GOD UNBOXED Part 2: Hezekiah

Sermon notes from Bill Hybels - Willowcreek.org

Open the eyes of our Heart, Lord, so we will see God for who He really are..

He started with
Deuteronomy 29:29: The Secret Things belong to the Lord our God, But the things revealed belong to us and our children forever..

Mysteries of God are going to remain as a secret. Psalm 145:3 - Great is the Lord and greatly to be praise -- His greatness is unsearchable.

He spoke abou tthe sotry of a great and faithful king Hezekiah, 25 yr old son of Ahaz, who has reigned Judah for 29 years. His father, Ahaz, claim to fame was to forbid anyone to worship the true God and set up every critical position outside Jerusalem to worship false gods.. When Ahaz died, Hezekiah rebuild the temple of the God of Israel, Moses and David...

1 Chronicles 29: 2-3 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. 3 In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the LORD and repaired them


Hezekiah would like all the people to know that he's parting way from his father. Upgrading and reopening the Temple of the Lord and started a huge worship gathering for all his people to worship the true GOD. 2 Chronicles 29: 28-30 The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the singers sang and the trumpeters played. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was completed. When the offerings were finished, the

king and everyone present with him knelt down and worshiped.

30 King Hezekiah and his officials ordered the Levites to praise the LORD with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. So they sang praises with gladness and bowed their heads and worshiped.

King Hezekiah knelt down and praise with his people in that TEmple... Your examples matters more than anything than words.. Is powerul and everytime you make a GREAT STAND it (not just appropriate stand) registers profoundly in the people lives.. you're gonna sow seeds in their minds...

1 Chronicles 30: 20-21 This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God. 21 In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands,

he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly.

And so he prospered. ---- 2 successful secret to great things on this world.

1 Kings 18: 7 And the Lord was with him; and he was succesful in whatever he undertook..

Question: Does God always prosper those who seek to honor him fully all the time? in any situation?

in the scripture it says:

Job 36: 11. If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment

Proverbs 10:22 the blessings of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it..

So many names and people are witnessed to the Love and grace of our God. However you see the people in faith like Daniel, Apostle Paul, John the Baptist.. why did God allow them to get hurt and pass through the pain if God says he would make you prosper if you follow him? Why did God allow certain things to happen if you are faithful to God? Is there any predictability at all to who God is going to let prosper and who doesnt? Who he blesses and who doesnt?

God at this point could not be pinned down because of this issue. God comes out of the box.

Look at the life of King Hezekiah who came into a conclusion: that honoring GOD was the way he wanted in honoring God; it right thing to do; it was the best way to live his life. He didnt orient his life that way in order to OBLIGATE GOD to only prosper him or bless him the way he wanted it, He let the prospering decision totally in God's hands..

Bill suggest: We get up in the morning to make a FRESH COMMITMENT EVERY MORNING IN honor Him in everything.. every thought every word every deed.. and just let GOD be GOD.. and let Him sort your life out..

Don Cousin: Honor God everyday in your life and God will honor you in lifetime.. and let the rest up to GOD..

Then Hezekiah had a challenged in his life when a certain Assyrian ruler has mocked his reign, challenged Hezekiah to destroy their own godsand tried to sent out a massive military assylum to Hezekiah's kingdom to kill him and his people.. Hezekiah, as a true young leader, who looks after the well-being of his people was pressured and scared for his people upon receiving the Letter of the Ruler that threatened his kingdom.. Finally realized to forward and surrender his feelings to GOD and SPREAD OUT THE LETTER RECEIVED fr his enemy TO GOD..

1King 19: 14-19 Hezekiah’s Prayer
Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it.

Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.

And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: “LORD, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Give ear, LORD, and hear; open your eyes, LORD, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. “It is true, LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. 18 They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands.

Now, LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, LORD, are God.”

REFLECTION: What do you usually SPREAD OUT TO GOD on your prayers? What are you spreading out before GOD? GOD iS OMNIPOTENT.. and he can fly out whatever box you have him.. and Hezekiah prayed for this not to become a greater King or to lead His troops to victory on his name.. Hezekiah prayed so that GOD will be made known for his greatness in all the Kingdoms of the Earth.. WHAT SO-THAT DO YOU PRAY TO GOD? HAVE YOU BEEN ANALYZING YOUR PRAYERS TO GOD?

God answers Hezekiah's prayer that is ridicule and absurd.. Through Isaiah, God appeared to him to send out the message to Hezekiah.. to just relax, sow some seed and relax as God will fight the battle of Hezekiah.. Then

1 KIngs 19: 35 That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning—there were all the dead bodies! 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there.

God answers our prayers in a mysterious way.. God expects us to fight our own battle with his help.. but why is it that at some times, that God fights our battle for us? In our lives, where GOD left me with no other choices than to sacrifice, again with His help, to achieve something important. God needed me to fight that battle for me to grow a love in me and perservance and courage.. But there are times too that God is going to send you to battle and say, fight.. fight some more.. fight harder and God is with you.. its not gonna come easy for you but im with you.. until at times you'll be exhausted..

but GOD has important reasons to let us go into the battle for HIM.. GOD provides soemthing that we dont deserve.. straight from the victory circle.. then we will be surprised to see that we dont deserve that victory..

WHY GOD let us fight our own battle with his help? and at times, GOD will fight directly to our battle?

Bill hybels jokes -- I dont have a clue..
Psalm 145: His greatness is unsearchable..
Deuteronomy 29:29: The secret things belongs to God..

Let GOD be GOD.. Unboxed Him.. Either way to battle, ask and spread out your battle to GOD.. with God's help on your battle, GOD will reveal himself to you as you trust him in whatever battle you are into..

2 Kings 20:1 Hezekiah’s Illness
1 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.”

2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD,

3 “Remember, LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

4 Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: 5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. 6

I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.’”

God has found favor in Hezekiah's prayer and he extended 15 more years of his life and said that God will defend his city for GOD'S SAKE AND THE SAKE OF MY SERVANT, DAVID.. God has found favor in Hezekiah but also it also favored God because He would like Hezekiah to continue to work for God's glory..

However Hezekiah did not let God's favour imprisoned him from pride and did not rest on his laurels from God.. He has secured God's favour for Him so he has made God's glory greater by creating a POOL OR TUNNEL in his city so that waters from city will distributed properly. He ordered the people to chisel 1750 foot and nowadays, it has been a tourist destination in Israel where the tunnel is and brings legacy to the works of Hezekiah. But during this works and achievement, Hezekiah has offered this achievement for God's glory..

2 Kings 20: 20 As for the other events of Hezekiah’s reign, all his achievements and how he made the pool and the tunnel by which he brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah? 21 Hezekiah rested with his ancestors. And Manasseh his son succeeded him as king.

Almost all the reign of Hezekiah's work has been forgotten but only Hezekiah's tunnel has been secured SO THAT God's hand will be shown on it...

Reflection: What is our legacy? What is our Tunnel? what are the people will talk about after 25 years in your life that outlives you but only for the glory of God..?

Pour yourself in God's word.. Envision life with spirituality.. Instill Christianity to each and everyone in front of You.. and SPREAD IT OUT TO GOD WHO WILL HELP YOU AND GUIDE YOU TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.. It takes humility to understand and believe that God can do this through you.. We usually put it on our own strength and carry it on our own power and mind, so we thought it is ours who made it happen.. but laugh.. God enables you through His Spirit within you to make it happen..

What are you gonna leave as a legacy of your own life to glorify the Lord? God will advice you and lead you into this.. so THAT it blesses a greater part of the world..

LORD, if you pursue me, i will be among those people that will make sure that your works and glory shall be made known..

to GOD be all the glory..

hell -- not a sudden slope

The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. C. S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis and the Narnia

Maybe because im a Christian now that I could now understand how ASLAN tried to speak to Lucy, Edward, Peter and Susan and the whole Narnia.. Ive just seen the movie in a 3d with hubby, rob, and it has amazingly touched my heart.. the moment lucy embraced Aslan to bid goodbye, my tears just keep pouring as if I am longing to finally meet God and hug him tightly..

