Daily Devotions

December 10, 2015
Gen. 12:1-3
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Message:
This passage reminds me that it was God's will that gave me life and that I must live according to the purpose which he had designated me for regardless of my wishes. It's His will that I would demonstrate and make happen to my life.
Application:
I must entrust all to God for He knows best.
Prayer:
God my Father thank you very much for the assurance that no matter what, I have you beside me Lord. Truly God, what happened to us yesterday proved your faithfulness and love. I did think of a probable solution; however, as it was not appropriate You intervened and led us away from that unbearable situation. Truly God, the incident was a proof that I as a person basically see only a part of the picture but You as my creator sees the whole of it. Thus, I and my companions got home safe. Lord, as I go through another experience today, guide me and bestow upon me the kind of wisdom that will enable me to come up with decisions suited for situations which will benefit all. Enable me to confront problems that may come along the way in a manner that You want me to Lord. Make me manifest my faith in You Father every day of my Christian life. This I pray, in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

December 11, 2015
Genesis 15:1-6
After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir." Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
Message:
This part of the book indicates God's covenant with Abraham, something that strengthens the man's belief in the Father and His righteousness. Further, the covenant reflects Abraham's importance to God and that He remained true to the agreement.
Application:
God's covenant with important people in the Bible were all realized, the same thing goes with his promises to mankind. All I need to have is faith and make myself do my part.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for this reminder. Thank you for making me realize that just like Abraham I need to believe what you said in the bible. Guide me today Lord in my every undertaking that I may be worthy of your promises. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.


December 15, 2015
Genesis 20:6-7
Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her. Now then, return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”
Message:
This part of the book provides me the understanding of God's greatest love, something that prevents me from sinning. It's the Father who blessed me with people who remind me not to commit myself with worldly deeds and matters. Further, it is He who deprives me of those elements which He considers will cause me sin.
Application:
Sin destroys man's relationship with God and He does not want that to happen. Thus, He sees to it that we have fellows to make us aware of our actions and the possible consequences of those. Hence, we have the Bible and spiritual advisers.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the abounding love that enables me to differentiate the good from the bad, that makes me crave for the comfort of your words every day and that enlightens me on my view about instances which before I considered unbearable. Lord, as I go on living today, bestow upon me that love for me to see the good in every person and instance. Deactivate the pessimism in me Lord that I may be able to appreciate other people's efforts and see the value of those to all concerned. I love you Father and make me reflect this love as I walk on the path You have appointed me to traverse. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

December 16, 2016
Genesis 22:6-7
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
Message:
This particular verses remind me of my heart's readiness every time I worship and speak to God about any of my concerns. Yes, I always say I believe in God and I entrust everything in my life to him. However, my heart and mind seem to be opposing such as I often find myself worshiping with worries on concerns that I have readily laid before Him or with negative thoughts on particular people whom I deal with, ideas which I think rob my heart and mind of the required elements at the time of worship. As Wesley explained, "Tis a teaching question to us all, that when we are going to worship God, we should seriously consider whether we have every thing ready, especially the lamb for a burnt - offering. Behold, the fire is ready; that is, the Spirit's assistance, and God's acceptance: the wood is ready, the instituted ordinances designed to kindle our affections, which indeed, without the Spirit, are but like wood without fire, but the Spirit works by them. All things are now ready, but where is the lamb? Where is the heart? Is that ready to be offered up to God, to ascend to him as a burnt - offering?"
Application:
God wants a pure heart and mind during worship (even before and after it). Thus, we need to prepare these as these serve as our offering to Him.
Prayer:
Dear God, I thank you for the life, the health and the safety You provided me and my family. Lord, I ask forgiveness for what I have been thinking about the person who used my name and profile for her gain. Lord, I'm aware that You know what exactly happened and that I don't have to be apprehensive about her actions for You will be in charge of those. Lord, I pray for her. Bless her pure heart and mind Lord, the same things that I ask for today Father. Yes, bestow upon me a pure heart that I may deal with every person and situation in accord to your will. Give me a pure heart that You require during worship so that what I have would be a worthy offering to You my Father. Make the Holy Spirit work in me Lord that I may become a good influence to her and to others. I'm claiming your financial provision Father for my children's Christmas camp and my mother's 65th birthday celebration. This I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

