tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64096316472193794022024-03-06T01:25:30.842-08:00Heart of the King's DaughterHeart of the King's DaughterRizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-66298051794987783222022-02-17T16:38:00.004-08:002022-02-17T16:38:22.494-08:00Truth Takeaways of 1 John 1<div align="”left”">Last night's family devotion was such a big improvement. E and F were more participative. In fact, they were the ones who shared their thoughts more and my husband and I.</div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”">Before we started our devotion, I wrote down some truths that were mentioned in 1 John 1, the chapter that we discussed on our first night. I thought, I can read it to everyone for a refresher of what we learned the night before. Instead of me just reading it, it became a conversation. Our girls shared what they thought of those truths. Both of them were kind of competing who goes first in sharing. My heart was full. We spent more that fifteen minutes talking and reading the chapter and Psalm for the day,</div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”">Right after our session, E told me that she felt like she's close to God again. It was like when she went to a three day church youth camp where she experienced and filled the presence and love of God. My heart is elated. She had been depressed lately, told her Dad one night with tears running down that she felt empty. I am so grateful that I listened and obeyed the Holy Spirit when He prompted me to this family Bible devotion. I already see the impact of it on her countenance.</div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”">Listed are the truths we gathered from the chapter (NLT):</div><div align="”left”"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jesus is the Word of life</li><li>Jesus is life itself</li><li>Jesus is eternal life</li><li>God is Light, there is no darkness in Him</li><li>We don't practice the truth if we continue living in spiritual darkness</li><li>The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin</li><li>Jesus is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanses us from it when we confess our sins to Him</li><li>We call God a liar if we clain we have not sinned</li></ul><div><br /></div></div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-18857784152830092082022-02-16T08:19:00.000-08:002022-02-16T08:19:20.660-08:00Family Devotion: New Beginning<div align="”left”"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_gW8DxcdMic4PKESNiM7vaviQHkZT8E-jUZwgK043F4JbW9gWekQVecoRxQG1zN-GhifqWzNO0YP7t7RDsZrGZn_xmota4SL9ry75oC3UVGuvphFn6DGQqtOU_22t__P3fd8avYRv_6IvlDulUm_P_aZvpy-0UzAQtbU5QT-iCLblDmV2O1Xu20pjow=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_gW8DxcdMic4PKESNiM7vaviQHkZT8E-jUZwgK043F4JbW9gWekQVecoRxQG1zN-GhifqWzNO0YP7t7RDsZrGZn_xmota4SL9ry75oC3UVGuvphFn6DGQqtOU_22t__P3fd8avYRv_6IvlDulUm_P_aZvpy-0UzAQtbU5QT-iCLblDmV2O1Xu20pjow=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div align="”left”"><i>"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires."</i></div><div align="”left”"><b>Hebrews 4:12</b></div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”"><i>“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."</i></div><div align="”left”"><b>Deuteronomy 6:49</b></div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”">These were the verses that occupied my mind while I was sitting by the dining table yesterday morning. All of a sudden, there was a sense of rush in my heart. It was a command. It was propulsive. It was a strong urging that tells me, "We need to do it." I saw a vision of me, my husband and the girls coming together for a family Bible devotion. I knew it was God. </div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”">Last night was the beginning of our spiritual journey as a family. We agreed to gather from Monday through Friday at 8 in the evening for 15 minutes. We don't know how to formally do it but Ryan and I decided that a parent and child will read a chapter, and the other parent and child will end the session by reading a Psalm. I handed them paper and pen to take notes as the person reads the passage so we can discuss about it after the reading. I decided for us to start the First Book of the Apostle John. I think it's because his books talks more about who God is as the absolute representation of love.</div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”">Ryan and F took turns reading the first chapter. When it came to the discussion part, it was mostly just Ryan and I sharing our thoughts on passages that we want to talk about. F got emotional in the middle of the discussion and handed me a note. She's going through something inside that made her heart felt heavy. I later talked to her more about what she felt in the bedroom and we included God in between the conversation. E was a little dismissive. She didn't have anything to say or want to clarify or talk about. And that is okay. We will get there as we progress. What's important is we impressed the Word of God in their (and our) hearts tonight. As what God says in <b>Isaiah 55:10-12:</b><br /><div align="”left”">“<i>My word is like the snow and the rain that come down from the sky to water the earth. They make the crops grow and provide seed for planting and food to eat. <b><u>So also will be the word that I speak— it will not fail to do what I plan for it; it will do everything I send it to do</u></b>. You will leave Babylon with joy; you will be led out of the city in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into singing, and the trees will shout for joy."