I will

Rendition at its best again... =)

March Quote

 Love... always perseveres. --- 1 Corinthians 13:7

On the Third Day

On the Third Day

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures

1 Corinthians 15:3-4, NIV.

TODAY’S WORD

As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, I think about when they crucified Jesus. On that Friday, it was the darkest, most painful, discouraging day of His life. In fact, it was so bad that He sweat drops of blood. It looked as if His enemies had gotten the best of Him. But God had other plans. They put Him in the grave on Friday, celebrating their victory, but Sunday morning it was a different story. The grave could not hold Him! Death couldn't contain Him! The forces of darkness couldn't stop Him! On the third day, He came out of the grave and said, "I was dead, but now I am alive forevermore!"

One principle that the resurrection teaches us is that God will always finish what He started. No matter how dark it looks, no matter how long it's been, no matter how many people are trying to push you down; if you will stay in faith, God will always take you from Friday to Sunday. He will always complete what He started in you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for completing what You started in my life. I trust that no matter how dark things may seem, You are my shining light of hope. I thank You for working behind the scenes to carry me through to the place of victory in every area of my life in Jesus' Name. Amen.

***

Surrender: the Only Way to Live by Rick Warren Though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men.” (Philippians 2:6-7 LB) Everybody surrenders to something or someone in life. If not to God, you’ll surrender to popular opinion, money, resentment, or fear, to your own pride, lust, and ego. We were designed to worship something, and when we fail to worship God, we create gods (idols) to which we surrender ourselves. E. Stanley Jones said, "If you don't surrender to Christ, you surrender to chaos." You’re free to choose what you surrender to, but you’re not free from the consequences of that choice: “So give yourselves completely to God” (James 4:7a NCV). Surrender is not the best way to live; it is the only way to live. Nothing else works. All other approaches lead to frustration, disappointment, and self-destruction. The King James Version of Romans 12:1 calls surrender "your reasonable service." The Contemporary English Version translates it as “the most sensible way to serve God.” Surrendering your life is not a foolish emotional impulse but a rational, intelligent act, the most responsible and sensible thing you can do with your life. Your wisest moments will be those when you say “yes” to God: “So we make it our goal to please him” (2 Corinthians 5:9a NIV). Sometimes it takes years, but eventually you discover the greatest hindrance to God’s blessing in your life is not others but yourself — your self will, stubborn pride, and personal ambition. You cannot fulfill God’s purposes for your life while focusing on your own plans. If God is going to do his deepest work in you, it will begin with this. So give it all to God: your past regrets, your present problems, your future ambitions, your fears, dreams, weaknesses, habits, hurts, and hang-ups. Put Christ in the driver’s seat of your life, and take your hands off the steering wheel. Don’t be afraid; nothing under his control can ever be out of control. Mastered by Christ, you can handle anything: “I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency” (Philippians 4:13b AMP). You may worry, "What if I stumble or relapse?" If? You will stumble in pleasing God! No one can live a perfectly surrendered life except Jesus. But God has provided for the inevitability of your sin: “If you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely” (1 John 2:1 LB). Talk About It - In what ways does the world try to keep you from surrendering? - How have you let your pride or ambition keep you from surrendering to God?

March Quote

Love... is always hopeful --- 1 Corinthians 13:7

From Friday to Sunday

From Friday to Sunday

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

They will flog Him and kill Him; and on the third day He will rise again.

Luke 18:33, AMP.

TODAY’S WORD

Every year all over the world, people honor Good Friday as the day Jesus was crucified. It was the darkest, most painful, discouraging day of His life. To others, it looked as if it was over. It looked as if His enemies had gotten the best of Him. But God had other plans. Jesus’ enemies put Him in the grave on Friday, celebrating their victory, but Sunday morning was a different story. The grave could not hold Him. Death couldn’t contain Him. The forces of darkness couldn’t stop Him. On the third day, Jesus came out of the grave and said, “I was dead, but now I am alive forevermore.”

One principle that the resurrection teaches us is that God will always finish what He started. No matter how dark it looks, no matter how long it’s been, no matter how many people are trying to push you down; if you will stay in faith, God will always take you from Friday to Sunday. You will see your day of breakthrough because God will complete what He started.

