Reflection series: 2 Kings Chapter 6

 2 Kings 6: 17-18

And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked.

This is the time when Elisha was dealing with the enemies of Israel which are Aremeans. Elisha prayed to God to open the eyes of and his servant saw with his spiritual eyes that the hills are full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Then Elisha prayed once again to blind the enemies and the Lord blinded the enemies. 

1. We shall not pray for the enemies downfall. Elisha only prayed for their blindness but not ask God that they shall be killed. Most of the time, when watch on tv showing the news about killing and unreasonable terrors of violence, we sometimes wish for these bad people their death. While it is understandable, it is only God who has the right to judge.

2. We ask the Lord’s wisdom on what to pray and how to pray to make sure that the Lord want’s us to pray what we are praying to Him. 

3. We ought to pray our enemies that their eyes shall be opened so they will also came to know the Lord. Only God is capable of turning away from thei evil ways. 

Reflection series: 2 Kings Chapter 5

 2 Kings 5:25-27

Now he went in and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you go, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant did not go anywhere.” Then he said to him, “Did not my heart go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it time to receive money and to receive clothing, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male and female servants? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.” And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.

Gehazi was a servant of Elisha who lied to Naaman about receiving rewards after Elisha healed him from his leprosy. Elisha knew that his servant Gehazi took 2 talents from Naaman even though Gehazi tried to keep it away from his knowledge. Gehazi from rebuked by Elisha telling him that it is not the right time and it was inappropriate to receive a reward at their current situation. As a result of his sin, the Lord inflicted Naaman’s leprosy to him and his descendants forever. Ministers like them carry great responsibility and the reason of severe punishment is the witnessing. Since Naaman was an unbeliever, Gehazi’s witnessing for the Lord got destroyed by his greed. 

1. Sometimes, we do not realize that our hearts are already covetous and our actions and witnssing were compromised. We need to keep our hearts in check so we won’t be swayed and get distracted by our desire to accumulate material things.

2. We ministers carry a huge responsibility of becoming a salt and light to the unbelievers. We always ask the Lord for wisdom how we should behave or treat unbelievers most especially if they are aware that we are Christians. Whether we like it or not, our behaviors and speech are being carefully observed. 

Reflection series: 2 Kings Chapter 4

 2 Kings Chapter 4: 38-41

Death in the Pot

38 Elisha returned to Gilgal and there was a famine in that region. While the company of the prophets was meeting with him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these prophets.”

39 One of them went out into the fields to gather herbs and found a wild vine and picked as many of its gourds as his garment could hold. When he returned, he cut them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were. 40 The stew was poured out for the men, but as they began to eat it, they cried out, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it.

41 Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He put it into the pot and said, “Serve it to the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot. 

No matter how tough and how desperate we feel in our situation, God will always find a way.  If he can make rivers in the dessert and if He can dried up the sea just like what He did in Jordan river so the Israelites would reach, nothin is impossible with God. There is always a solution no matter how tough the problem is.

Application:

1. In this time of pandemic, we put our trust in the Lord. We focus on HIm and not on our problems. We fix our eyes on Jesus and not on what is happening with the world. 

2. No matter how difficult the situation is, we humble ourselves to God and cry for help. The Lord is our Helper who gives us wisdom and strength to overcome life's difficult challenges. 

Reflection series: 2 Kings Chapter 3

2 Kings 2:2-3

 2 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but not as his father and mother had done. He got rid of the sacred stone of Baal that his father had made. 3 Nevertheless he clung to the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit; he did not turn away from them.

A sin is a sin. No matter how big or how small it is, it brings the same result which is death. Joram son of Ahab chose to sin against God which causes his followers to sin and did not repent from it. It is his willful decision to enjoy the sin and continue to tolerate the Israelites to do the same. 

Application: 

1. A sin is a sin period. As a child of God, we need to be conscious of every sin that clings our life whether it is an evil thought, a negative emotion, or words that we utter that we think does not please God. 

2. We ask the Lord to search our heart just like the prayer of David in Psalm 139:23-24. "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. We do not tolerate any kind of sins to linger in our thoughts and actions. 