</i></div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”">I believe without a doubt that the seed we planted in our girls' mind and hearts last night goes to work and will accomplish it's purpose. God is Good. All the time.</div></div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-19358741269975367032021-06-14T00:02:00.001-07:002021-06-14T00:02:12.012-07:00"Are you okay?""Are you okay?" She asked me that question as her eyes met mine, my arms around her, her arms around mine. I nodded. But she knew my nod didn't mean yes as the answer to her question.<div><br /></div><div>I gazed my eyes back on the screen as the worship team continued the song, leading the congregation to praise Him.</div><div><br /></div><div>She knew for sure I wasn't okay. I was not the usual mom she sees at church during worship. My body was not dancing with the music. I didn't open my mouth to sing. I didn't raise my hands to praise. I stood beside her like a statue.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wasn't okay, and it's okay. I got to church with this raging feeling inside. Several minutes before that, I was at home, mad. Little things ticked me. I snapped at the girls. My husband too. Usually, I manage to resolve these kind of feelings on our way to church. But today, I decided to be stubborn. I decided to feed those feelings.</div><div><br /></div><div>While the worship started, I just stood there for minutes. I sulked. I was throwing tantrums inside me. I was like in a "terrible-twos" kind of outburst, but in a silent way. I tried to read the lyrics of the song. Some words penetrated my disordered heart. Some spilled to nothingness.</div><div><br /></div><div>But... God.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite my messy thoughts and stormy emotions, I anchored myself to one truth. My Father loves me despite of my fit. I hear Him say, "It's okay." And He's right there, patiently waiting for me to run to Him whenever I am ready. He's right there, arms ready to receive me. In situations like this, I sometimes think of how spoiled I am because the God of the universe waits for me. He understands me. He doesn't demand to pull myself together right there and then. He waits. He never leaves. That is probably the reason why sometimes, I just allow myself to wallow in my emotions and feel the outburst like a child who didn't get what she wants. All because I know deep inside, that to my Father, it's okay to feel that way. That doesn't change His love for me anyway. That's how secure I am.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am loved no matter what.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-42586859809066510442021-03-24T10:15:00.001-07:002021-06-14T00:03:37.270-07:00"Martha, Martha..."<div align="”left”"><i>"Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." </i></div><div align="”left”"><b>Luke 10:41-42</b></div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”">"Riza, Riza, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." </div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”">I can hear Jesus telling me these words, only when I actually take a pause and listen. Many times, I am deaf of these words from Him. My deafness is caused by the worries and troubles about many things. I often do this during my Bible time in the morning. Most oftent than not, I hurry my time with the Lord. A quarter of my brain is with him, three quarters are on the things I need to do for the day. I call it "my time with the Lord." The reality is, it isn't. Oftentimes, I don't even recognize that I am doing it. It's because my mind is full of worries and troubles of this world. Just like Martha when she got upset that her sister Mary didn't help her prepare food to serve Jesus.</div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”">Unlike Martha, I do not have Mary with me to get upset of. Part of myself is actually the "Mary" who wants to spend time with the Word of the Lord. Yet, the Martha side of me is dominant.</div><div align="”left”"><br /></div><div align="”left”">"Help me Jesus in times the Martha in me nags to hurry my time with you. Help the Mary in me to overcome the other side so that my soul is satisfied after each time I spend with you."</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-68598736986558695062020-10-30T21:17:00.008-07:002020-10-30T21:23:19.638-07:00Lost: Adventure with My Daughter, Evie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwvLivJ_g06B9DS2hVlUltDdozJGjiSbz9R9efyrxowYVS5fGDQrBI8GI2YhZK2bSuyVXD6DUBwehlVQOK42qTyfwL6HFagRooEXF-VGrTTbak6vkMDDiW9rbZsD14ZKXvkpwEAQedxhY/s4197/20201030_211535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2660" data-original-width="4197" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwvLivJ_g06B9DS2hVlUltDdozJGjiSbz9R9efyrxowYVS5fGDQrBI8GI2YhZK2bSuyVXD6DUBwehlVQOK42qTyfwL6HFagRooEXF-VGrTTbak6vkMDDiW9rbZsD14ZKXvkpwEAQedxhY/w640-h406/20201030_211535.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;">I won't let this day pass without putting this experience on the record. I do not want this forgotten. It's one of the memories that I (or my daughter) will look one day to laugh, and tell ourselves, "we didn't give up!"</div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;">My 6th grader was invited to her best friend's birthday party today. The schedule is not a typical party time. It's between 5 to 7 PM. Her Dad has a scheduled online meeting with his friends, therefore, I will be the one to drive her to and fro.