December 19, 2015
Genesis 22: 10-14
Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
Message:
God's power and goodness are magnified in these verses and I am reminded that in times of trials God sees me and knows my needs just like what He demonstrated for Abraham. As Wesley explained, "let it be recorded for the generations to come; that the Lord will see; he will always have his eyes upon his people in their straits, that he may come in with seasonable succor in the critical juncture. And that he will be seen, be seen in the mount, in he greatest perplexities of his people; he will not only manifest but magnify his wisdom, power and goodness in their deliverance.
Application:
Entrusting all my cares to God reflects my belief in Him.
Prayer:
Dear God, I thank you for all the gifts that I have been receiving. Thank you God for the life and vigor that enable me to go through the challenges that You let me experience. Father, you know my every need and I understand the timing of your provision. As we are leaving Taytay today for Mama's 65th birthday celebration in Novaliches, I pray for a good weather Lord and your guidance in our trip. Make us get to the place and return home safe. This I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

December 21, 2015
Genesis 23: 7-16
Then Abraham rose and bowed down before the people of the land, the Hittites. He said to them, "If you are willing to let me bury my dead, then listen to me and intercede with Ephron son of Zohar on my behalf so he will sell me the cave of Machpelah, which belongs to him and is at the end of his field. Ask him to sell it to me for the full price as a burial site among you." Ephron the Hittite was sitting among his people and he replied to Abraham in the hearing of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of his city. "No, my lord," he said. "Listen to me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead." Again Abraham bowed down before the people of the land and he said to Ephron in their hearing, "Listen to me, if you will. I will pay the price of the field. Accept it from me so I can bury my dead there." Ephron answered Abraham "Listen to me, my lord; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver, but what is that between me and you? Bury your dead." Abraham agreed to Ephron's terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weight current among the merchants.
Message:
God reminds me of the importance of justice and wisdom through these verses. Abraham despite the people's high regard of him did not take advantage of the situation. Instead, he insisted on giving Ephron the price equivalent to the piece of land that he was asking for. He demonstrated humility and let the Hittites witness fairness and careful judgment through an example.
Application:
God is fair and wise and I being His follower need to demonstrate the same regardless of my status.
Prayer:
Father I thank you for making me realize that it's not my position which will provide me the things I want and that I am not to use it to take advantage of the opportunities. Lord, I would have done otherwise and I ask forgiveness for such act. Lord as I go through life today, send your Holy Spirit to guide me and enable me to avoid sinful situations. Guide and guard each of my family members especially my parents and my children who are away from me today Lord. Lead each of them to safety and to the path that You want them to take. Make me a good influence to others and let me reflect Your fairness and wisdom in every instance. This I pray in Jesus' name, amen.

December 23, 2015
Genesis 24: 12-14
Then he prayed, "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too'--let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." Before he finished praying, Rebekah had come out with her jar on her shoulder.
Message:
Through these verses, I am reminded to acknowledge God through prayer in all my ways even in the minute details I deal with. Through praying I make the desires of my heart known to Him and I am made aware of His providence as I undergo the process to realizing any undertaking.
Application:
Prayer is our means of communication to God. Through praying, we are given hints of God's providence that will guide us in making decisions and doing what He wants us to become and do.
Prayer:
Dear Lord the mightiest of all, I ask forgiveness for all the incorrect decisions I've made, for all the actions which were brought by my hastiness. Yes Lord, I admit that I sometimes decide without praying, an act which led me to disappointments and failure. I know Lord I need not regret about it as it taught me the power of prayer and my dependence on You. As I go on living Lord, I seek your guidance today in every single thing I do especially where my decision on my job is concerned. Lead me to job that will financially sustain my family and where I will spiritually influence people. Further, I pray for our passing the Comprehensive Examination. This I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