3. We always ask the help of the Lord to pursue the path of righteousness so we can lead other people with integrity.  We ask the Lord's grace and wisdom that we do not became lenient on any sin so we will not became other's down fall. 

24 See if there is  offensive way in mand lead me in the way everlasting.

Philippines-- The SALVATION CAPITAL

This was my dream a couple of days ago-- The Philippines will be a salvation capital of the world. Not only that more and more Filipinos will be saved but the Lord will use our country in mobilizing the mission and churches all over the world. 

The pandemic will not hinder the Filipinos from spreading the gospel all over the world. It encourages me to know that there the churches are continuously reaching out not just in our local community but in other countries as well using the technology and social media.  

This is no longer surprising but I know that the Lord wants to maximize the Filipinos in sending more missionaries around the world while simultaneously doing a church planting anywhere in the Philippines. 

During this pandemic, I had to admit that I am also experiencing metals stress, once in a while I will be distracted with what is going on. But the Lord is consistent on reminding me to go back to my original purpose which is sharing the gospel to the rest of the world. 

I know that the Lord will continue to use our country in sending the message of hope around the world-- which is Jesus Himself. Just like how Isaiah responded to the Lord. We are willing to be sent out anywhere in the world to preach the gospel. 

The beginning of my devotion journey with the Book of Isaiah

 

I am really in struggle reading the Book of Isaiah. I just finished the book twice this year . This is the third time He asked me to read it. 

I really suffered in trying to unravel the mysteries of the book and I realized that I am completely lost. I still need to compile the reflections I have and I have to watch videos from youtube in order for me to learn. It's really such a shame to depend on commentaries. Don't get me wrong, I know that the Holy Spirit is there to guide me but it is also a prompting coming from Holy Spirit that I really need to study. I need to know the historical background and context in light of our current situation most especially in our country.

During the pandemic, I had more time to watch the news and know the latest updates about the corona virus. I had hope that this will just last in one or two months. How naive of me! The more I prayed to ask God to finally eradicate this virus, the more I grew impatient and I get discouraged. It's such a shame to admit that at some point I gave up. 

I literally stopped praying. And sometimes, I prayed out of obligation. No passion at all. It's really such a shame. I got badly hurt and defeated in battles that I tried to fight on my own. 

I am getting up. I have to. 

And I start reading again the Book of Isaiah.. I need to learn more. And I need to keep records of all the reflections in relation to the present situation of our country. 

If we are sensitive, this pandemic is a wake up call for us. For generations, it is always a heart cry of the Lord that His people with return to Him. 

He wants His people in the Philippines and the rest of the countries of the world to to turn back to Him. The days are getting worse. The humanity is always at lost with sins. Even the elected are falling away while some are sleeping. 

But nothing is impossible with God. As long as we dropped our pride and bring down our knees to repentance, the Lord will heal and restore us. 

In the Philippines, the government is full of corrupt and greedy leaders that oppressed the people. The corruption is deep seated that it will take I think decades before we can fully eradicate it. But the Lord remind me of His word is Isaiah 1:18

. 

The restoration will take some time but I know that the Lord is working behind the scenes. The changes already started and He will show even more. The Lord have me a deeper meaning on this verse. He will restore my country. 

This is just the start. There are still more to unravel on His word in the Book of Isaiah... 

How I Cope with Depression During Pandemic

 I have always wanted to start something. I wanted to write. But I am quite stuck up and don't know where and how to start. 

But I guess I just need to write whatever that comes in my mind. No topics. Just pure thoughts I need put in paper. 

I've been wanting to serve as the salt and light on earth most especially in this time of pandemic. Mental stress, anxiety and depression is inevitable. All of us are vulnerable. You are and I are not exceptions. 

So I ask myself.. Did I do something to combat depression and mental stress that I think will help others? 