</div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;">I do not drive very often. Most of all, I haven't driven to a place where I am not familiar with. Well, the venue where the party will be is totally not familiar. But I have Google maps which gives me instruction as I drive, so there's nothing to worry about. I am very confident about it. Plus, I get to prove that I can take her to places by myself.</div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;">Well, I was totally wrong. The GPS brought us to the wrong address. We circled and circled in the place. It took us to nowhere. I started to get upset. I felt bad for her. I called her friend's Mom, but her instruction didn't help at all. We tried several ways to get to the destination, but failed. She started to get upset and started to whimper. She begged to just go home. But I didn't want to do that. I wanted to take her where she should be in those hours. After a few tries, we came into an agreement that if we don't find the place again, we will just go home. But deep inside me I didn't want to give up. I kept calling heaven for help. She took care of the phone and gave me instructions on where to go. The GPS took us to the same place again. I called her Dad and told him what happened. He asked us about the address. And well, we totally messed up. Apparently I didn't specify the word "court" after the number and the street name. So, the GPS took us by default to a "drive" instead of court. Most streets in our valley use "drive" instead of "street," "lane," "circle," etc. I was clueless that these names matter a lot when asking a GPS to locate the place for direction.</div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;">Even though we decided to just go home, Evie changed the wordings on the phone, thus showing her the correct direction. On our way out, I stopped by the corner, and one good Samaritan noticed us just circling around, so he asked. Well, we were totally in the wrong place, the reason we couldn't find it. He gave us an instruction which actually matched the new info that Evie entered on the phone. We headed our way and in 3 minutes was parked right in front of her friend's house. She has an hour and seven minutes late. Yup. It was already dark. I felt bad for her and at the same time happy that despite our misadventures, we made it together. I took it as a beautiful, learning experience for the both of us together. I saw how and what we will be when we are bombarded by surprises. I am very proud of her. Even though there was a point she lost her hope, she didn't give up in the end.</div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;">We just laughed what happened after we picked her up. When she and I got out of the car, she asked for a hug. Then she told me that what we went through is just like something that happens on Amazing Race. LOL. I thought of the same thing on my way home from dropping her off. Talk about mother and daughter thinking alike (and yes, Dada drove me and Fifi to pick her up). </div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;">Today is a beautiful day. Today is totally a different day. Today is something to celebrate with wonderful memories that we get to talk about in the future.</div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div align="”left”" style="text-align: justify;">My Abba, Father, my Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit, all His angels were there all the time to help us out. It's another evidence of how He takes care and protects us all the time.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-8605170394156328012020-08-08T22:31:00.006-07:002020-08-08T22:31:50.025-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 40: Mission<div align=""><i>"I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." The the righteous will answer Jesus saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and we feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, and naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick and in prison and visit you?" And the King will answer them, "Truly I say to you, as you did to the one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.-" Matthew 25:30-40</i></div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jesus takes what you do and don't do for others personally. What does that mean to you? How does it motivate you?</li></ul>I need to be reminded of this. At the same time, if my humanness fails me, I need not feel guilty or condemn because of all the things, that is not what Jesus wants me to feel. I will make it better each time to do the mission that He purposed me to do.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Who comes to mind when you read Matthew 25:35-40? What is the Holy Spirit leading you to do?</li></ul>Those who do not know who really Jesus is and how loved they are by Him. Share the good news whenever I can.</div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Our mission is clear, but we're easily distracted. What in your life, your relationsjips, your priorities, your perspective needs to change in order for you to be more active in Christ's mission? </li></ul>Eliminate some distractions.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-75674014493108414002020-08-07T20:59:00.005-07:002020-08-07T20:59:27.117-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 39: Wellspring<div align="">[Jesus] came to a town of Samaria called Sychar... Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as He was from His journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."... [But she] said to Him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, "Give me a drink," you would have asked Him, and He would have given you the living water.