"Oh, Aslan," said Lucy. "Will you tell us how to get into your country from our world?"
"I shall be telling you all the time," said Aslan. "But I will not tell you how long or short the way will be; only that it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge Builder."

"It isn't Narnia, you know," sobbed Lucy. "It's you. We haSn't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?"
"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.
"Are — are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.
"I am," said Aslan. "BUT THERE... I HAVE ANOTHER NAME. YOU MUST LEARN TO KNOW ME BY THAT NAME.. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."


As Lewis wrote in a letter to a Mrs Hook in December 1958:

If Aslan represented the immaterial Deity in the same way in which Giant Despair [a character in The Pilgrim's Progress] represents despair, he would be an allegorical figure. In reality, however, he is an invention giving an imaginary answer to the question, 'What might Christ become like if there really were a world like Narnia, and He chose to be incarnate and die and rise again in that world as He actually has done in ours?' This is not allegory at all

The whole series works out like this.

The Magician's Nephew tells the Creation and how evil entered Narnia.
The Lion etc the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
Prince Caspian restoration of the true religion after corruption.
The Horse and His Boy the calling and conversion of a heathen.
The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader" the spiritual life (especially in Reepicheep).
The Silver Chair the continuing war with the powers of darkness
The Last Battle the coming of the Antichrist (the Ape), the end of the world and the Last Judgement.

excited and wondered if the producers of the movie will intend to finish the whole series until the Last Battle so that other people can see the end of the world and how GOD's glory truly works in our lives just to save us until the last Judgement..

oh im so thrilled... now i think i would like to watch it again and probably might buy the book to read it too.. :-)

ALL GLORY TO GOD as this provision has enlighten me again and again.. oh Lord your provisions are just endless... salamat po!

my father, my refuge, my praise i give

Our loving heavenly father, my refuge, my hiding place, u love me first before I love you, as merciful as you are, I am privilege at this very hour that I am your loving child asking for your presence to be feeled n as a great encourager as you are, let me accept such invitation of your grace and love.. Praise you!

I still fear but you have already covered me with your love and faithfulness.. However I still fall short of your glory and praising you through jesus christ sacrificial blood to assure the forgiveness of my sins.. I am still a child who needs your guidance thru d loving holy spirit.. Lord fill my heart with your spirit so that my eyes are only looking in for the opportunities to honour your glory and not at my own sake.. Released the arrogance n pride for my self but only for your glory I see myself serving as a living witness of your greatness..

Thanking you father for the unconditional and immeasureable love.. How can I ever ignore the kind of love you've shown me, when you have saved and transformed me into one of ur faithful loving servant.. I gave you my life and will honor and obey your words in the holy scriptures.. I surrender my hands on you to lead me where your greatness starts.. I will love you with all my heart, my mind, my soul..

Strengthen me as I walk in this world, live in my own flesh, feel in d temptation of evilness.. But lord as I walk, live n feel you also in my heart, may you strengthen me with your courage, your faithfulness, your love, and your wisdom, so that I can truly live only in your spirit n likeness to resist the desire the apetite of the world, flesh n evil.

My supplications you know as I do not need to list. Your greatness has always been revealed and shown in my daily struggles but Your will be done on my life, my familyn and friends.. May you just give honor to help us understand your will, the wisdom, patience, and courage to face your loving plans n purpose in our life on earth..

I give thanks and praises as this will never be enough to give the glory back to you! You've saved a wretch like me and covered me w ur blood for my deliverance.. I rejoice till d day. I see you.. In jesus name I surrender my love for you, amen!

GOD UNBOXED Part 1: Elijah in Mount Carmel

- Sermon Notes from Bill Hybels Sunday service

I am being challenged with ther sermon officiated by Senior Pastor Bill Hybels to his church in WillowCreek Community. So I would like to share with you the sermon notes Ive taken (actually taking down notes simultaneously listening to the sermon)

Part 1 of the Series is emphasized on Elijah's radical life; from challenging 400 pagan prophet's to a duel, enjoying God-crafted picnic lunch, and hearing a mountainside whisper from the Lord.

Psalm 145:3 - Great is the Lord and greatly to be praise -- His greatness is unsearchable.

There is a lot to know about God.. Basic commitment of God to people in the sense of HOliness, but as knowable as God is, there is a limit to what the finite human mind can comprehend to what God mysterious plan in your life.. So we cannot put God in a box here.. Talk about unpredictability God is.. how unsearchable God is..

Elijah's Victory at Carmel. Ahab, Djesebel, King and Queen of Israel, and forbid anyone to worship the true God. Then prophet Elijah came to the scene and he see what the King and Queen has made to Israel.. I cant stand no more -- Elijah.. If it caused me my life, I am going to turn this way around - Elijah.. Then Elijah invited and challenged the 850 pagan prophets at that time and made a duel to the prophets of the pagan's god to bring fire to the mountain and whoever sends out Fire to the mountain, they need to worship the true God. Midday past, nothing happens after the prophets cries, dances and sacrifices to bring Fire to the mountainside, Until Elijah's turn came.. Elijah ddnt just call out the fire from the sky.. He ordered some people nearby to fill 4 huge water jars and start dousing the sacrifice and start pouring water to do this 3 TIMES.. other prophets could not understand.. Then until Elijah calls out God in a very cool way.. and IMMEDIATELY, FIRE FALLS OUT FROM HEAVEN.. and not only burns the wood but also the stone and all the matreials Elijah ordered for the sacrifice.. HAND'S DOWN.. the pagan's prophet was astonished to see the blast of the Fire..

Elijah set it up with this contest but Why did God demonstrated His power to the people? Because of Elijah's prayer..

37 Answer me, LORD, answer me, SO THAT these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”

2 MOST IMPORTANT WORDS IN THAT PRAYER: 1. SO, 2. THAT..

God knows that Elijah did not set up this contest for his own purposes and his own games or fame.. on the contrary, Elijah was jealous to be acknowledge as the one True God and aching to see the pagan's turn their hearts FROM THEIR IDOLS TO GOD.. Elijah is willing to put his life on it.. Have the fire not come, Elijah could have been killed..

there is something PREDICTABLE ABOUT GOD.. You can bank on this all the time.. It relates how He willed his power.. He flows it to people who are jealous to see His name made Great.. He flows his power to people who put his purposes in front of their own.. He flows it to people who yearns to freed from false god or no got at all..

When you are on your knees, Is it usually for GOD's sake, fame or purposes and glory.. or your own? true confession.. if majority of prayers are about MY PROGRAM, MY WANTS MY WISHES SELF, MY REQUEST, MY MY MY... AND IF WE ARE NOT CAREFUL, I WILL WANT MY KINGDOM, MY WILL TO BE DONE AND ARRANGE EVERYTHING FOR ME..

Instead of the other way around when you beg for GOD to answer your prayer, SO THAT GOD'S NAME WILL BE MADE GREAT..

Maybe you've been asking GOD to do something for you, and you keep praying that you got disappointed because GOD seems to be not listening and doing it.. SEEM LIKE PRAYERS ARE MANIPULATED FOR OWN SAKE.. God often refuses to grant our prayer request because at the end of the day, he discerns our motives and he sees that were just trying to manipulate our power for our own purposes..

JAMES 4: 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Elijah pleaded for God SO THAT ISRAEL WILL TURN AWAY FROM IDOLS AND SO THAT GOD CAN BLESS ISRAELITES LIVES..