I guess I had to record the obvious symptoms that I am experiencing depression and anxiety. Most of the time I would rather feel useless, all of  a sudden get frustrated over nothing. I fear the future on what is going to happen to me, thinking, what if one of these days I will get sick? Sometimes, I just felt that I want to be alone, don't want to talk, and just want to listen to music all night long. But I am a Christian right? Even a follower of Jesus is not invincible. However, I would say that having faith in Jesus is a huge factor that you will eventually overcome depression and anxiety. 

Here are some practical ways that I thought helped me go over with it. I'm struggling to have it from to time to time... I learned that no matter how hard you struggle, you have an option to fight it out. It's really a tough battle. But I trust that the LORD is fighting for me. 

.1. Prayer. Nothing beats prayer. I still struggle to pray, but prayer is the best medicine. 

2. Worship. Listening to worship songs easily energize and nourish my soul. It reminds me that God is in control of the situation and I will be reminded that God is bigger than our problems. 

3.  Talk to my few trusted friends. Sometimes, letting it out is also a struggle because we are afraid that we will be judged. But asking help from your friends whom you know will encourage and lift you up will give you strength.

4. Picture throwback. This is not really a popular method because having pictures that brings back good memories will trigger your depression, thinking on how you wish you could go back to the past. It maybe a double edged sword but for me, it helps me to feel even more blessed, appreciating the things I have. 

5. Reading the Bible. The Lord's promises are in the Bible. Whenever I feel discouraged, I will ask the Lord to reveal his word to me. Whenever I struggle to read the bible, I will listen to audio Bible or listen to podcast. 

6. Write journal. This is specially effective if you really don't have the energy to talk to someone but you're on your limit to hold back. Let your mind run wild with no inhibitions through writing. Nobody knows it except God, you, and your journal. 

7. Ask others to pray for you. It's ok to say it on facebook "can you pray for me because I am not ok?" But if you think you don't trust your friends in FB, then don't do it. 

8. Reach out to someone who is in need. I know you are having troubles on your own, but sometimes, you will feel refreshed and inspired when you encourage someone even yourself needs to be encouraged as well. 

9. Reduce your time in social media most specially facebook. Unless you've unfollowed and unfriended your toxic fb friends, they will be a major source of your depression. Don't get too consumed. 

I would suggest also that you go out, read your favorite books, watch or re-watch your favorite movies. I sometimes do this to cope. 

The Decision to Fight, Giving Up is Not an Option

 

I don't know just how many million times that I've lost the battles that I have been struggling to fight for years... It's still the same... Losing over and over again but the Lord is the One who doesn't get tired of fighting the battle for me when I don't have the strength. It's been more than a decade and it seems no growth is happening. I will win at some time then I lose again, the rally of winning and losing but I hardly recall the times that I have won. The voices of despair and discouragement easily cripple my will to keep on going as fighting and moving will yield the same result: a path of a crushing dust of defeat. 

It was a few years ago it's the same thing. I don't have the energy to fight anymore. It's impossible! I am so ashamed to God that after saving me, all I gave was nothing but a heartache and headache. I am so alone in a wild dessert and I don't have the strength to keep going. I've lost counts on how much I even pleaded God to just kill me and end my misery. For how many years, I spent my night drenching my pillow with agonizing tears. Guilt, shame, despair, emptiness, anger-- I hated myself more than anyone else in the world- more than people used to hate me. So I am not surprised if people would misunderstand me, expecting to hear things you don't even want to hear. Have I gotten used to it? 

Many people would think I am strong. Am I? Lol! Hell yeah! Or maybe I was just too good of wearing a mask- pretending that I am perfectly fine-- that I am mature enough to handle problems logically but the truth is, I am pathetically struggling to live. I am dying inside. I can hear a thousand screaming voices in my head to end my existence. "Just die! Die! Die! You useless piece of trash! You're such a shame!" It's not the death I a scared with. It's the process of dying. Will I drink poison? Will I jump on a building? Nah! That's just way too scandalous. Shall I just commit seppuku (according to google, a form of ritual suicide that originated with Japan's ancient samurai warrior class)? Nah! I don't deserve such honorable death either! Lol! I was like a living dead and no one knows about it. I was just too good of hiding it with the kind of strong personality I have. Guess it's an advantage for me. 