-" John 4:5-10</div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What kind of statement was Jesus making by choosing to announce Himself to an outcast who was both a Samaritan and a woman?</li></ul>He is saying that not everyone treats the woman like she was treated, that He's different.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How was Jesus different than every other person she'd come across? How was she expecting to be treated by Him?</li></ul><div>She expected to be treated with silence or talked with harsh words. She expected for Jesus to stay away from her.</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>After she realized Jesus was the Messiah, she spread the word. How can you do the same?</li></ul>Share the good news to the people around me.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-56355807147245635322020-08-06T17:58:00.004-07:002020-08-06T17:58:35.226-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 38: Wolves<div align="">"Watch out for the false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.-" Matthew 7:15</div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jesus said, "By their fruit, you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:16 NIV). What does that mean?</li></ul>To me it means that wolves in churches are recognized by the kind of congregation they produced. Is it a congregation that shows and follow the commandment of Jesus which is to love one another. Is it a congregation that shares the good news to those around them? Is it a congregation that doesn't condemn and judge someone?<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How can you improve your wolf-spotting skills?</li></ul>What fruit they produce.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What measures can you take to guard your heart and mind and loved ones from wolves?</li></ul>Pray for wisdom and discernment. Be vigilant of what is going on around my church.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-91759818910573025942020-08-05T12:15:00.002-07:002020-08-05T12:15:27.064-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 37: Create<div align="">For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:10</div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Describe a meaningful work you've been a part of.</li></ul>Church's children ministry.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What did you learn about God through the process?</li></ul>I've learned to love kids who are not my own, to work in harmony alongside other volunteers for the family that we served.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What unique opportunities can you create to further the kingdom?</li></ul>Open conversations. Know the story of one person, and when the door of opportunity opens to share the Good News, share it.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-23897909738104930152020-08-04T13:33:00.003-07:002020-08-04T13:33:15.594-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day : Set Free, Part 2<div align="">She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, "If I touch even His garments, I will be made well." And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in Himself that power had gone out from Him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my garments?" And His disciples said to Him, "You see crowd pressing around You, and yet You say, "Who touched me?" And He looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.-" Mark 5:27-34</div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What are you willing to risk to get to Jesus?</li></ul>Everything.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Describe a time when you felt desperate to be in His presence. What did you do?</li></ul>When I am selfish and hurt the people I love. I ask Him to help me.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How has Jesus restored the parts of your life that satan has tried to use to destroy you?</li></ul>He help me understand and get to know Him more, who He is and what I am to Him.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-48961599881560417912020-08-03T20:05:00.003-07:002020-08-03T20:05:31.457-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 35: Set Free, Part 1<div align=""><i>Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your disability." And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight and she glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day." Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the manger and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day.-" Luke 13:10-16</i></div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What's a name you would want Jesus to give you?</li></ul>The girl Jesus deeply and jealously loves.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If Jesus showed up at your church and called you to Himself, what would He want to set you free from?</li></ul>Free from fear for the safety and health of my love ones.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What are some steps you can start taking to be freed from whatever vice has held you in bondage?</li></ul>Soak in His truth and grace. Perfect love drives out all fear. Jesus is the only one who can give perfect love. If I continue to abide in that truth, fear goes away.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-64559348396936728942020-08-03T16:59:00.003-07:002020-08-03T16:59:19.378-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 34: Precious <div align="">People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.