HAVE YOU ANALYZED YOUR SO THAT LATELY? HAVE YOU RE-READ YOUR PRAYERS RECENTLY? HAVE YOU REVIEWED YOUR RECENT PRAYERS AND ASKED, WHAT IS THE SO THAT OF MY PRAYERS? IN WHAT WAY IF THIS PRAYER IS ANSWERED, WHAT WAY WILL HELP TO SEE GOD BY OTHERS AND BETTER ESTABLISHED GOD'S KINGDOM ON EARTH..

serious SO THAT.. your name will be made GREAT.. THE WORLD WILL KNOW THAT THE ONE TRUE GOD IS ALIVE AND LOVING..

PREDICTABLY, GOD WILL HONOR THE SO THATS..

SPIRITUAL BREATHING

The MOST satisfying DAILY EXERCISE:
SPIRITUAL BREATHING

BREATHING IN powerful prayers that will intercede to your struggle (crossing the street.. driving in a traffic way.. Boss called you for a specific assignment.. Washing clothes with stain.. Husband Infidelity.. Shoe unpolished.. Children quarreling.. Wife is too nice.. Smoking.. Lies.. Anger.. Too loving.. Prideful situations.. Humbling situation.. buying your craving for a branded shoe.. Shoe laces untied.. Hot.. or Cold.. Cancerous Sickness.. anyyyy situation but called struggle because you will now have the POWER TO CHOOSE HOW TO REACT OR RESPOND ON IT..)

STRUGGLES... anyway you put it, WE all have different struggle.. maybe in different intensity -- high or low..

HOW TO HANDLE?
SO VIA BREATHING IN, YOU, who have the power to choose to respond or react, WILL PRAY (on that spot praying) to our Loving Father God For the Holy Spirit to fill your Heart and guide you on that particular struggle..

BREATHING OUT IS THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THE REACTION YOU HAVE CHOSEN.. the crucial RESPONSE you've chosen to that particular struggle... and we know that if it displeases our FATHER, the Spirit you've chosen is not the HOly Spirit that leads to the glory of God.. this is where we all fall short when we put all our struggle On our own hands.. a TRUE SPIRIT must always put GOD's GLORY "above" our SELF satisfaction.. a response shall always pleases our FATHER and that ILLUMINATES HIS LOVE for other people to see... When you've chosen the leading of the Holy Spirit, OBEDIENCE to GOD then shall naturally flow


HOLY SPIRIT is not just a third party element of GOD.. IT IS GOD HIMSELF (Exodus 28:3, 31:3) Zechariah 4:6 I Corinthians 3:16 .. IT IS FROM A LIVING GOD.. We do not call unto GOD and just forget about the Holy Spirit to lead us.. but We call our FAther GOD to be filled with HIs Holy Spirit for his guidance and so to continue to LIVE INSIDE US..

The Holy Spirit dwells in the believer, perfecting us for the day of Redemption.

He grieves with our actions and language. (Hebrew 10:29)
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption Ephesians 4:30
He intercedes for us with groaning, prompting us to pray, (Romans 8:26)
He searches our hearts (Romans 8:27)
He talks to us (Acts 13;2, 16:6-7, Revelation 2:7)
He teaches all things (John 14:26)
He reminds us of scripture (John 14:26)

there might be another SPIRIT that lives in you.. the FLESH.. THAT IS YOU.. YOUR HUMAN FLESH that craves and yields in this world.. Believers or unbelievers struggle on the Flesh.. But GOD who started a good work in you since you were born will never leave you nor forsake you.. THE GOSPEL IS.. or the GOOD NEWS is.. JESUS gives us the assurance of forgiveness everytime we fall short to glorify our Father.. But He is truly working on His way to LEAD YOU BACK TO HIS PLACE, TO HIS HEART, TO HIS PROMISE... The HOly Spirit of the Grace of GOD is now following you and asking you to open up to enter your Heart.. and that is GOD..


Soooo.... breath in BREATH OUT.. HOLY SPIRIT IN.. HOLY SPIRIT OUT...

MAY THE SPIRIT OF OUR LOVING GRACIOUS FATHER BE WITH US WHENEVER WE BREATH.. until then this will become a way of LIFE.. USE THE FREEDOM you have right now and show HIS GLORY to people who needs the truth about SALVATION... PREACH THE GOSPEL.. and look for OPPORTUNITY which are being led by GOD himself.. OPEN YOUR EYES.. AND FOCUS YOUR HEART AND MIND ON HIS PROMISE.. our ETERNAL LIFE...


GALATIANS 5: 13 -14.. Life by the Spirit
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control

THE BIGGEST LOSER

The Biggest Loser is a television show broadcast in many countries. It centers on overweight contestants attempting to lose weight to fight for a cash prize. There are different variations of the Biggest Loser around the world. Each country has made its own adaptation to the show; however, the contestants always have the same goal: to lose the highest percentage of weight (or most weight) to become the Biggest Loser.

AMAZING RACE

The Amazing Race is a reality television game show in which teams of two people, who have some form of a preexisting personal relationship, race around the world in competition with other teams. Contestants strive to arrive first at "pit stops" at the end of each leg of the race to win prizes and to avoid coming in last, which carries the possibility of elimination or a significant disadvantage in the following leg (segment). Contestants travel to and within multiple countries in a variety of transportation modes, including planes, balloons, helicopters, trucks, bicycles, taxicabs, rental cars, trains, buses, boats, and by foot. The clues (cryptic hints) provided in each leg lead the teams to the next destination or direct them to perform a task, either together or by a single member. These challenges are related in some manner to the country wherein they are located or its culture. Teams are progressively eliminated until three are left; at that point, the team that arrives first in the final leg is awarded a grand prize

THE APPRENTICE

The Apprentice is a television franchise which originated in 2004 in the United States. As originally conceived, the show depicted 16 contestants from around the country with various backgrounds competing in an elimination-style competition to become an apprentice to Donald Trump. The winning contestant would have the opportunity to work for Trump as the president of one of his companies for at least one year with an annual salary of $250,000. The Apprentice was developed by Mark Burnett, who successfully brought Survivor to the US. Since its premier, the show has spawned many licensed international versions as well as several imitations.



The Apprentice is a reality television show that originated in the United States- albeit created by an Englishman- on NBC. Billed as "The Ultimate Job Interview," the show depicts a group of 15-18 businessmen and -women competing in an elimination-style competition for a one-year, $250,000 job of running one of real estate magnate Donald Trump's companies. The position starts with an introductory one-year contract with a starting yearly salary of $250,000 USD.

SURVIVOR

Survivor is a reality television game show format produced in many countries throughout the world. In the show, contestants are isolated in the wilderness and compete for cash and other prizes. The show uses a system of progressive elimination, allowing the contestants to vote off other tribe members until only one final contestant remains and wins the title of "Sole Survivor". The format for Survivor was created in 1992 by British television producer Charlie Parsons.

There are two types of Challenges: Reward Challenges and Immunity Challenges.

In Reward Challenges, the contestants compete for luxuries that are not essential for survival but make their lives easier and/or more enjoyable. Examples of rewards have included food, flint, matches, rain gear, and even short trips away from camp.
In Immunity Challenges, the contestants compete for immunity from an elimination ceremony known as Tribal Council. When the game is in its tribal stage, the tribe that wins immunity does not take part in Tribal Council. Following the merger of the two tribes, the individual who wins immunity cannot have votes cast against him or her.

NEXT TOP MODEL AND PROJECT RUNWAY

America's Next Top Model (often abbreviated as ANTM) is a reality television show in which a number of women compete for the title of America's Next Top Model and a chance to start their career in the modeling industry.

The show was created and is hosted by talk-show host and model Tyra Banks, who also serves as the head judge and executive producer of the show.

Each season has from 9–13 episodes and starts with 10-14 contestants. Each episode, one contestant is eliminated, though in rare cases a double elimination or no elimination was given by consensus of the judging panel. Makeovers are administered to contestants early in the season (usually after the first or second elimination in the finals), and a trip to an international destination is scheduled at about two-thirds of the way through the season (usually with five or six contestants
remaining).



