend skipping along the corridors of school, long after the bell is rung, no other student left, the sun setting on the top most floor and us just giggling at the sounds our shoes make on the concrete floor...giddy, giddy, giddy up!

What joy we feel receiving the first trophy, having the love we have returned, when our hopes turn into reality...

What joy in a quiet morning with a dense fog settled over the valley or looking up to a star filled night and gazing into the velvet black blanket speckled with sparkling stones and feeling the vastness of the universe...

Memories in a bubble, we draw out at times to remind us of the good times.
Think -- have you ever considered the possibility that there a joy more permanent that we do not need to draw out but is always there like a steady hum, reverberating in our hearts as we go through our daily tasks?

Is joy beyond moments, beyond single occurrences possible? Can joy that is not a memory but a constant truth, ever present be possible?

Is this pure joy possible? Joy that brings peace, peace that brings joy...in the stilness of hearts, joy bourne out of renewal, joy bourne out of thanksgiving, joy bourne out of the knowledge that there is greater, much greater happiness for us for everlasting...

Consider this...friends, meditate on the Word of God it is fresh and sharp. Joy is not pure emotion. Joy is a decision and a state of consciousness. A result of the renewal of our outlook, the transformation of our thinking. Where the focus and center of our thinking is filled with Jesus Christ, there is nothing on this earth that can take away the knowledge that He loves us, fully, unconditionally.

Pure joy from being loved overwhelmingly, knowing that the Creator of the universe's only purpose is to love us, to make us happy, and to bring His most beloved creation back to Him in glory.

Pure joy to see Him face to face. O, to see Him smile upon me! To know that He is...
Pure joy is beyond moments, beyond emotions -- it is the unity we have with the loving, living God. And no one, no powers on earth, heaven or hell can take it away once we receive this precious gift.

Lord Jesus, renew me...I am empty, searching, longing for the kind of joy only You can give. Lord, please come into my life and take away all my pain, all the darkness in my life. Be my Savior, transform me and fill me with the love, hope, and joy You have promised. I surrender to you my self, mold my heart, mold my mind -- I want to experience all the best that You have planned for me. Thank you, Jesus. This I pray in Your most Holy name, Amen.

SMS: Hw r u doin?

Sometimes I walk...
Sometimes I run...
Sometimes I stand still...
My eyes ever on the Lord!

Praise God

Perfect Combination

Right words, wrong person
Wrong words, right person
Right words, right person, wrong time

Hearts are hardened

Same words, different person
Different words, same person
Different time, different place, different person

With the right combination

Eyes open
People heal
Lives transform

Click...click...click.

Definition of Terms

Lectio Divina

• "Be still and know that I am God" (Ps 46:10)
• Literally means divine reading or holy reading
• A method of prayer and scriptural reading used by early Christians to enter into a deep communication with the Triune God
• Opening the eyes and ears of our hearts to listen to the "still small voice of God" (1 Kings 19:12)

Process of Lectio Divina

• Read - select appropriate text from Scripture and read aloud, slowly; just listen to the words
• Reflect - read aloud a second time and ask yourself, "How does this passage relate to my life, past and present?"
• Respond - read aloud a third time and ask, "What is God inviting me to do? What is God asking me to act on?"
• Rest - read aloud a fourth and last time and just listen and enjoy being in the presence of God

Prism |<>| God's Surprises

I am amazed at the ways of God. How He loves to surprise His beloved children! :-) He delights us constantly. An unexpected rainbow when we glance up, a really cute puppy chasing after butterflies, an adorable toddler with curly red hair going down the slide backwards, a lone old man playing sweet music on a chinese string instrument in the quietness of a park.

He placed each of the billion stars in heaven at their exact place, and He knows each of them by name. He has known us even before we were formed in our mother's womb. And He knows what makes us happy and what are the innermost desires of our heart before we even think about it. What have been the surprises He has given you? Did you like it? Did you expect you would like it?

We feel love when we receive things that we don't expect nor deserve. The gift becomes more special. God doesn't have to shower us with surprises but because He loves us, He does. The greatest surprise He gave was unveiled 2,000 years ago. God's gift of His sending His Son, Jesus, just overwhelms me...because of how He planned it for centuries, that in every event and circumstance we see His deliberate timing & purpose. His plan for the surprise unfolding perfectly. To think of the effort, the patience, the planning...

