The Chosen Devotional Day 40: Mission

"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

• Jesus takes what you do and don't do for others personally. What does that mean to you? How does it motivate you?

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.

• Who comes to mind when you read Matthew 25:35-40? What is the Holy Spirit leading you to do?

Those who do not know who really Jesus is and how loved they are by Him. Share the good news whenever  I can.

• 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? 

Eliminate some distractions.

The Chosen Devotional Day 39: Wellspring

[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

• What kind of statement was Jesus making by choosing to announce Himself to an outcast who was both a Samaritan and a woman?

He is saying that not everyone treats the woman like she was treated, that He's different.

• How was Jesus different than every other person she'd come across? How was she expecting to be treated by Him?

She expected to be treated with silence or talked with harsh words. She expected for Jesus to stay away from her.

• After she realized Jesus was the Messiah, she spread the word. How can you do the same?

Share the good news to the people around me.

The Chosen Devotional Day 38: Wolves

"Watch out for the false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.-" Matthew 7:15

• Jesus said, "By their fruit, you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:16 NIV). What does that mean?

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?

• How can you improve your wolf-spotting skills?

What fruit they produce.

• What measures can you take to guard your heart and mind and loved ones from wolves?

Pray for wisdom and discernment. Be vigilant of what is going on around my church.

The Chosen Devotional Day 37: Create

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

• Describe a meaningful work you've been a part of.

Church's children ministry.

• What did you learn about God through the process?

I've learned to love kids who are not my own, to work in harmony alongside other volunteers for the family that we served.

• What unique opportunities can you create to further the kingdom?

Open conversations. Know the story of one person, and when the door of opportunity opens to share the Good News, share it.

The Chosen Devotional Day : Set Free, Part 2

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

• What are you willing to risk to get to Jesus?

Everything.

• Describe a time when you felt desperate to be in His presence. What did you do?

When I am selfish and hurt the people I love. I ask Him to help me.

• How has Jesus restored the parts of your life that satan has tried to use to destroy you?

He help me understand and get to know Him more, who He is and what I am to Him.

The Chosen Devotional Day 35: Set Free, Part 1

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

• What's a name you would want Jesus to give you?

The girl Jesus deeply and jealously loves.

• If Jesus showed up at your church and called you to Himself, what would He want to set you free from?

Free from fear for the safety and health of my love ones.

• What are some steps you can start taking to be freed from whatever vice has held you in bondage?

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.

The Chosen Devotional Day 34: Precious

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

• What are some of the restrictions you've placed on your relationship with Jesus? What hinders you from  communing with Him more closely?

I cannot think of any restrictions. I believe that I can approach Him whenever I want. What hinders me are distractions.

• 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?

God sees me as His beloved child, so very precious to His heart and mind.

• 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?

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.

The Chosen Devotional Day 33: Perceive

"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

• Describe when you first realized you could see and perceive clearly.

It's the time where I didn't hold bitterness inside me anymore. The guilt and condemnation of the sins I did are gone.

• How have your healthy eyes affected your whole body? In other words, how has your healthy perception of Christ affected your life in general?

My relationship (any kind) are so much better. I treat myself well instead of beating myself. My physical health has been tremendously affected.

• In what circumstance have you rejected the "ranger's flashlight," and what can you do to ensure that happens less frequently?

Some instances are in the financial and health/healing aspects. Every lesson is learned.

The Chosen Devotional Day 32: Believe

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

• 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?

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.

• In what ways can you identify with Nicodemus?

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.

• Describe the moment you knew there was a choice about Jesus to be made.

The Chosen Devotional Day 31: Power

[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

• Write down a time when you felt better than someone else because of your religious status or choices, or their lack thereof.

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.

• 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?

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.

• 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?

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.

The Chosen Devotional Day 30: Light

"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

• What have you risk to follow Jesus, and what price have you paid?

My selfless self. Following Jesus is a choice to deny my selfishness and the calls of my flesh.

• In what ways is Christ like light? In what ways are people asleep?

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.

• What in your life and heart are still keeping in the dark, away from the sifting, transforming light of Jesus?

The Chosen Devotional Day 29: Presence, Part 2

"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

• What do you prioritize over spending time in God's presence?

Distractions. Chores. Unimportant things.

• In what area of your life are you rejecting Christ's Lordship?

In many areas. When I don't ask His intervention on things, that means I am rejecting His Lordship.

• 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?

Deep joy and peace inside that the world cannot give. The sense of overwhelming love from the Father who loves me so much. 