Project Runway is an American reality television series on Lifetime Television, previously on the Bravo network, which focuses on fashion design and is hosted by model Heidi Klum. The contestants compete with each other to create the best clothes and are usually restricted in time, materials and theme. Their designs are judged, and one or more designers are eliminated each week.



The designers are given a budgeted stipend to select and purchase fabric and notions, and then provided a limited amount of time to finish their designs (the shortest being 5 hours and the longest being to two or three days, with the exception of fashion week when they are given 12 weeks). Often, the designers work independently, although on some challenges, contestants must work in teams or as a single collective group. Once the deadline is reached, the designers must dress their models and select their hair, make-up, and accessories. Each model walks down the runway, and the garment the contestant made is rated by a panel of judges, who score each look in several categories from 0 to 5, and often provide personal annotations and comments regarding the presented designs. The judges then interview the six remaining designers who garnered the highest and the lowest scores (usually a top 3 and a bottom 3), and share their opinions while listening to the designers' defense of their outfits, then confer as a group in private. The panel then announces the winning and losing designers based on their scores and other considerations. Typically, the winner receives immunity for the next challenge, and therefore cannot be eliminated. As the season progresses, immunity is disregarded during later challenges to prevent the designers from getting an easy pass to make it into the final round. Other incentives given to the contestants aside from winning immunity include: The winning garment may be featured in print media, integrated into a limited edition look for a particular clothing brand, or sold at an online fashion store (e.g., BlueFly.com beginning in Season 4 onwards). Generally, the loser of each challenge is eliminated from the competition, with host supermodel Heidi Klum giving him or her a double air kiss on the runway and wishing the eliminated designer her catchphrase, Auf Wiedersehen, before they depart. Thus, elimination from the show is sometimes called "being auf'd"--a play on words as it can be interpreted as offed.

Big Brother

Big Brother is a reality television show in which a group of people live together in a large house, isolated from the outside world but continuously watched by television cameras. Each series lasts for around three months, and there are usually fewer than 15 participants. The housemates try to win a cash prize by avoiding periodic evictions from the house. The idea for the show is said to have come during a brainstorm session at the Dutch production house of John de Mol Produkties (an independent part of Endemol) on 4 September 1997. The first Big Brother broadcast was in the Netherlands in 1999 on the Veronica TV channel. It was picked up by Brazil, Germany, Portugal, USA, UK, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland and Italy the following year and became a world-wide sensation. Since then it has been a prime-time hit in almost 70 countries. The show's name comes from George Orwell's 1949 novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, a dystopia in which Big Brother can always spy on the inhabitants of the dictatorship he heads through their television sets, with the slogan "Big Brother is watching you".


Although each country has made its own adaptations and changes to the format, the general concept has stayed the same: "Housemates" or "Houseguests" are confined to a specially designed house where their every action is recorded by cameras and microphones at all times and they are not permitted any contact with the outside world.

In most versions, at regular intervals (normally once weekly, as introduced in the UK version, although in most early series it was every two weeks), the housemates are invited to vote to have one of a number of nominated housemates evicted from the house. In some cases two housemates may be evicted simultaneously (a "double eviction"), or rarely, no housemates will be removed for that week. At the end of the game, the last remaining housemate is declared the winner of that particular series and receives prizes, often including a large amount of money, a car, a vacation and (in some editions) a house.

From a sociological and demographic perspective, this format allows the opportunity for analysis of how people react when forced into close confinement with people who lie outside their comfort zone, since they may hold different opinions or ideals from other contestants, or simply belong to a different group of people than a contestant normally interacts with. Indeed, the format is ideally suited to such analysis because the viewer is afforded the opportunity to see how a person reacts on the outside through the constant recording of their actions and also what they feel on the inside through the Diary Room/Confession Room. The results can range from violent or angry confrontations to genuine and tender connections (often including romantic interludes), providing entertainment to the public.

Hell's Kitchen and Top Chef

In here let me discussed both HELL'S KITCHEN AND TOP CHEF formats.. If Come dine with me features amateur cook, in the mentioned series, they're all educated and experienced CHEFs..


The format of the program is similar to the United Kingdom version, with a red team and a blue team competing in various cooking challenges for most of the season; once the number of remaining contestants is reduced to five (or six in seasons 4-8), the two teams combine to become a single black team and compete individually.

Each episode begins with a team or individual challenge; the winning chef or team may get a reward, while the losing team or players are required to perform some form of manual labor, usually consisting of kitchen duty in preparation for the dinner service but may also be cleaning the dormitories or decorating the restaurant for a particular event. It may also take the form of "punishment fitting the crime," meaning preparing the same foodstuffs that were used in the challenge for a dinner service. This punishment sometimes includes a lunch consisting of less palatable parts of those foodstuffs, such as those of bovines.



Top Chef is an American reality competition show that airs on the cable television network Bravo, in which chefs compete against each other in culinary challenges. They are judged by a panel of professional chefs and other notables from the food and wine industry with one or more contestants eliminated in each episode.


In the Quickfire Challenge, each chef is asked to cook a dish with certain requirements (for example, using specific ingredients or to inspire a certain taste) or participate in a culinary-related challenge (for example, a mise en place relay or a taste test). They are usually given an hour or less to complete these tasks. A guest judge selects one or more chefs as the best in the challenge. Early in the season the winning chef(s) are granted immunity from the following Elimination Challenge. As the number of contestants dwindle no one receives immunity and instead the winner gets another "reward" (such as being team captain for a team challenge).

In the Elimination Challenge, the chefs have to prepare one or more dishes to meet the challenge requirements. Many of these are individual challenges and may require several courses, although some instances require teams to complete the challenge. Teams may be selected by the remaining contestants among themselves, but more often are selected by the random process of "drawing knives" from a butcher's block, with the team identification revealed on the blade of the knife. The chefs may have from a few hours to a few days to complete this challenge. Ingredients for Elimination Challenges are generally limited to what is present in the "Top Chef" pantry and what the chefs purchase at a food store, with a possibly limited budget. However, certain challenges may provide specific ingredients or limit the type or number of ingredients that can be used, while others require non-traditional methods of obtaining ingredients (such as asking people door-to-door). After shopping, the contestants will cook for four judges, usually including at least one guest judge. In most cases, the contestants cook for the four judges and a group of guests or customers (for example, the cowboys in Colorado). The judges and the guests sample the food and rate the individuals or teams.

come dine with me

Come Dine With Me is a Channel 4 television programme shown in the United Kingdom, first broadcast in January 2005. The show has either four or five amateur chefs competing against each other hosting a dinner party for the other contestants. Each competitor then rates the host's performance with the winner winning a £1,000 cash prize.

Each dining host will be rated or JUDGED by all the guest from 1 to 10.. whoever gets to be entertained with a perfect dinner party will of course gets a highest judgement and only one shall win..

I wonder if this is the same when the judgement day comes.. WE all know we are not made for this earth.. so when judgement comes when we die or if we get the chance to witness the second coming of Christ.. There's only one who gets to JUDGE you by the way you have lived your life on this earth... Jesus always remind us there is no way to get to the 'PRIZE' of having an eternal life but only THRU JESUS CHRIST..

However as far as my learnings about the GRACIOUS LOVE OF GOD.. Judgement is such a crucial word to use.. especially if you mention it to unbelievers.. they will tend to see GOD as a PUNISHER.. and not a LOVER OF YOUR SOUL.. So i need to rephrase it by saying..