This is the kind of lover that each of us always dreams of having...the love story that each of us wishes we have. The happiest thing is, we do have this lover and this is our love story! And it is, indeed, a privilege to be in a love relationship with a God full of surprises :-)

What a privilege to know You
Like I know You
To be loved like You love me
What an honor to worship, truly worship
From this heart that You have freed
From the rising of the sun
To the setting of the same
Every day, every day with You, Lord
Every day is sweeter than the day before
(from Sweeter, by Lakewood)

What a wonderful, wonderful, beautiful God we have. Thank you, Lord, for loving each of us in Your way.

Prism |<>| Is It Ever Simple?

God asks from us simple things...but the things He asks for are not easy -- they are impossible.

Christians are not exempt from temptation, trials, disasters, disappointments nor problems. In this, we are the same as the entire human race. But in the face of all difficulty and struggles, Christians are asked to keep trusting, keep loving with all our hearts, minds, and souls.

Love our God, love our neighbors, and love even our enemies. Contrary to our human nature of self centeredness, we are called to express love, charity outwards. Is this easy to do 24/7, towards each and every person on this earth?

Giving, giving, giving until we have no more to give. Smiling, smiling, smiling even if there seems nothing to smile about. Thanking, thanking, thanking God for every blessing, trial, and disappointment.

Christianity gives people the proper perspective. We Christians know our place -- humbled on the ground with our faces raised in anticipation towards our loving and faithful Father.

Stupidity? Blind faith? NO. We know exactly WHO we have faith in! We know exactly how God showers blessings and delivers on His promises again and again and again to those who believe in Him. We know that our God does the impossible to give the best to His children. We know that our God is the only reason why and how we ourselves can accomplish the impossible.

To Christians, be reminded -- the Israelites and Joshua had to step into the moving waters of River Jordan to cross it before it dried up 40 minutes later. Remember the times we took the first step and how faithful the Lord has been. It's never easy, but the Lord makes our paths straight.

To not yet Christians, I pray that you would see the wonders of the living God and know it is Him knocking on the door of your heart. That longing, searching, wandering...fill it with Jesus.

The Lord bless you all and may His grace and love be with you.

Definition of Terms

prism (prĭz'm) n. A transparent body of this form, often of glass and usually with triangular ends, used for separating white light passed through it into a spectrum or for reflecting beams of light.

Metaphorically, a prism can refer to anything that is used to look at the world differently. Like rose-colored glasses, for instance. Or Christian spectacles in this case. :-)

Your Love is Better than Life

Your love is better than life
How could I tell the world about You

O Jesus, if I could be...
Like the trees that always
    lift their arms up to praise You
Like the grass that each day
    kneel and give You glory
Like the birds that forever
    sing sweet songs to thank You

For Your love is better than Life!

Sing a New Song

when words and images come together...isn't it wonderful?

Definition of Terms

Worship

• quickening of conscience
• nourishment of the mind
• purification of imagination
• opening of the heart
• submission of will

Wait upon the Lord

• commune - focus turned intensely on God
• quietly trusting
• expecting and anticipating

As I Wait Upon the Lord

How do broken pieces fit
Together to be whole?
How does a reckless child
Return to his own home?

How could everyday be
A sweet song of joy?
How could every trial be
A blessing to make me strong?

(Chorus)
As I wait upon the Lord
Through His amazing love
My heart sings
My Lord restores my soul

As I wait upon the Lord
Because of His faithfulness
He finds me
And carries me back home

(Bridge)
You give me life
You give me peace
I praise Your faithfulness
I sing of Your mercy, Sovereign King!

You give me love
You give me joy
I praise Your faithfulness
I sing of Your glory, Lord, Jesus!
P3 available, by request (I don't know how to upload it)

Tell the World of God's Love

first time I was given the opportunity to teach in a small group
I had just completed this message God inspired me to write
TICK, 11 Feb - 3 days to Hearts Day
God has a sense of humor : )

Click here to view slideshow