It was the grace of God who gave me the strength to fight. With my strength, it's impossible to win. I was even fighting with God and my soul is shouting "let me go! just kill me already!!! I cannot be restored anymore! I am beyond saving!! Just kill me!!!!!". Guilt, shame,-- and hate... That's how I feel for myself. But the peace and comfort of God pacified my distorted and raging soul. Then He reminded me of His promise "my grace is sufficient, for my power is made perfect on your weakness."

I was too weak, but God in me is strong. I realized that I am fighting with my strength and I was stubborn and prideful for not asking help when it was the right thing to do. The Lord gave me the strength I never could have imagined. I was reminded by His promise that nothing shall separate us from the love of the Lord. I will be forever thankful to the Lord that He did not give up on me. Everything that I am now, it is all because of His amazing grace. Everything about me is the Lord's amazing miracle. 

I can't help but look back on how I was before. Right now, I am facing the same wall of defeat, the same wall of challenge but I decided to simply continue to fight and not give up. I am fighting in victory and not for victory. I felt that the Lord is no longer with me but I know that it's not true. The Lord wants me to keep on going and fight. I need to be strong because after all the Lord is with me. He just wanted to stand firm on my position. 

We are no longer in the last days. We are in the last hour where we need to keep watch that Jesus may come anytime and we have to be prepared for it. I feel that I am on the same losing battle but I just need to get up and start again. I will not allow the enemy to steal my crown in heaven. The Lord designed me to be victorious in Jesus. Therefore, I don't have the reason to give up and stay defeated. 

 Who am I in Christ vs Who am I in the world?

Nowadays, beauty is purely defined by what our physical eyes can see. The voice of the world speaks so loud in our mind and listening to every single voice could be damn overwhelming. People will always just what they see. People will always say what they want to say regardless if their words will make or break a soul. 

I grew up being hated, enduring the criticism of other people without even trying to get to know me. I would always try my best to reach out to let them know there's more to know than me but I ended up being rejected. It came to a point that I just grew tired and simply don't care anymore. You hate me? So be it. I don't know whether I will hate myself for it and I don't even know whether it's a good and bad thing for me. The world is full of deception. And listening to the voice of the world of what you should be will really drag you to the core.

When the Lord found me, it took me sometime to accept His unconditional love. Always feeling that I will never be enough and will never be good enough. Well, that's what conditional love is all about. When I am with Him, I feel that I could always be vulnerable, no hiding of my feelings and even if I do, He will show me that He knows me more than I know myself. He loves me just the way I am. He always make me feel like I am the most beautiful and most adorable person in the world. 

He is the One who assures me that I am loved. 

He supports and encourages me when I am in despair.

He always saves me when I messed up. 

He guides when I lost my way.

He always initiates reconciliation when I deliberately runaway from Him when I sinned.

He never let go of my hand even though I tried to take my hands from His grip not just a hundred times, not a thousand times, but a million times. 

The fact that I am able to write this is a proof. 

In this world, others are better than I am. But God said, "You are the best!"". 

In thIs world, I am ugly and rejected. But God said "You are beautiful and you are accepted."

In this world, I am useless and powerless. But God said "I will use you for My glory."

It will always take some discipline not to be distracted by the voice of the world. Everyday is a struggle who do you need to listen to. We have an option. The world is our enemy and the only option that we have is to fight. We can always choose the option of listening to the voice of God. The voice of truth, and the voice of this world. 