If you are going through a dark time today, remember that your day of resurrection, your “Sunday,” is on the way! Keep standing, keep believing because soon you will rise up and embrace the victory He has in store for you!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your resurrection power that is alive in me. I choose to keep my eyes on You, the Author and Finisher of my faith. Thank You that no matter how dark it looks, my day of breakthrough is on its way in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

***

Surrender Leads to Victory by Rick Warren “We are not our own bosses to live or die as we ourselves might choose. Living or dying we follow the Lord. Either way we are his.” (Romans 14:7-8 LB) The paradox of surrender is that it produces power and victory. Stubborn temptations and overwhelming problems can be defeated by Christ when handed over to him. As Joshua approached the biggest battle of his life, he encountered God, fell in worship before him, and surrendered his plans. That surrender led to a stunning victory at Jericho.  Surrender doesn’t weaken you; it strengthens you. Surrendered to God, you don’t have to fear or surrender to anything or anyone else. The founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth, once said, “The greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender." Why surrender? Because you belong to your Creator. God has a right to direct your life: “We are not our own bosses to live or die as we ourselves might choose” (Romans 14:7 LB). “Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people” (Psalm 100:3a NLT). Because Christ bought you with his sacrifice. The Bible says, “And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:15 HCSB). When you surrender to Christ, you fulfill the very purpose he died for — not just to save you from Hell but also to save you from self-centeredness! We Christians do not live for ourselves but for our Savior. “At one time you surrendered yourselves entirely as slaves to impurity and wickedness for wicked purposes. In the same way you must now surrender yourselves entirely as slaves of righteousness for holy purposes” (Romans 6:19b TEV). Because God modeled it first. He took the initiative, surrendering Jesus for our benefit: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16 NASB). Our surrender is the only reasonable response to that kind of love. You cannot love Christ without surrendering to him.  Talk About It - What are the temptations and problems that you need to hand over to Christ today? - How do you want to use the power that comes with surrender?

March Quote

Love....believes the best in all --- 1 Corinthians 13:7

It is Finished

It is Finished

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6, NLT.

TODAY’S WORD

It’s interesting that the last thing Jesus that said on the cross was, “It is finished.” It certainly looked like the end. It looked like it was over. But I believe that wasn’t just a statement of fact, it was a statement of faith. Jesus was saying to His Father, “I’ve done My part. I’ve fulfilled My destiny. Now I’ve got total trust and confidence in You that You are going to finish what You started.” Even though it looked like the end, in reality, it was only the beginning.

When it looks dark in your own life, when things aren’t going your way, dare to make that declaration of faith just like Jesus, “It is finished.” What you’re really saying is, “God, I know You are going to turn this situation around. I know You are going to heal my body. I know You are going to restore my family. I know You are going to give me the breaks that I need. I’ve done my part, and I know You will do Yours.” Always remember to speak victory over your circumstances because He is faithful, and He will complete what He’s started in you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I thank You that You will complete what You’ve started in my life. Today I choose to put my trust in You knowing that a shift is coming. I declare that Your will be done in every area of my life in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

***

A Surrendered Life Has Power by Rick Warren “Quit quarreling with God! Agree with him and you will have peace at last! His favor will surround you if you will only admit that you were wrong.” (Job 22:21 LB) The Bible is very clear about how we benefit when we worship God through surrender: “Agree with him and you will have peace at last! His favor will surround you if you will only admit that you were wrong” (Job 22:21 LB) In surrender, you begin to really live the life God intended: “Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live” (Mark 8:35 LB). You are set free, liberated from self-preoccupation: “But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you've let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you've started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom!” (Romans 6:16-18 MSG) God is able to use a surrendered life in great ways. Why did God choose Mary, of all women, to be the mother of Jesus? It was because she was totally surrendered to God. When the angel explained God’s improbable plan, she humbly responded, “I am the Lord's servant! Let it happen as you have said” (Luke 1:38 CEV). Nothing is more powerful than a surrendered life in the hands of God. Talk About It - In what ways would your life be fuller if you surrendered it completely to God? - Don’t wait another day! Pray today to surrender your life to God and begin to let go of your selfishness and control.