Being mindful and intentional of my time spending with Him.

The Chosen Devotional Day 28: Presence, Part 1

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

• With all its pomp and circumstance, do you find talk of the tabernacle interesting or boring, and why?

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.

• 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?

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.

• Now imagine walking with Jesus. Imagine the unrestricted access, the casual conversation, and the warmth of His personality. That's all... just imagine.

*Overwhelms my heart*

The Chosen Devotional Day 25: Rise

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

• In order to take such extreme measures, what must the four men carrying their friend have believed about Jesus?

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.

• What keeps you from pursuing Jesus with that kind of passion?

• If you struggle to value spiritual growth over material, list three to five reasons spiritual growth matters the more.

1. Spiritual growth keeps my feet grounded.
2. Spiritual growth keeps me dependent on God.
3. Spiritual growth gives me the peace that this world cannot.
4. Spiritual growth keeps me kingdom focused.
5. Spiritual growth reminds me that I am nothing and cannot do anything good without Jesus.

The Chosen Devotional Day 23: Relationship

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

• Can you think of a time in your relationship with Jesus lagged? Is it now?

A lot of times. It's all because of distractions that are surrounding me.

• What miraculous changes has Jesus made in your heart since you started following Him?

My dependence on Him is the most miraculous thing that happens. I realized I cannot do anything good and I am nothing without Him.

• Moving forward, how can you embrace heart changes over physical ones?

The Chosen Devotional Day 22: All 'Y'All

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

• What are the areas of your life where you need a "physician?"
  

In my relationship with people, myself.

• When have you been guilty of the Pharisees' judgment here?

When I am bias with my opinion/view on things.

• Who do you know who wouldn't be considered "healthy" by church leaders, and how can you treat them as Jesus treated the "sick?"

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.

The Chosen Devotional Day 21: Useful

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

• In what ways do you tend to focus more on what you can do than on the one whose Spirit you contain?

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.

• Can you think of anyone you value more because of what they do than who they are in Christ?

• How can you make yourself more available?

Through intentional living. It's a habit that needs to be developed.

The Chosen Devotional Day 19: Worry

"But see first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.-" Matthew 6:33-34

• Do you struggle with anxiety? What things do you tend to worry about the most and why?

The things I tend to worry the most are my family's health, safety, and finances because these things are scary when out of control.

• Jesus used an everyday occasion to reveal His glory. Describe a common event in your life through which He revealed His glory and increased your faith.

There are a lot of instances that Jesus showed His miracles over the ordinary circumstances where I needed Him. These issues are usually financial provisions and healing.

• Do you ask Jesus' help with the seemingly small stuff? Why or why not?

Sometimes I do, sometimes not. When I do not ask for help, it's usually because I tend to focus more on the problem that I forget to ask for help. I have been training myself lately (with the help and reminder of the Holy Spirit) to ask for divine help in very petty problems I encounter.

The Chosen Devotional Day 18: Emmanuel

Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty galloons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast." So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now." This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory. And His disciples believed in Him. - John 2:6-11

• At this moment, what circumstances are most difficult for you?

Not being able to go out and about because of the "pandemic."

• How should knowing that God is with you affect the way you respond to your circumstances?

Gives me the confidence and assurance deep inside that I will be taken cared of in every situation I am in.

• Just as the servants at the wedding had to draw water before they actually saw the water turn into wine, what are ways you can step out in faith as a result of His promise to be with you?

It's really important for me to pray first before I step out in faith to do something that I normally don't. Prayer gives me confidence. Prayer makes me recognize that it's not about me (what I can do or what I have to give), but it's about Him and how He will manifest Himself in my circumstance.

The Chosen Devotional Day 16: Repent

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.-" Mark 1:14-15

• What do you focus on more: Jesus' command to love others... or to repent and believe?

Focusing to love others before repentance is not going to be successful. Repentance is not a feeling. It's not about feeling bad and guilty of the  wrong things I've done. Repentance is about the mind (from the Greek word "metanoia" which means change one's mind), that is why after Jesus said "repent" the word believe came next. We believe through the mind (first), then the heart follows. It's changing my mind from how I view God before as a distant God, to a loving, personal God (and so on).

• What incident in your life incited radical inward transformation? Would you regard it as a miracle?

Listening to sermons that focuses on Jesus and God's love for me were the things that incited radical inward transformation in me. Yes, they are miracles. Otherwise, I will remain to believe the wrong things about God and inner transformation will not be possible.

• Repentance fosters humility and surrender, so what can you repent of?