JESUS DOESNT LOOK AT THE DINING PREPARATIONS AND ALL.. BUT IN YOUR HEART.. HE LOVES YOU BEFORE YOU LOOK AT HIM AND PREPARE YOURSELF FOR HIM.. HE ALREADY TREATED YOU FINELY WITH BLESSINGS, BEFORE YOU PREPARE A GIFT FOR HIM.. HE DIDNT COME ON THIS EARTH TO SEE HOW GOOD YOU ARE IN COOKING, BUT HE CAME BECAUSE YOU ARE A BAD COOK, BAD HOST AND A BAD SPEAKER.. HE CAME TO REDEEM AND CARRY OUT THE BURDENS OF ALL YOUR PREPARATIONS..

However, there is something that we should know... OUR RESPONSE... The series, come dine with me, also shows how bitterness of another person to see an enviousness, covetousness and jealousy once the contestants feels that another is BETTER than what he prepared..

NOTHING IN THIS WORLD SEEMS TO LAST LONGER.. or EVER BE SATISFYING TO US... so WHEN JESUS REDEEM US AND SAVED US FROM ALL THE BURDENS OF BEING A BAD HOST OF A PARTY (our lives), WE TEND TO LOOK AT OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES AND GET JEALOUS WHY HE GETS MORE PREPARATIONS THAN OURS.. ARGH.. WHY JESUS HAD MORE FOOD IN PLACED THAN WHAT I HAVE IN MY TABLE.. WHY JESUS HAD EVEN FLOWERS AND ALL THOSE SORTS PREPARED FOR HIM/HER THAN WHAT HE DID TO MINE.. OR WHY HE GIVES MORE TO ME THAN OTHERS.. ARGH.. such a real deceiver i guess.. however, thats easy to understand for me, because we are really sinners (bad cook for that matter).. this is WHY JESUS CAME FOR US BECAUSE GOD KNOWS WHAT WE NEED.. WE JUST NEED TO ACCEPT THAT WHAT WE HAVE ARE MERELY GIFTS THAT ARE INTENDED FOR US AND NOTHING ELSE.. CONTENTMENT IS THE REAL ANSWER AND IF WE TRULY AND DEEPLY HONOR GOD'S WILL IN OUR LIVES, WE WILL KNOW HOW TO ANSWER OUR SINFUL NATURE OF GREED, COVETOUSNESS, ENVIOUSNESS AND OTHERS..

It is only through the loving support of the HOLY SPIRIT that we can truly SEE JESUS' WAYS, TRUTHS AND LIFE.. oNLY through HIM you will then see the beauty of HIS DINING PREPARATIONS on your table..

let's look at the series and relate some more.. :-)

top 10 choices of reality tv show

10. Come dine with me
9. Hell's kitchen
8. Top chef
7. Big brother
6. Next top model
5. project runway
4. the apprentice
3. Survivor
2. Amazing race
1. Biggest loser

Each shows has it own drama episodes bec it speaks about personal emotions, aspirations and motivation to win the top prizes.. they say its scripted but i would still feel each person's drama..

I've watched and seriously followed most of their seasons..

So as I followed each persons struggle to win the top placer, I realized if I can relate this story to winning our greatest prize of all, eternal life w jesus christ..

Do you know why I worship God?

reality series for the month of NOVEMBER..

I've been a fan of TV SHOWS from love story to action thriller.. think i got this from my mom who, since i was young, was a fan of KNOTS LANDING, DYNASTY, even MURDER SHE WROTE series..

Nowadays, reality shows has been the in-thing amongst the tv shows that's ongoing either in my hometown manila philippines, or in england (where it all began started from the BIG BROTHER series), or in america (where most of the shows are being sold worldwide)..

For the month of NOVEMBER, i want to relate my being a faith discipler to my favorite reality shows.. It just popped into my mind because reality shows are really about LIFE, FRUSTRATIONS, ANGER, LOVE AND SUCCESS... and I thought that this will be a great topic to create a blog from these series..

oh i happened to find this image from google where the SHEEPS are watching BIG BROTHER.. amazing is it? maybe im being led to do this blog.. lol... so here it goes..

notes 2: power of choice

Below are my notes taken fr one of the sermon's I've seen on Godtv - a christian tv channel in england n most of the shows are dedicated to Jesus..

Pls Read as I share w u the bits n pieces of the notes coz it also opened my eyes abt having d power of choice..

Deuteronomy 30:19 the power of choice..

Blessing to choose.. Worship him out of our own freewill.. Freewill coincides w faith.. Choice is a gift fr god.. To choose is to accept or make up ur mind to make a decision. To commitment to one thing.. Volition.. Deciding of what u become.. Journey to succeed ur life uve got to make the right choice.. Choices shape ur future.. Choice mold ur character.. Show ur person. If u choose not to obey the word of god, it begins to mold ur character and ur future.. Ur choice is also one of ur assets.. Assets can be good or bad on ur life.. Any thing which lives in u, it takes ur power to choose. N when ur addicted to it, it takes ur power to choose.. Quality decision n quality choices that will resolve int he blessing my life, and to serve ur purpose in life.. Annointed decisions.. Misdirected u become when u get.. Lifestyle w god is a choice.. Choose life or death.. If ur journey is well u absolutely learn the value of choosing. Proverbs 8: 10 wise actions to led to prosperity.. Uve got power of choice started since the day u were born.. Begin to make a decision to follow the purpose of. God to ur life.. John 7:12 choose to do gods will or reject gods will.. Challenge.. Psalm 33:12

preaching d gospel everyday

The most important n valuable message of the bible is the gospel..

routines becoming 'significantly' ordinary fellowship

Just now I am listing down the plan n obejectives for my spiritual journey. I wanted it to be organized this time so I wouldn't missed any part of this beautiful journey. Since I started learning n understanding the bible n other books about. Jesus, I became inspired to learn about him deeper. So in between times n days when my husband is not with me, I have literally offered my time w him.. Then it became a regular thing so I organized my objectives n plan better.. D fasting that has developed to become a routine is now an ordinary thing..:-)

And so to plan n create my objective, I have listed on my journal the schedule of commitments which also pertains to my spiritual blessings.. Geez, I ddnt realize that every day, jesus has consumed all the days except saturday, here it goes to give u a picture;

Mondays - discipleship explored in cambray church at 1230pm to 130pm
Tuesdays - naomi house reading together the book of mark n later we want to read book together
Wednesdays - 4am england timings - my filipino discipleship group over the internet skype which is another hour n half

- (2x a month) 730pm to 10pm a homegroup bible study with my british discipleship group
Thursdays - again 4 am w d group online as a continuation
Fridays - 10 am to 1pm as a volunteer in cambray church administration
saturdays - free w rob
Sundays - cambray church service n ccf livestream online..

So beyond this commitments which also serving jesus, at home I read about jesus or videos about his glory.. But I realized how the time n days are consumed for jesus when my husband was not beside me..

I smiled! Smiled w tears in my heart because of so much joy.. I never imagined how jesus has tranformed me n has given me the desires of my heart.. how life can be without jesus in my heart, I don't think I can picture that anymore..

In between those schedule, my obejective really is to find time to read more on the historical background of the books in the Bible, like I'm really interested now on the culture n traditions during before christ.. Hmmm.. Thinking how jesus becomes my greatest encourager! D blessings he has shown are more than I could imagine.. Internet technology, inspirational books, educational background I've had, n more.. Truly he willinspire you to do the things that will please him.. Its only up to us if we will be too lazy to follow him.. But not to boast, jesus knows me n this blogspot has became an outrage to shout out my spirit n faith, which I couldn't just tell to anybody, they will think I'm weird! Even not all of these feelings I can share w rob.. But jesus knows how I still want to serve him.. I'm even waiting for an answred prayer from him about a ministry that I think he is leading me but I'd like to wait n be patient for more of his leadings.. However I'm ready when he gives me a go signal..


Praise u. Lord! That's it, consume me! Coz I belong to you n I offer my life to you alone! U know what is my heart n I praise you for working towards my desire to learn you more n how our relationship has grown to be special n closer.. The spiritual blessings are endless n I couldn't believe how this has become a part of me.. Not a duty or responsibility to achieved but I want to be with you evry single day n minute of my life.. Even thought its not enough time what I'm giving you.. You know that!