December 24, 2015
Genesis 24: 21-27
Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the LORD had made his journey successful. When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels. Then he asked, "Whose daughter are you? Please tell me, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?" She answered him, "I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milcah bore to Nahor." And she added, "We have plenty of straw and fodder, as well as room for you to spend the night." Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, saying, "Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives."
Message:
This part of the book indicates that I must give thanks to the Father as He granted what I have or have not asked for. Praying is not only done to ask for something from our Father but also to thank Him for responding to our pleas. Wesley explained that the servant prayed for God's guidance and provision and "he was not certain what the issue might prove" but as he witnessed what Rebekah did, he gave thanks to the Lord for the favor the latter provided.
Application:
I’ll make praying a habit.
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for all that You have provided. Thank you that You responded to my prayers although sometimes I find difficulties interpreting your response Lord. Father, I ask forgiveness for the times that I was unmindful of Your favor, that I focused more on the favor rather than on You my PROVIDER Lord. Father, bless me today as I go on through life. Make me remember You and consider Your will in every thing that I do. I pray that I be a blessing to everyone whom I'd be dealing with today. This I pray, in Jesus' name, amen.

December 26, 2015
Genesis 25: 29-33
Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, "Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!" (That is why he was also called Edom. ) Jacob replied, "First sell me your birthright." "Look, I am about to die," Esau said. "What good is the birthright to me?" But Jacob said, "Swear to me first." So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
Message:
These particular verses make me think about circumstances where I came up with quick decisions out of needs or wants, an act which brought me certain difficulties and drew me distant from my faith in God. Because of hunger, Esau compromised his birth-right that was supposed to make him inherit his father's property and acquire more of his blessings including "the covenant of Abraham as to Christ the promised Seed" (Henry, n,d,). Yes, he was partly correct when he said that his birth-right would not provide him anything which will satisfy his hunger; however, as "birth-right was typical of spiritual privileges" (Henry, n.d.), Esau decided upon something that broke his bond with God.
Application:
I am a child of God and my birth-right entitles me a place in Heaven. I must value this birth-right. Hence, I should remain steadfast in my faith especially in times of trials.
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for creating me and making me Your child. I thank you for letting my spiritual brothers and sisters bring me to You again. Lord I ask forgiveness for the times that I demonstrated disbelief in You, that I compromised my faith for me to obtain what I thought I badly wanted. Father, I pray for your guidance today as I try to finish all the tasks that concern my family, my job and others. Make me consider the importance of my birth-right in all instances so that I may do things in accord to Your will. This I pray in Jesus' name, amen.

December 28, 2015
Genesis 26: 1-5
Now there was a famine in the land--besides the earlier famine of Abraham's time--and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar. The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws."
Message:
God reminds me that it's my belief in and obedience to Him that bring me His blessings and provisions. My belief in God would just be an idea unless I demonstrate it. I must let my belief fortify me during trials and steer me to obedience so that I will be worthy of God's blessings and provisions. As Matthew Henry explained, "If God engages to be with us, and we are where he would have us to be, nothing but our own unbelief and distrust can prevent our comfort. The obedience of Abraham to the Divine command, was evidence of that faith, whereby, as a sinner, he was justified before God, and the effect of that love whereby true faith works."
Application:
I will demonstrate my faith and obedience to my Father.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, You are the most powerful and mightiest of all. I thank you for giving me the chance to exhibit my faith through my actions. Lord, I ask forgiveness that at times I fail You Father, that I sometimes give in to the call of temptation. God, as I decide to take on what You destined me to be and to do, I ask for Your guidance. Do I have to go or stay in my present job? Grant me wisdom Lord and let me out of confusion just like what you have granted to Isaac. Make me see the hints and thoroughly understand them Lord for me to fulfill the purpose of my creation. Bless me Father and make me withstand the tests that may come along the way. This I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