PDAF Abolishment: An Answered Prayer

August 27, 2013

                The date August 26, 2013 carved the marks of memory in the face of history. It is a National Heroes Day but this is not the reason why it is remarkable. This is the day where thousands Filipinos gathered in Luneta for a rally against PDAF. People want them to abolish this fund that caused grave graft and corruptions in the government. President Noynoy Aquino already announced that the government is now implementing a policy to abolish it.

blindfolded rallyist who wants to fight for a fair justice against PDAF scam

          This movement in government is no longer a surprise for me because I prayed for it a couple of months ago before Napoles’ 10 billion scam was exposed. I just can’t help but be amazed on how God answered prayers.  I remember complaining to God in prayer that my taxes were not properly going to its right recipients but got stuck in the hands of few lousy yet greedy politicians. Last year, He urged me to pray graft and corruption. This time, He now urged me to pray for the abolishment of PDAF. It was part of my prayer list. And that prayer was answered when President Noynoy Aquino announced to the public that PDAF will be abolished. I thank God that He awakens the mind of Filipinos and give them courage to stand up for what is right and fight for evil.

                The rally was composed of more than 60,000 people who expressed their anger against graft and corruption and their desire to abolish PDAF which is the root cause of infectious anomalies in our government. It just started in social media when Ito Rapadas, a vocalist of the band Neocolours posted in Facebook to have a Million People March. Peachy Rallion, a rally organizer make this happen by organizing and planning the real event. Needless to say, the rally was successful and peaceful. I know this is just the start because it was God who is moving in the circumstances. And I know it will all come to pass in His own ways and in His own time.

                Graft and corruption is evil caused by greed and selfishness in the hearts of men. And I asked God to remove the greed and selfishness in hearts of our public servants who are just running for their own interest. I think this is now the time for change of hearts of the people governing our country. This is now the time that Filipinos stand up for what is right.

Juanna Change 

                The abolishment of PDAF is not the only issues in the country that I prayed for. I prayed that God will help the government to maximize the public funds and distribute it to the welfare of poor Filipinos. I also prayed that God will give justice on this nation that was abused and exploited because our ruthless politicians are downright greedy and selfish. God is moving in His ways. He is on the process of answering my prayer. Earlier, I watched the news in Newstv. A conference was held in regards to the investigation of those people who are involved in 10 billion public fund scam.

                I really can’t help but stand in awe in the presence of the Lord. I know it was Him. He is always amazing when He answered our prayers. I praised Him and thank Him for moving in behalf of His people. I thank Him for listening to His people when we cried out to Him. I know I am not the only tax payer who is complaining for working hard, paying taxes faithfully but only few benefited and worse, not the people who really deserve to receive it.

                I’ve lost counts as to how many answered prayers I have. I keep a list of it to remember I have a great God who answers and hears our prayers. 

MY FAMILY: MY UNIQUE STRENGTH

                I don’t have a regular communication with my family in Bicol. But I do keep in touch with them once in a while when I had the chance to call them. I know they are busy, most especially my Mom and Aya and I don’t want to disturb them. I just want to make sure I get the chance to talk to them when they are free.

                I called my sister Agi first. I am soooooo thankful that God heard my prayers that she wanted to go here in Manila. I know I had a great chance to share Christ with her. At least I know her plans. I was just touched by what she said about me. But am always, always laughing.Lol! I know there are no dull moments when I am talking with my two sisters. I am always laughing. I opened up about my plan of vacation trip in Boracay. Agi’s planning that too. But we both agreed Boracay is now a common place and decided to plan a vacation trip in El Nido, Palawan. I forgot that my friggin’ sister is a tourism graduate so she very well knows great places to visit! Argh! She’s joking Aya, when we planned it, it will be the time when Arysa’s going to have a review or when she’s going to have the board exam. I really can’t help but laugh.

                She reminded Aya when she already graduated to help me with my masteral degree. And Agi will shoulder my travel. Hahaha! That’s one of my greatest dream, to travel. Being the eldest sister in the family is not easy. I know that my oldest brother could feel that burden too. But I don’t have regrets that I put them as my priority aside from honoring God. Well, I am honoring God by fulfilling my responsibility with them. I was just touched to hear those words from my sister. I am not expecting them to help me out but I know someday I might need help.

 But I am just glad they had plans of returning the favor. I am not expecting much from them. I am just glad that I was able to help them. And I am glad that I was able to fulfill my duties as their BIG sister. It’s worth all the dreams that I set aside to prioritize them. It’s worth all the luxuries that I decided not to buy or accumulate because I need to consider them first. I know it will be worth it. Three lives changed because I was given the opportunity to help.