-" Mark 10:13-14</div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What are some of the restrictions you've placed on your relationship with Jesus? What hinders you from communing with Him more closely?</li></ul><div>I cannot think of any restrictions. I believe that I can approach Him whenever I want. What hinders me are distractions.</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Read Isaiah 43:1-4, Luke 12:6-7 and Romans 5:6-8. According to His Word, what does God see when He looks at you?</li></ul><div>God sees me as His beloved child, so very precious to His heart and mind.</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What are some new habits and thought patterns you need to develop in order to approach God in a more precious, faith-like-a-child way?</li></ul><div>I need to remind myself always that no matter what am loved by my Father God. No mistake, no sin can take His love away from me.</div></div><div align=""><br /></div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-9507462511835750382020-07-31T10:48:00.006-07:002020-07-31T10:48:57.160-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 33: Perceive<div align="">"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness. -" Matthew 6:22-23</div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Describe when you first realized you could see and perceive clearly.</li></ul>It's the time where I didn't hold bitterness inside me anymore. The guilt and condemnation of the sins I did are gone.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How have your healthy eyes affected your whole body? In other words, how has your healthy perception of Christ affected your life in general?</li></ul>My relationship (any kind) are so much better. I treat myself well instead of beating myself. My physical health has been tremendously affected.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In what circumstance have you rejected the "ranger's flashlight," and what can you do to ensure that happens less frequently?</li></ul>Some instances are in the financial and health/healing aspects. Every lesson is learned.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-23026552561469871272020-07-30T09:13:00.001-07:002020-07-30T09:13:32.946-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 32: Believe<div align="">For God so love the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16</div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It is sometimes difficult for you to believe the new covenant has replaced the old? Or do you still sometimes think following rules is more important?</li></ul>By the grace of God, I do not have difficulty believing that a new covenant has replaced the new. When one knows how loved he is by the Father, doubts melt. My obedience is not because I think it's importance to follow the rule, but because the goodness of God towards me makes me do so.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In what ways can you identify with Nicodemus?</li></ul>Like Nicodemus, there were times in my life where I had a hard time understanding the essence of the Gospel. But thanks to anointed preachers who explained it well that helped me understand the simple, yet profound meaning of it.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Describe the moment you knew there was a choice about Jesus to be made.</li></ul></div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-4611234800930631492020-07-29T16:43:00.000-07:002020-07-29T16:43:30.999-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 31: Power<div align="">[Christ is] far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. - Ephesians 1:21</div><div align=""><br /></div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Write down a time when you felt better than someone else because of your religious status or choices, or their lack thereof.</li></ul>I remember talking to a friend and telling her I felt bad for those who really don't know Jesus personally, because me who has a personal relationship (as I thought) with Him, goes through rough times, how much more those who don't? How do they deal with trials? I was too arrogant on that.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What's a rule of lifestyle choice you've stressed as important, perhaps at the expense of a more direct or pure connection with Jesus?</li></ul>My personal relationship with God is the most important of all. I know deep inside me that if I disconnect myself from Him, I am a total mess.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We rarely have to risk a lot to follow Jesus. But what are some things you'd have a hard time risking to follow Jesus?</li></ul>Rejection. I have a hard time opening up a conversation about Jesus to people who I know don't believe in Him or those who do not have personal relationship with Him. I fear that the relationship gets broken.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-22403210305057989122020-07-29T16:28:00.000-07:002020-07-29T16:28:14.239-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 30: Light<div align="">"Whoever believes in [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already because, he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.-" John 3:18-19</div><div align=""><br /></div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What have you risk to follow Jesus, and what price have you paid?</li></ul>My selfless self. Following Jesus is a choice to deny my selfishness and the calls of my flesh.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In what ways is Christ like light? In what ways are people asleep?