:-) m crying inside my heart because of so much joy than any material n precious worldliness can provide.. Truly you knew me in and out!!

I love you n I offer my every little second with you.. Now n forever until I see you face to face..

fr the article: Changes: God's Opportunity to Bless By Martha Noebel

i want to remind myself of this article so i wanna share it also with you..

WE all have changes in our lives. From day to day we need God to help us get through whatever may come our way. Some days we may be shouting, "Praise God!" while other times we may be crying out, "I need a miracle!" Whatever the day may bring, changes will come and we need to have a godly mindset in order to handle them.
I was in a chapel service recently, and I kept thinking about all the changes that were going on in my life. Between the daily challenges that my husband and I have in our home with raising two teenagers, the constant transitions with our jobs, and the world around us in general -- they all speak of changes.

As I thought about it, I felt God drop this "pearl" into my heart. It is the acronym for the word changes:

Christ
Has
A
New
Gift
Each
Second

Wow! We can look at each new day and even each second as an opportunity for God to bless us! Each moment contains a gift from God if we want to look for it. It can be in a smile from someone at work, an encouraging word from a friend, God's Word speaking to our hearts, or a pat on the back from our bosses. The list is endless. Let's not overlook the obvious ones like a promotion, good report cards from our children, a Sunday school child who calls us his or her hero, an unexpected financial blessing, a whole week without something breaking in the house, and good health.
In Malachi 3:6, God says, "For I am the Lord, I change not." Isn't that comforting? With all the changes, there is one thing that cannot change -- GOD. This includes His great love for us.
He also says in His Word,
"So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence" (Hebrews 6:18, The Book).
What has God promised you? He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you, no matter what.
"For the Lord will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance" (Psalm 94:14, KJV).
"...for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5, KJV).


So let the changes come. We will not walk in fear, but in faith! We will trust God with all the changes, and know that He is more than able to help us and that He even has plans to bless us.

Every second, if need be, we can find a blessing. Changes can be our friend. Let's look for God in them

Father God's love letter to all of us..

My Child ~

You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad, Almighty God

AMAZON.co.uk -- a cool provision

YEEEEYYYYYEHHHHEYYYYYYYYY YAHHHHUUUUUUUU :D today, i have just received the package from amazon.co.uk.. A TRUE GOD'S PROVISION in my spiritual journey, oh well, that is aside from the HOLY SCRIPTURE of course, the BIBLE..

In England's book shops, you will never find this kind of books. Go and check it then you will only find SPIRITUAL shelves (they ddnt even call it RELIGIOUS) and no BIBLE is being sold in their BOOKSTORE HERE.. so in SPIRITUAL side of the store, you will find HOROSCOPE, reading SPIRITS, ANGELS, GHOST STORIES, AND PSYCHIC books... sad and scary isnt it?

but praise GOD for the unlimited resources to fuel us up in spirit and joy in getting to know HIM better and living with the HOLY SPIRIT day and night.. there is AMAZON.CO.UK where you can buy books of your choices ONLINE and in just 3 days, its right at your door step, FREE DELIVERY and discounted compared to retail prices.. great GIFT isnt it? another COOL TECHNOLOGY PROVISION from JESUS... whew.. where can you find that kind of JOY?!!!

well in fact, reading has never been my passion...i would want to watch TV SERIES, REALITY SHOWS, MOVIES or outdoor activities, but never i'd be amaze and get interested sitting while reading a book...

truly, GOD's ways is amazing that when HE transforms you through HIS GRACE, HE will never stop leading you to whatever that pleases him.. HE IS EVEN THE ONE WHO IS ATTRACTING ME .. GETTING MY ATTENTION.. oh JESUS, I WILL HUMBLY SERVE YOU AND MY DEEPEST GRATITUDE for the blessings you have always been presenting to me and my husband.. so JESUS little own way of leadings to me is READING MORE ABOUT HIM.. I have been dedicating my life nowadays with READING this kinds of BOOKS and THE BIBLE..

BILL HYBEL'S TOO BUSY NOT TO PRAY and JERRY BRIDGES' DISCIPLINE OF GRACE, were just two of those inspirational books about my journey of FAITH that has encourage me to READ and guide my journey of faith along the way of this continuous service with the LORD.. BILL HYBEL's book has taught me the real essence of praying and taught me tremendously on how to make a GOOD CONVERSATION WITH JESUS.. and JERRY's DISCIPLINE OF GRACE is an amazing TRUTH about the GOSPEL which has given ANOTHER GREAT LEAP ON MY FAITH and how i can be true to JESUS. I will share you bits n pieces of JERRY's because it has made me MATURE in FAITH..

I NEVER KNEW HOW NERVE-WRACKING AND MIND-BLOWING READING IS.. never imagine reading could be a passion to me and never dream of reading ESPECIALLY IF ITS ABOUT JESUS.. ARGH!! i just cant put the right words to describe how i feel whenever i finish ONE BOOK.. which I NEVER IN MY 36 YEARS HAS NEVER FINISHED READING A BOOK..

thanks to my loving beautiful HUSBAND, ROB, who has been transformed too by his loving grace slowly and surely.. Jesus provision to our financials in order for me to keep buying the means and ways to get to know more about JESUS..

my deepese gratitude also to NAOMI, my accountability partner nowadays, a 21 year old pastoral assistant in our CHURCH... We both believe that we are being instrumented by GOD and praise HIM together as we share to read the book of MARK.. thanking her for a PRECIOUS ONE AN A HALF HOUR of JESUS' amazing stories and devotions of faith.. again, another PROVISION from JESUS who has never failed to amaze me..

will speak about each book as I finish reading all of it and will share with you the thoughts on my next blogs.. though I have shared the TOO BUSY NOT TO PRAY on my previous blogs..

TO YOU ALONE JESUS I SERVE AND WILL LOVE.. xx

the heart of the gospel

Reading this keeps me intact.. My face in jesus christ in view of the gospel..


Romans 3:19-26 (New International Version)

 19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

Righteousness Through Faith

 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,[a] through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus


We exalt you oh jesus.. Blessed be your name!

CALLED to SHARE HIS WORK IN MY LIFE

i am wondering if JESUS has pulled it off just for me to speak in front of the pastors, deacons and ministers, churchmates who are elders, young ones, married, believers n non-belieavers, and share my testimony on my faith and how GOD has led me to find Cambray Baptist Church. Well i think yes, because HE definitely knows what is in my heart.. He perfectly knows what would really make me feel happy and make his presence felt.. he knew that whenever I see people sharing their faith on stage or during sunday services, i always thought it must have been a privilege to share your own story about the works of GOD in your life.. not for my own pride and honor, but because not everyone are called and privileged to be on that stage and speak about GOD.. i thought that people who were called to testify and share gospels during a sunday service must have been annointed and tremendously BLESSED.. AND WONDERING since then, what it probably feels like.... :)

im just extremely honored and loving the thought that JESUS has answered an idea in my head (i have not even ask for this but JESUS has favoured the desire of my heart).. it is really an extreme privilege to serve HIM and be a witness to share HIS LOVE FOR ALL OF US..

praise you JESUS.. as I always asked you that i offer my physical body and mind for your glory and whatever plans you have established to honor you, then i am up for it.. thank you JESUS for showing me your HEART, how you are graciously and faithfully shining in my life.. even when i am undeserving that i always fall short of your glory, i am extremely humbled in your presence in my life.. i pray that you
will put the right words to say in order to send your message with our family in the church.. i am forever grateful that you have continuously supporting my struggle to focus on YOUR WILL and not my own will.. because of this, my FAITH has tremendously made a great LEAP since you started to call me.. my fear, shame, pain and more are all lifted up to you, as I am no longer the driver of my life coz i have surrendered all ive got to you... not only tonight, but also for forever, i will praise you and exalt your NAME, JESUS, as my loving savior.

i acknowledge your presence as i speak in front of your people.. i bow n knelt down in honor of your glory.. lift my hand to praise you for your amazing works in my life.. you've done so well, JESUS.. im so honored AND NO WORDS CAN EXPRESS MY DEEP GRATITUDE to you..

these are all for your glory.. forever and ever.. amen.. and amen..