I was initially strengthened after I get a chance to talk to Mama, Aya, &Agi. The strength I am getting from them is really unique that I can’t get from anybody else except them. I got strengthened not because of the rewards that I will be getting from them but because I know someday, their lives will be fruitful and it is my privileged to be one of the contributors. 

KEEPING GOOD MEMORIES

                There are things in life that are worth keeping while some are better yet thrown in a trash bin. If bad memories and bad thoughts are like that, I could just easily do that. But our minds are not working like that. It’s not like a computer where we can easily delete those files that we no longer need.

                In spite of my failed application a while ago, I still manage to keep a hopeful and expectant attitude that I will have a new job as soon as possible. I realized am not prepared yet but I will be ready next time. I opened my two accounts in Facebook and I start saving all of my tagged photos. Unfortunately, my roommate’s internet connection got expired so I didn’t manage to save all of them.

While looking on those pictures, I can’t help but get excited. I really miss the good times I had when I was a teacher in STI-Naga College. That was the best work experience I’ve ever had. I miss the team building that I created just for my two classes to get them ready for medical mission. That was really awesome. I miss the day when we had our youth convention in Legaspi City and went to Lignon Hill. I miss the fun quiz that I turned it into such a crazy game to make it livelier and active. I had the best time in my life being a simple NSTP teacher. My experience was rewarding and irreplaceable.

I miss the times when I am still connected with Teleperformance. I had the chance to team up with the best TCL people. We had more time to bond as a team in spite of the stressful job. My male supervisor was so cool I can handle all the stressful calls I had with the worst scenario.

I miss the times when I am still studying at Bible school and learning more and more about God. Every day, I am always excited to finish my work and look forward for new learning. That was both in BCCL in Albay and CBI in Naga. I enjoyed both and I learned a lot but I appreciated the teachings more in CBI. That was really really enriching and practical. I miss the times that I going with my brothers and sisters in WIM-Naga. I am the youngest so it’s inevitable I am always the “pulutan”.

I miss the times that I am teaching bible stories with my cousins in Baao. I miss the times when I am still a part of the music team in JDC Bicol and singing worship songs for God. I miss the times that I am still involved in different outreaches and activities in JDC Bicol. I miss the fellowship held at Bicol University, BRTTH, or Albay Plaza. It was always Rizzalyn, or sometimes Joey. Most of the time it was always Rizzalyn. I had a chance to have a fellowship with other brothers and sisters in my own church.

I miss those days. But I know I need to move on and look forward for better experience and happier memories. Keeping those memories gave me happy thoughts and happy feelings. It’s better to remember those kinds of memories and let go of the pain of bad memories.

FIRST GOAL: SEEKING GOD’S KINGDOM

                I opened my facebook account just for a while to use the internet. My intention was simply print my curriculum vitae and resignation letter. I need to submit it to HR department because I was told by them they don’t have the documents yet. It was a blessing in disguise because that’s the reason why my mobile plan was approved a couple of days after I applied for it.

                When I opened it, I’m seeing lots of updates coming from my different friends in FB. Some of them just bought a latest gadget- ipod and tablet (my dream gadgets! Ooooh!), some of them are about to take their masteral or doctorate degree. Some are basically upgrading their knowledge by taking vocational courses so they can be more competent in their work. My first reaction was “wow! Buti pa sila!” But I was reminded that those things I am dreaming will fulfill by God according to His plan and timeframe. Maybe it hasn’t come yet. But I know He will, someday.

                I just smiled in front of the computer and told myself, “I will go back to basics first and that is seeking God”. I was at peace and I easily let go of those envious feelings in my heart. I didn’t bother that I still didn’t achieve my dreams yet. If that is what God wants for me, then He will be the one who will fulfill it for me. So why do I need to bother? The most important for me right now is my relationship with Him. I had a lot of concerns to think every day but I didn’t worry because He will provide what I need. I am supposed to apply for another job but then I changed my mind. I am not yet ready. Besides, I still need to process my clearance from my last employer just to make sure everything was settled before having a new job.