</li></ul>Anything we do that we feel ashamed of are the ways that make as asleep. When we accept and let Jesus enter into our lives, His light shines in those dark areas and gives us freedom from those bondage.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What in your life and heart are still keeping in the dark, away from the sifting, transforming light of Jesus?</li></ul><br /></div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-62537098648122969262020-07-27T10:33:00.000-07:002020-07-27T10:33:48.262-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 29: Presence, Part 2<div align="">"In the days of Abiathar the high priest, [David] entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." Then [Jesus] said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.-" Mark 2:25-28</div><div align=""><br /></div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What do you prioritize over spending time in God's presence?</li></ul>Distractions. Chores. Unimportant things.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In what area of your life are you rejecting Christ's Lordship?</li></ul>In many areas. When I don't ask His intervention on things, that means I am rejecting His Lordship.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What is your favorite thing about spending time with God, and what do you need to change to be able to spend more time with Him?</li></ul>Deep joy and peace inside that the world cannot give. The sense of overwhelming love from the Father who loves me so much. </div><div align=""><br /></div><div align="">Being mindful and intentional of my time spending with Him.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-62009921897336762562020-07-26T09:04:00.003-07:002020-07-26T09:04:36.411-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 28: Presence, Part 1<div align=""><i>One Sabbath, [Jesus] was going through the grain fields, and as they made their way, His disciples began to pluck heads of grain. And the Pharisees were saying to Him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful [to do] on the Sabbath?-" Mark 2:23-24</i></div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>With all its pomp and circumstance, do you find talk of the tabernacle interesting or boring, and why?</li></ul><div>The talk of the tabernacle is interesting to me. Why? Because everything inside, every item placed, every corner where they are specifically placed have meaning and reasons which depicts the work of Jesus on the Cross.</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Imagine the room where God's presence dwelt. Imagine approaching the cloud or pillar of fire. How would standing in His presence, in that warm and quiet place affect the way you view the requirements of the Law?</li></ul>That would be very scary if I based the requirements of the Law as I entered into His presence. Obviously I don't pass the requirements and that means death.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Now imagine walking with Jesus. Imagine the unrestricted access, the casual conversation, and the warmth of His personality. That's all... just imagine.</li></ul>*Overwhelms my heart*</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-9153362904237367422020-07-25T22:09:00.000-07:002020-07-25T22:09:30.500-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 27: Poor<div align="">The people all tried to touch Him, because power was coming from Him and healing them all. Looking at His disciples, He said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.-" Luke 6:19-20</div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Put yourself in the disciples' shoes. Would it be difficult for you to minister to the desperate crowds? Why or why not?</li></ul>No it wouldn't because they are the ones who were humble enough to ask for God's help.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Is there someone you know who fits the "poor in spirit" category especially well? What attributes come to mind?<br /><br /></li><li>What are ways you can pursue being "poor in spirit?</li></ul>Reminding myself that there is no one who can help me perfectly, but Jesus in anything.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-62195303855109540922020-07-24T11:34:00.002-07:002020-07-25T21:55:25.681-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 26: Blind Eye<div align=""><i>On another Sabbath, [Jesus] entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and the Pharisees watched [Jesus], to see whether He would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse Him. - Luke 6:6-7</i></div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Obviously we can't respond to every need, but think of a time you have but didn't. Why did you turn away? How would you handle it now if you got a second chance?</li></ul><div align="">It was for a family member. I did't provide their need because I felt like they're taking advantage of me by asking so many times. I felt like they're not doing what they can to provide for their family because I was there, willing to help. So I stopped.</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Why did Jesus respond to needy people the way He did? What do you think He saw when He looked at them?</li></ul>Jesus knew their need. Jesus was moved. Jesus was compassionate. He still is. All of my needs.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>List some ways you could react to obvious need in the future, in addition to giving money. That answer is too easy.</li></ul>I will weigh things and see if it is really an obvious need instead of "just because I can provide." I need discernment on things like this. Giving to obvious needs to people I do not know is actually much easier for me to do than to family members. I don't know why.