You're Beautiful ~ Bob Carlisle

Down A Cold And Darkened Hallway
a Doctor Stood Alone,
with A Young And Frightened Father
who Knew Something Was Wrong
he Said, Son This Isn't Easy
but We Really Need To Talk.
so He Put His Arm Around Him
and They Began To Walk.

he Said Your Wife Is Finally Sleeping
she Just Needs To Be Alone Right Now.
and Your Baby, Well She's Healthy,
but There's Something You Should Know.
son, She's Slightly Less Than Perfect,
and There's Nothing We Could Do.
so Before You Go To See Her,
i Thought I'd Talk To You.

as The Young Man Held The Warm,
and Sleeping Bundle To His Chest,
he Saw The Imperfections,
and Although He Tried His Best,
he Couldn't Stop The Tears From Falling,
as He Held His Little Girl.
and In A Low And Trembling Voice,
he Gently Said These Words;

you're Beautiful In Every Way, So Beautiful.
how I've Waited For This Day.
if The World Was Offered To Me,
i Just Couldn't Make The Trade.
cause You're Beautiful

when I Think Of How I've Fallen,
and All The Times I've Tried,
to Hide My Imperfections,
from My Father's Eyes.
there's A Voice That Still Is Calling,
deep Inside Of Me.
and I Can Always Hear It
when I Get On My Knees.

you're Beautiful In Every Way, So Beautiful.
how I've Waited For This Day.
when The World Was Offered To Me,
i Just Couldn't Make The Trade.
cause You're Beautiful.
you'd Be Amazed At How Some Things Matter,
and Some Things Don't,
when You're Seen Through,
the Eyes Of God.
though We Try To Hide Our Darkness,
and Fill Our Dreams,
he Only Sees What's In Your Heart.

and You're Beautiful, In Every Way,
so Beautiful.
how I've Waited For This Day.
when The World Was Offered To Me,
i Just Couldn't Make The Trade.
cause You're Beautiful

i Know God Knows, You're Beautiful
you're Beautiful...
you're Beautiful...
you're Beautiful..



PRAISE YOU JESUS... I AM UNWORTHY OF YOUR GRACIOUS LOVE AND YET YOU CAN SEE ME AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOU ARE.. THANK YOU JESUS...

callings and leadings

John 6:44 (New International Version)
44"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.

The warrior is a child

i was reminded of this song after i finished the previous blog..

thank you JESUS.. im so in love with you.. thank you for bringing out the best in me.. The very best of praising you.. and serving you for your GLORY..

Lately I've been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I'm amazing
Strong beyond my years
But they don't see inside of me
I'm hiding all the tears
And they don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I'm amazing
Never face retreat
But they don't see the enemies

That lay me at His feet
And they don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
'Cause deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child
And they don't know that I go running home when I fall down
They don't know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and look up for a smile
'Cause deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
Deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child

let GOD speak to you

It's an honour to be able to speak to GOD. We dont have to go through a priest or a saint, or any other intermediary. We dont have to follow any prescribed rituals. We dont have to wait for an appointment. Anywhere, any time, under any circumstances, e can 'approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need' HEBREWS 4: 16

a praying WARRIOR in me

Jesus said, 'I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt... you can say to this mountain, "Go,throw yourself into the sea," and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.' (Matthew 21:21-22)

Everything, or all you can see and touch comes from GOD.. and what do you think about the one's you cannot feel and see...?? It also comes from GOD but in here, it is called sincere FAITH..

I strongly believe that our prayers will be answered by GOD. Our prayers are more than wishes, hopes, or feeble aspirations - but only if we pray with believing, faith-filled hearts. That is the kind of prayer that moves mountains.

I started to study the POWER OF PRAYERS by focusing on my 3 objectives:

1. to strengthen my faith in JESUS and his ways.

because it is only THROUGH JESUS that my FAITH yields. the FAITH that has transformed my life upside down and did wonders to my being. I could now understand the meaning of Jesus who lived on earth to show how it is his gracious love for us that he has sacrificed his life and died on the CROSS so that the assurance of FORGIVENESS shall be given to us in order to live an everlasting life with HIM..

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith int he Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man John 5:26,27

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth...." Matthew Matthew 28:18

Just like the Apostle Paul who has written in Galatians his desire to know more about JESUS so he will be equipped and capable to understand GOD's message on him.. At that time, when GOD called PAUL to spread the word of GOD, who is in fact a persecutor of CHRISTIANS, has not witness all the miracles of JESUS and his crucifixion on the cross. He has written in Galatians that he even went to ARABIA then jerusalem to meet up PETER and ended up meeting James instead, brother of Jesus, in order for him to learn more about JESUS. Not that he doesnt have faith, but he needs to understand the meaning of all GOD's calling so his faith will become even stronger.

This is an indication why me, as a young christian, would seek the TRUTH and learn it the way GOD wanted me to understand a FATHER. the BIBLE has given me so much thoughts that I am always eager to know, by GOD's grace, slowly Jesus has revealed himself to me.


2. to understand where the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT or to interpret GOD's leading or answers with my prayer.

As we know prayer is our means of communicating with GOD, this is a form of worship for me and the atmosphere will invite GOD's presence.. Just like you would like to speak physically to a normal person, you would like to invite his presence so you could have a great conversation with that person.

Of course, the most motivating factor in praying is ANSWERED PRAYERS. What drives me to my knees, and makes me want to pray more? its definitely ANSWERED PRAYERS. But then how do we know if this is an ANSWERED prayer.. what about the answers that are not directly answered like when you asked for a HOUSE and yet you know it was answered? If you are a christian probably you will understand the last statement. It is because as a christian, we are baptized by the HOLY SPIRIT.. and the HOLY SPIRIT leads us to GOD's glory which nobody can understand... (even the Pharisees as Jesus said in LUKE 7 couldnt understand his ways because they were not baptized by JOHN the baptist with the holy spirit)


the HOLY SPIRIT LEADING. The book of Pastor Bill also mentioned why is it important to be interested in the HOly Spirit's leadings in our lives? First, our eternal destiny is determinedy by how we respons to the leadings from GOD.

3. to understand unanswered prayers and the possible hindrances why GOD has not answered.

I borrowed this outline from the book of Pastor Bill once more coz I believe this is a good approach to understand your prayer request.. not prayer but our prayer request.

IF THE REQUEST IS WRONG, GOD SAYS ' NO'
IF THE TIMING IS WRONG, GOD SAYS ' SLOW DOWN'
IF YOU ARE WRONG, GOT SAYS, ' GROW'
BUT IF THE REQUEST IS RIGHT, THE TIMING IS RIGHT, AND YOU ARE RIGHT, GOD SAYS, ' GO!'

If I pray that GOD will give me a HOUSE in manila and yet, until this moment, I couldnt feel anything possibility of having that request granted. It

PRAY LIKE A MATURED CHILD

Prayer for me is a form of worship where I can pour my heart out to GOD with anything at the top of my mind.. Listed below the manner I used to pray and you might have done something similar:

* I used to pray LIKE A CHILD who havent started yet but i want to finish my prayer.. it was always very short.
* Prayer goes from one topic to another, which means my thoughts were disorganized.
* I used to pray before I sleep, or should I SAY, I used to pray when Im so nearly asleep, and yes, most of the time, I fell asleep while praying.
* I always forgot to pray
* I just thank GOD and pray for a loved ones I remember at that time..
* I dont call on to JESUS..