                So when I am tempted to wander my mind in those materials things I want to accumulate, God is reminding me about the verse in Matthew 6:33, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you”. 

LIST OF THINGS TO PRAY

July 8, 2013

                I was blessed with the preaching I attended two years ago from a woman pastor in World International Ministries- Naga City. It was about the prayer and how powerful it is. She recalled all tragedies happening in different parts of the world, the Philippines was always spared. Yes, we had storms but they are considered a common disaster in the country and we’re always surviving it nonetheless. But how about earthquakes and tsunamis that killed thousand lives in other countries? She believed it is because there are lots of Christians that are praying for our country and I believe in her as well. She said she had different list of different prayer points to pray every day.

I was inspired to do this so I created my own list as well. And start praying for them. I did this for months and I lost the time to pray for them. But while I am doing this, all the more I crave for other things to pray for. Now the Lord is bringing back the fire in my heart to intercede and this time, He added more in my prayer list. I asked God to help to become a prayer warrior to intercede with the all things that are happening in this world. Who will intercede in behalf of those lost souls except us? I believe it is not just enough to pray for our family, for our church that we belong but all the things that are happening in this world. He said in Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your request be known unto God”.

And we are also responsible for our own generation just like what Daniel did in his time. In Daniel 9:3-19, he is praying for his nation. He knew that Jerusalem is nearly approaching destruction and he stood up for his nation. We are tasked to do the same. How? By prayer and supplication. Jesus promised in John 14:13-14, whatever we asked in His name, He will do it.

I posted this to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to pray. This might sound too many and overwhelming but once you started it as a habit, you will want to pray more just like what I experienced before. I want to redeem the time and start praying for them. You can have your own list and pray for all the items I posted here. You might want to add them as well.

PRAYER LIST

MONDAY

1.       Salvation of family & relatives

·         health & protection, salvation for Mama, Nicolai, Aya, Agi & Arnie;

·         salvation of uncles, aunties, cousins, and relatives

·         Adrian’s family & relatives

2.       Salvation of the Philippines

·         Regions in the Philippines, from region 1 to 13

·         Contact centers – Stream, Sykes, TP, Accenture, ANZ, TRG, Orchid Cybertech, Acquire, Convergys, Eperformax, Concentrix, Global Sky, Allorica, Aegis, WNS, Microsourcing, Sitel, Spi Global, 24/7, IBM, Teletech

·         Schools and universities- students, teachers, staffs, and administrators

·         Office workers, laborers, minimum wagers, bankers, doctors, engineers, med tech, etc

3.       Salvation of other religions- Hinduist, Buddhist, Muslims, Shintoist, Paganism, Animism

4.       Salvation of other nations (you might have a list of countries in the world. I bought a world map just for this. I am praying at least 10 to 15 countries every night, depending on the leading of Holy Spirit)

5.       Salvation of youth today and the next generation

6.       Salvation of government leaders and politicians of Phils and other nations

7.       Salvation of bands and musicians

8.       Salvation of friends from SN sites- FB, Tagged, Myspace, Netlog

9.       Salvation of gays & lesbians and bisexuals

TUESDAY

1.       Christians in the world ( be specific for different countries)

·         Strengthened relationship with the Lord

·         Passion for Servanthood, commitment,  faithfulness, obedience to the Lord

·         To live a fruitful and victorious life

·         Spiritual growth (Eph 3:16-19)

2.       Disciples and leaders in the church

·         Pastors, ministry leaders, bible study leaders, worship leaders, church staff, teachers, bible school teachers, missionaries and campus missionaries, youth pastors

·         Continuous commitment with the church, continuous walk with the Lord

·         Wisdom in decision making, humility, endurance

3.       More laborers in the harvest

WEDNESDAY

1.       Church activities and ministries

·         Sunday service- fruitfulness for unbelievers, growth for the believers

·         Youth, young adult, men’s women’s, children’s ministries

·         Evangelism, discipleship, feeding programs, medical mission

2.       JDC & other churches such as WIM, VCF, CCF, GCF, JIL, Hope of Glory, COPA, THS, AG, Foursquare, JFCM,

3.       More prayer warriors

4.       Unity of the body of church

THURSDAY

1.       END TIMES/ SECOND COMING

·         Preparation of all Christians for the Lord’s coming

·         Enough harvest by the time Christ came ( more souls to be saved)