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-79096604965412183312020-07-23T21:52:00.001-07:002020-07-23T21:52:29.272-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 25: Rise<div align="">When [Jesus] returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And He was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to Him the paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven.-" Mark 2:1-5</div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In order to take such extreme measures, what must the four men carrying their friend have believed about Jesus?</li></ul>They most probably witnessed the healing works of Jesus to sick people. Because they saw it with their own eyes, the believed and didn't waste time to take their paralytic friend to Jesus for healing.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What keeps you from pursuing Jesus with that kind of passion?</li></ul><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you struggle to value spiritual growth over material, list three to five reasons spiritual growth matters the more.</li></ul><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Spiritual growth keeps my feet grounded.</li><li>Spiritual growth keeps me dependent on God.</li><li>Spiritual growth gives me the peace that this world cannot.</li><li>Spiritual growth keeps me kingdom focused.</li><li>Spiritual growth reminds me that I am nothing and cannot do anything good without Jesus.</li></ol></div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-35454265061272073052020-07-22T21:36:00.000-07:002020-07-22T21:36:43.813-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 24: Clean<div align="">While He was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.-" Luke 5:12</div><div align=""><br /></div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What part of your soul needs Jesus' healing touch?</li></ul><div>My selfish flesh needs Jesus' healing touch, always. It's so easy to listen to the flesh and forget to ask Jesus to help you with it.</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What's holding you back from the kind of bold faith the leper had?</li></ul>As far as I know, I asked Jesus big things to happen. I don't remember if there is anything I want that I didn't ask.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How can you connect with people in your life who aren't part of the "in" crowd, as Jesus did?</li></ul></div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-91945068026969774742020-07-21T10:16:00.001-07:002020-07-21T10:16:41.131-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 23: Relationship<div align=""><i>Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs that He was doing. But Jesus on His part did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man; for He Himself knew what was in man. - John 2:23-25</i></div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Can you think of a time in your relationship with Jesus lagged? Is it now?</li></ul>A lot of times. It's all because of distractions that are surrounding me.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What miraculous changes has Jesus made in your heart since you started following Him?</li></ul>My dependence on Him is the most miraculous thing that happens. I realized I cannot do anything good and I am nothing without Him.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Moving forward, how can you embrace heart changes over physical ones?</li></ul><br /></div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-66699341502831095252020-07-20T11:08:00.000-07:002020-07-20T11:08:55.404-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 22: All 'Y'All<div align=""><i>And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:30-32</i><br /></div><div align=""><br /></div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What are the areas of your life where you need a "physician?"<br /></li></ul>In my relationship with people, myself.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>When have you been guilty of the Pharisees' judgment here?</li></ul>When I am bias with my opinion/view on things.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Who do you know who wouldn't be considered "healthy" by church leaders, and how can you treat them as Jesus treated the "sick?"</li></ul>The obvious social outcasts are viewed by Pharisee-like-mentality preachers. Pass no judgment to people. We all sin. Big or small, sin is sin.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6409631647219379402.post-17701867580545385822020-07-20T10:55:00.000-07:002020-07-20T10:55:07.139-07:00The Chosen Devotional Day 21: Useful<div align=""><i>Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. - 2 Timothy 2:21</i></div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In what ways do you tend to focus more on what you can do than on the one whose Spirit you contain?</li></ul>In a lot of ways. As a human being, I listen more often to the flesh than the Holy Spirit. It's an area of my life I need help the most.</div><div align=""><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Can you think of anyone you value more because of what they do than who they are in Christ?</li></ul><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>How can you make yourself more available?</li></ul>Through intentional living. It's a habit that needs to be developed.</div>Rizahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15247960229557859776noreply@blogger.com0