April 2013 Missions Updates: Taiwan, Japan, and Israel

April 2013 Dear Partner, Thank you for your continued support for our World Missions initiatives! It is a privilege to partner with you in making disciples of all nations! I am pleased to share with you the exciting things that are happening in the campus ministry of our church in Taiwan. The church planting work in this nation began in 2009, when a team of Filipino and American missionaries conducted an outreach event for the students of the National Taiwan University. That year did not end without them holding their first Sunday worship service. Taipei Every Nation International Church was then launched the following year. Our pastors and missionaries from the Every Nation church in Taipei are currently engaging and discipling students of the National Taiwan University and Mingchuan University. Doors of opportunity continue to open as more and more youths get connected to the spiritual family. Taipei Every Nation International Church is in faith for greater growth as they continue to share God’s love to every young Taiwanese they encounter. These campus ministry breakthroughs are possible because of your continued support for World Missions. We are truly blessed to have you partner with us in our mission to reach every student and change every campus. May God meet your every need as you continue to move in rich generosity! Michael Paderes Executive Director Every Nation World Missions Church planting team now connecting in Israel Written by Joni Esteban Mar 2013 Since their arrival in November 2012, an Every Nation church planting team in Israel has devoted most of its time connecting with individuals who can take part in the future church. By God’s grace, its efforts are bearing fruit. “God has been opening a lot of doors for us to connect with the right people,” said one of the long-term church workers. “In fact, we were privileged to meet a government official who introduced us to forty-three Filipino groups here in Israel.” Aside from the Filipino community, God has opened doors for the team to reach out to all nationalities, including several postgraduate students from the country’s top universities. Recently, they met with various international groups from Fiji, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands. “With the growing number of people we were connecting with, we were concerned about where we would meet,” the long-term church worker says. “But God provided!  A nearby church has agreed to give us space for our prayer meetings.” As they work on building relationships, the team members are not shy about acknowledging God’s hand in their efforts. “We are grateful for God’s grace, and how He has used our ministry partners to support us,” he adds. “It’s amazing and humbling to see how God gave us an opportunity to be part of what He’s doing in Israel.” PRAYER POINTS   Ask God for divine favor and smooth processing of the visas of our long-term church workers and their families.   Intercede for divine provision, wisdom, and guidance for the current long-term church workers, as they continuously strategize for the church plant.   Pray for more long-term workers to answer God’s call to help build the church.   Believe God for countless doors of opportunity for the Good News to be preached in the universities, communities, and institutions in Israel. Beauty From Ashes A Japanese girl's radical story of family salvation Written by Nao Matsumoto Mar 2013 When I was an infant, my family migrated to the United States, where we lived until I was ten years old, after which I returned to Japan. Having grown up in the West, it was hard enough having to adjust to the conservative Japanese culture. What made my return more difficult was that I arrived in Japan at the tender age of ten, the product of a broken family. My parents divorced after our return to our homeland. So there I was, an emotionally unstable young girl, looking for acceptance, approval, and a home. I needed love, and wanted nothing more than for my family to be whole again. Then came that fateful day in junior high, when the school nurse invited me to attend a worship service atYokohama Grace Bible Church (YGBC). Though it was just my first time to attend, I felt loved and welcomed. I knew in my heart that I found a new family, a spiritual family who would stand with me through the difficult season I was going through. I had a life-changing encounter with Jesus, who I accepted as my Lord and Savior. As a young Christian, I began to grow in my faith, though it wasn’t easy. Since my mother was a devout Buddhist, I faced strong persecution. However, instead of getting discouraged and spiritually weak, my faith grew even stronger. Instead of being resentful and indifferent towards my family, I continued to love them, and persevered in praying for their salvation. God was faithful to keep His promise of salvation, not just for my immediate family, but for my entire household. After years of praying and sharing the love of Jesus to my family, I started to see His hand moving in their lives. God was faithful to keep His promise of salvation, not just for my immediate family, but for my entire household. My mom, who used to fiercely persecute me, got radically saved during a counseling session at YGBC. My younger brother, who was dealing with depression at the time, met Jesus at his point of need and began to walk closely with Him. My grandparents, who initially came just to watch me sing (as part of the worship team), also received Jesus as their Lord and Savior and learned about the real meaning of worship. The mission of leading my entire family to receive Jesus’ free gift of salvation was being accomplished one loved-one at a time. Then, God did amazing things in the life of my father, an arrogant Japanese businessman who spent years cultivating his business and not his children. My dad came to know Jesus shortly after watching The Passion of The Christ with Morning Star New York pastor, Ron Lewis. Not long afterward, God led him to apologize to my mom. After a heartbreaking divorce, the process of forgiving was difficult and rigorous. But God was behind all of it and He was faithful to carry my parents through. A timely opportunity in the form of a new job assignment allowed my dad to return to Japan and work towards the restoration of his relationship with my mom. God honored my dad’s act of obedience and brought my parents back together. They now serve as leaders of single professionals in our current church, Grace Tokyo. My testimony is living proof that He can use anyone, regardless of background, social status, and skill to accomplish big things for Him and His people. What once was just a dream is now a reality: I rejoice in the answered prayer of my whole family being discipled and serving Jesus together. Looking back, I am amazed by how God used me, a broken and insecure teenager to lead my entire family into having a personal relationship with Him. Aside from displaying God’s faithfulness to His promise of salvation, my testimony is living proof that He can use anyone, regardless of background, social status, and skill to accomplish big things for Him and His people. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts 16:31 World Missions Update Video: INDONESIA A lot of things are happening in Indonesia, particularly in the cities of Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan. Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD72J-8ROgM  to watch this World Missions Update and be encouraged by how God is moving in the Southeast Asian nation.          32nd St. cor University Pkwy, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 1634 Philippines Office: +63 (2) 817 1212 | Fax: +63 (2) 817 6130 Email: missions@everynation.org.ph