2.       Christian persecution – those who are newly baptized Christian coming from different religions, women who are raped, battered and forced to be married because of their faith

·         Endurance and extraordinary strength to stand on their faith even if it means martyrdom – may it served for the glory of God and for other’s salvation

·         Extraordinary protection and deliverance

·         Receive crown of righteousness in heaven

3.       Missions and ministries for different countries

·         Protection and wisdom as they minister

·         Continuous provision of finances

4.       Witchcraft and occult activities- salvation of witches and wizards, salvation of cults

5.        Murderers, rapists, drug lords, syndicates, prisoners, prostitutes, adulterers, cybersex workers, hackers, terrorists

6.       American brethren who will receive chips for Obama Care Implementation

FRIDAY

1.       Environmental degradation

·         Preserve natural resources and natural habitat of the world for the next generation

·         Preserve animals and their habitat

2.       Poverty – God will use His people to reach the poor

3.       Graft & corruption

4.       Human trafficking, cyber bullying

5.       Moral degradation

6.       Materialism, selfishness

7.       Abortion, youth early pregnancy, unwanted pregnancy

8.       Divorce

9.       Same sex marriage- enlighten them

10.   RH Bill

11.   Child labor, child abuse & child malnutrition most especially in Africa

SATURDAY

1.       Healing & salvation for broken families, - restoration

2.       Healing & salvation for the victims of rape, gang rape, any kinds of abuse, molestations, incest, pedophile, victims of domestic violence, sex workers, sex for flight victims, victims of human trafficking

3.       Healing & salvation for the victims of all crimes

4.       Wisdom for men & women in choosing the right partner to avoid divorce

5.       Companies pay due wages for the employers, increase of salary for the workers

6.       Expose companies anomalies in terms of providing the right salary for the workers

7.       Implementation of God- honoring laws in the Philippines, creation of laws that is biblically based

8.       Utilization of tax payers’ funds of projects- housing, health & sanitation, education

9.       Justice for Filipino people for politicians greed in graft & corruption; abolishment of PDAF and distribute it to the welfare of Filipino people

SUNDAY

1.       Pray for specific persons

2.       Self-development

·         Fruits of HS

·         Manage of emotions, overcome temptations, tame my mouth, be spirit-filled, consistency with the Lord’s walk,

·         Maximize skills in His kingdom, to live a fruitful & victorious life

FOR JESUS OUR DISCIPLER CHURCH (MANILA, MALOLOS, & BICOL)

1.       JDC brothers and sisters

·         Members’ personal relationship with Jesus- personal prayer, devotion, and bible reading. Not just involvement in different ministries.

·         Spiritual growth – increase in love, humility, obedience in the Lord

·         Experience God’s love & patience and in return, ability to show grace, love & patience to other people as God showed us

2.       Commitment & passion of the workers for the mission

·         that they do their task with love and humility

·         ability to truly empower others with humility

·         they do it with wisdom and love of Christ

3.       Tithes & offerings in church

·         Members commitment in tithing, that they do it with a cheerful heart

·         Financial provision of the Lord for the outreaches and other church activities

4.       Work of the workers and members

·         Salary increase, promotion

·         Increase territory, increase influence on their workplace

5.       Production of new members

·         Pray for open doors to build relationship to share the gospel

·         Opening of small groups and bible studies in different places

·         Spiritual growth of infants, their continuous walk with the Lord

6.       Raise of new workers to become the disciples & later will make disciples

7.       Renewal of commitment of old workers

8.       Salvation of the members’ family

9.       Sunday services , outreaches, and other activities in different areas in Bicol & Malolos

10.   Discipleship activities and bible school

11.   Decision making & wisdom of pastors and workers