Until GOD slowly transformed me into where I am right now, and by HIS grace, I get the chance to read this book of Pastor BILL, "TOO BUSY NOT TO PRAY, Slowing down to be with GOD" which I've borrowed from a friend, and actually she's a pastoral assistant in our church, named NAOMI.

I've felt that the HOLY SPIRIT has started to ask me to learn the PROPER WAY OF PRAYING. But please do not get me wrong.. saying HELLO LORD and your thoughts to let Him guide you, maybe a form of PRAYER for you.. However as my walk with Jesus gets to be more intimate, I would want to speak to HIM better in a manner that I can get closer with HIM.. its my own choice on that bits..

When somebody was just introduced to you and he happens to be a very interesting person, you would want to know more about him through a better conversation with HIM right? Ask questions which are appropriate for you to get closer to that person. Until he reciprocates and would want you to get closer to HIM too.. and what if this somebody happens to be GOD.. would you want to say NO.. so I chose YES and HE reciprocated His DESIRE to know me too.. and it is through PRAYER that I get to invite HIM with an atmosphere that claim His presence.

SO this is what I've learned from the BOOK which might be helpful with your journey with the LORD or PERHAPS you already know about this, then I supposed you have truly made a great relationship with GOD.. it must have been an amazing life for you to be able to communicate with our LORD?!

Developing prayer fitness is like developing physical fitness: we need a pattern to avoid becoming imbalanced. Without a routine, we will probably fall into the 'PLEASE GOD' trap: 'Please GOD arrange this', 'Please GOD protect.' If I sound sarcatic, its because I know all about imbalanced prayer - Im a real pro in that department. And I can tell you from personal expereince where imbalanced prayer leads. Sensing the carelessness and one-sidedness of prayers, we begin to feel guilty about praying. Guilt leads to faintheartedness, and that in turn leads to prayerlessness.. When praying makes us feel guilty, we soon stop praying.

If that has happened to you, its high time to set up a prayer routine. It has been used for many years in Christian circles. Its balanced, and its easy to use. All you have to remember is the word ACTS, whose four letters stand for adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.

PATTER of PRAYER:

1. ADORATION. Adoration sets the tone for the entire prayer. It reminds us whom we are addressing, whose presence we have entered, whose attention we have gained. How often our problems and trials and needs seem so pressing that we reduce prayer to a wish list! But when we commit ourselves to beginning all our prayers with adoration, we have to slow down and focus our attenton ON GOD.

Adoration purifies the one who is praying. When we have spent a few minutes praise GOD for who he s, our spirit is softened and our agenda changes. Those burning issues we were dying to bring to GOD's attention may seem less crucial. Our sense of desperation subsides as we focus on God's greatness, and we can truly say, 'I am enjoying you, God; it is well with my soul.' Adoration purges our spirit and prepares us to listen to GOD.

And GOD is worthy of adoration. 1John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of GOD.

How to adore GOD... What better way than to list his attributes? Sometimes I think of every attribute I can. Other times I focus on one I have been especially aware of in recent days. When facing major decisions, I may concentrate on his guidance. When suffering from a felling of inadequacy or guilt, I may praise him for his mercy. When in need, I may worship him for his providence or power.

2. CONFESSION: naming our faults.

I've prayed well enough to praise him and guide me through my issues in life but never I have confessed my sins directly to him. I am guilty of sinning everyday and yet I neglect this part.

Confession is probably the most neglected area in personal prayer today. We often her people pray publicly, 'Lord, forgive us all our sins.' A lot of us carry that approach into our private prayer. We throw all our sins on to a pile without so much as looking at them, and we say,'GOD, please cover the whole dirty heap.'

I determined that in my prayers, I would deal with sin specifically. I would say, 'I told so and so I didnt when in fact, I did.' Or instead of admitting I had been less than the best wife I would say, 'Today I wilfully determined to be self-centered, uncaring and insensitive. Im not going to understand him tonight because I have my feelings too and I dont care anymore if I am going to hurt him or not.. @

As well as you are specific on your WISH LIST.. be specific on your SIN LIST.. so you will also learn from it and may not do it again.. But of course, the prayer teaches us that the GOOD news JESUS died for your sins can give you an assurance of forgiveness from JESUS but pray that you will be free from sinning.. What is the benefit of confession?

First, your conscience will be cleansed. 'i finally said it,' and you will think, 'im finally getting honest with GOD. Im not playing games any mro and it feels good.' Next, you will be flooded with relief that GOD has a forgiving nature. You will begin to learn the meaning of peace.

Also you will be free to PRAY that with the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, you can make a commitment to give up the sin and to live for GOD.. And that's when your life begins to show signs of change.

When you're totally honest with you sins, then some radical changes in your life will happen. As God goes to work on your sins, you begin to see Paul's words being fulfilled in your life; 'If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!' (2 CORINTHIANS 5:17)

3. THANKSGIVING: Expressing Gratitude

I thank GOD every day for four kinds of blessings: answered prayers, spiritual blessings, relational blessings and material blessings. Amost everything in my life fits into one of those categories. By the time I've gone through each category, I'm ready to go back to adoration for all GOD has done to me.

Luke 17:11-19, the story of ten men whom Jesus healed from leprosy. ONLY ONE MAN comes back to JESUS and thank HIM.. the others went to do it their way.

4. SUPPLICATION: Asking for HELP

The part where most of us would like to jump into.. the REQUEST.. Philippians 4:6 says, 'in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to GOD.' If you have adored him, confessed your sins and thanked him for all his good gifts, you're ready to tell him what you need.

Again, SPECIFIC request are important. Nothing is too big for GOD to handle or too small for him to be interested in. Still, I sometimes wonder if my requests are legitimate. So Im honest with GOD. I say,'Lord, I dont know if I have the right to ask for this. Idont know how I should pray about it. but I lift it to you, and if you tell me how to pray, I'll pray your way.'

GOD honours that kind of prayer, James say, 'If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask GOD, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him' JAMES 1:5.

Break up your request into whatever categories suit your purposes, and then keep a list of what you've prayed about. After about three weeks, go back and reread your list. Find out what GOD has already done. In many cases, you will be amazed.

From this book, I learned how to ask GOD about supplication. When I am so geared up to ask GOD to bless me with a child, after reading this book, I can now pray, 'Lord, I pray you guide us for the preparation of your gift of a child.. Prepare our thoughts and heart for a wonderful gift from you that will also show how my husband and i love one another.. however If the time isnt right yet, if Im not ready to receive it yet, no problem. Your ways are higher than my ways, and your thoughts than my thoughts. If you have different plan, we'll go your way. Teach us to understand your way.'


When I pray, I'm not just telling GOD my problems. I'm turning my biggest concerns over to him. Once I've put them in his capable hands, I can go about my day in strength, free from crushing concerns.

WELL DONE! Let us experiment iwth the ACTS routine. Adapt the categories to fit your situation, but be sure to include each category each time you pray. Experience the blessings of balance.

AND SEE WHAT GOD DOES IN YOUR LIFE..




NOW I AM STILL PRAYING LIKE A CHILD BECAUSE I PRAY TO OUR FATHER.. A FATHER WHO NEVER BLAMES AND TAKES YOUR REQUEST FOR GRANTED.. I WILL ALWAYS BE A CHILD OF GOD.

NOW I CAN SAY IM PRAYING LIKE A MATURED CHILD.. READY TO SPEAK, READY TO LISTEN, READY TO LOVE, READY TO SURRENDER BUT ALWAYS ALWAYS CRY OUT TO MY FATHER AND ASK FOR HIS TENDER HUG..

BECAUSE I'M STILL A CHILD WHO WILL ALWAYS NEED A FATHER WHO UNCONDTIONAL LOVES.. A FATHER WHO HOLDS MY HAND TO GUIDE ME ON MY JOURNEY.

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!!