March Quote

Love never gives up... --- 1 Corinthians 13:7 

Same Spirit, Same Power

Same Spirit, Same Power

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.

Romans 8:11, AMP.

TODAY’S WORD

When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit makes His home inside of you. That’s the same Spirit, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. That resurrection power can bring back health, strength and life to your physical body and life to your hopes and dreams. In fact, it can bring life to any area that may seem dormant on the inside of you.

The next time you feel overwhelmed by sickness, challenges or despair, remember, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. You may have been burdened by an addiction, fear or worry, but there’s nothing that can stand against the power of God. Rise up and declare by faith, “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed. I am restored and healed in the name of Jesus!” As you rise up in faith and declare the Word of God, you are activating His power within you—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for filling me with Your power by the Holy Spirit. I choose to feed my faith by declaring Your Word over my life so that I can partake of the life You have prepared for me in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

***

Instead of Trying Harder, Trust More by Rick Warren Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7a GW) Surrendering your life means: - Following God’s lead without knowing where he’s sending you. - Waiting for God’s timing without knowing when it will come. - Expecting a miracle without knowing how God will provide. - Trusting God’s purpose without understanding the circumstances. You know you’re surrendered to God when you rely on God to work things out instead of trying to manipulate others, force your agenda, and control the situation. You let go and let God work. You don’t have to always be "in charge." Instead of trying harder, you trust more. You also know you’re surrendered when you don’t react to criticism and rush to defend yourself. Surrendered hearts show up best in relationships. You are not self-serving, you don’t edge others out, and you don’t demand your rights. The most difficult thing to surrender for many people is their money. Many have thought, "I want to live for God, but I also want to earn enough money to live comfortably and retire someday." Retirement is not the goal of a surrendered life because it competes with God for the primary attention of our lives. Jesus said, "You cannot serve both God and money," and "Wherever your treasure is, your heart will be also." The supreme example of self-surrender is Jesus. The night before his crucifixion, Jesus surrendered himself to God’s plan. He prayed, "Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” Jesus didn’t pray, "God, if you’re able to take away this pain, please do so." He began by affirming that God can do anything! He prayed, "God, if it is in your best interest to remove this suffering, please do so. But if it fulfills your purpose, that’s what I want, too." Genuine surrender says, “Father, if this problem, pain, sickness, or circumstance is needed to fulfill your purpose and glory in my life or in another’s life, please don’t take it away!" This level of maturity doesn’t come easily. In Jesus’ case, he agonized so much over God’s plan that he sweated drops of blood. Surrender is hard work. In our case, it requires intense warfare against our self-centered nature. Talk About It - Where is your treasure? - Does your attitude toward money reflect a heart that is surrendered to Christ?