December 29, 2015
Genesis 27: 30-33
After Isaac finished blessing him and Jacob had scarcely left his father's presence, his brother Esau came in from hunting. He too prepared some tasty food and brought it to his father. Then he said to him, "My father, sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing."
His father Isaac asked him, "Who are you?" "I am your son," he answered, "your firstborn, Esau." Isaac trembled violently and said, "Who was it, then, that hunted game and brought it to me? I ate it just before you came and I blessed him--and indeed he will be blessed!"
Message:
These verses indicate that in life, people make appointments based on personal preference and basically the choice leads to complications. This reminds me of the treatment extended to my fellows at work. When it comes to opportunities those who are given the favor are the ones related to the administration, basically relatives without considering whom truly deserves the post. The same with Isaac's decision of giving his blessing to Esau merely because the latter was his favorite. However, as God did want Jacob to receive the blessing and be the heir of the covenant He let the Holy Spirit meddle and work on its realization. Hence, Jacob achieved what God designed for him. Isaac got stunned upon realizing such but eventually acknowledged God's will, so "he confirmed the blessing he had given to Jacob" before Esau (Henry, n.d.). Matthew Henry further explains,
"Faint desires of happiness, without right choice of the end, and right use of the means, deceive many unto their own ruin."
Application:
Appointments based on God's preferences work best.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for this reminder, for letting it known to me that decisions prayed on and consulted to you bring about good results rather than those which were made out of my/our own preferences. Father, I ask forgiveness for the times that I might have made such choices because one is my favorite and the other is not. Lord, send your Holy Spirit to guide me through the day, and the days ahead as I exercise my right to appoint a person to a post or a task. Also, God I ask guidance for the administration for them to have a heart and a discernment about their choices. This I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

December 30, 2015
Genesis 27: 41-45
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, "The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob." When Rebekah was told what her older son Esau had said, she sent for her younger son Jacob and said to him, "Your brother Esau is consoling himself with the thought of killing you. Now then, my son, do what I say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran. Stay with him for a while until your brother's fury subsides. When your brother is no longer angry with you and forgets what you did to him, I'll send word for you to come back from there. Why should I lose both of you in one day?"
Message:
This part of the book reminds me that holding a grudge against a person whom I think has done me wrong is not a godly act and that I must accept the consequence (regardless of its nature) of my actions. Esau planned a retaliation against Jacob out of disinheritance, an act which prompted his mother Rebekah to send Jacob away. Jacob's achievement of their father's blessings was willed by God (Henry, n.d.) and Esau must not "do evil" for his gain because what he received from Isaac was the consequence of his desire to fulfill his physiological need. It could have been painful on his part but it was himself who was responsible for it. Hence, Jacob was not to be blamed.
Application:
I will always remind myself not to hold grudge against anybody as the act would defeat the purpose of my reflection of what is proper in the eyes of the Father and may prevent others from joining me in my pursuit of Christlikeness.
Prayer:
Lord, I thank you for giving me the chance to read and understand the value of keeping peace with my fellows. Dear God forgive me if I did demonstrate act of revenge against people who have caused me disappointments and difficulties. If there had been a time that I wished them inconveniences. Forgive me Lord. As I go on to fulfill what You want me to Lord, I ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Empower me Lord with the strength and wisdom I need for me to know which among of my acts is desirable to You and that I may cease doing what may bring hindrance to my and my family's achievement of your blessings and provisions. Remove from my vocabulary the word vengeance and let me manifest such in my actions. Make me a good influence to everyone today. This I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

December 31, 2015
Genesis 28: 13-17
There above it stood the LORD, and he said: "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven."
Message:
I am reminded of God's covenant to Abraham as He presents it to Jacob. Here, I am made aware that the Father remained and will always remain TRUE to His promise to every man who comply with His requirements. Jacob obeyed God and showed contentment with what was given to him, thus the presentation of the vow before him by God, a vow that assures him of safety wherever he goes, comfort and provisions as he proceeds to the journey appointed.
Application:
I have God; hence, I fear nothing and no one.
Prayer:
Dear God the mightiest of all I thank You for the assurance that You will always be there to guard, guide and give me all that I need. Forgive me Lord for the instances that I thought you forsook me, that I thought You were just watching as I was in agony. Lord, as I retrieved my sanity and renewed my faith I ask for your guidance. Just like Jacob, let my piety guide me Lord in my making a decision regarding my job. Help me see what I needed to see and make up my mind Lord about things that matters most. Bring me to where You want me to go. Make me confront this New Year in a manner pleasing to You Father. This I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.