I actually remember a funny romantic line, “You complete me.” How about you, do you know what completes you?

Sadly, a lot of people think that having all the wealth in the world would make them complete as a human. Having all the power in the world would make them, them. Funny though, but this mentality often led to frustration. Of course it is impossible to do so. But even if they know the reality or the actuality of things they still go on with what they want, with what they desire. Because of this they will do all that they can just to get what they want. Even to the point of destroying other people’s lives just for their own interest.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Yes! Fear God. That’s what makes us complete. People are always preoccupied of this material world that they have already forgotten about the spiritual aspect of life. For them God is a boring thing. For them God is none sense. People nowadays are so obsessed with material things as if they will stay on this planet for good. They do their own things forgetting that we are all just spending sometime here and we will actually return to our real world.

I remembered one time I was listening to a preacher and he said that this world is like hotel. We are just checking in and time will come that we will be checking out whether we like it or not. Of course you know what I mean. I am talking about life and death. I am not scaring you. I am just letting you know this. One of the greatest achievements you attain in this life is discovering yourself, knowing who you are and your purpose. Discovering these three facts in your life will make you complete as a person.

How? Fear God and heed His commandments for knowing the one who created you give answers to all of your questions in life. Of course no one knows you best but your Inventor. No one knows what’s best for you except your Creator.

Do you want to be complete? Then accept and make Jesus your personal Lord and Savior. God already did His part so we may live a complete life.

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believe on Him w ill not perish but will have  eternal life.” This verse completed me as a human. This is the verse that changed my life. It can also change your life. Just believe on Him.

Accepting Him gives you a sure identity. John 1:12 says, “For as many as received Him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe on his name.” Being a child of God gives you completeness that this world cannot offer. God’s love can give you peace, hope, and joy. Just continue knowing Him and you will discover the richness of life.

Personally, I have been into different situations, mingled with different kinds of people from all walks of life from very rich to very poor. One thing I have observed, for those people what they have is all they’ve got, for the rich their money and for the poor only their simple small houses with simple things inside and their principles and dignity. Those are what they’ve got.

Many people thought they were on top because they have money, power, and fame. They live their lives acting like a king not knowing that fate can turn them into nobody. Nothing left them but shame and regrets. “If only, if only, if only”. That was also my line before I met Jesus. Full of regrets, no one to cling to and feels like no one cares, that was the time I have known God. I have known the hands that created and gave life to me and given His life for me. He is all I have and I am not going to let go of Him. Now every time people ask me what have I got? I always answer them, “I have Christ.” Yes! I have Christ. And I realized that having Him makes me complete. It gives me joy, peace and assurance. I am not afraid to face the world even I am alone because of Him. No more, no less.

Right this time I can’t offer you money or anything of monetary value to help you because I don’t have such. All I can offer you is what I have and that is Christ. Maybe you are troubled or anxious about things around you. Or maybe you feel like you don’t belong. He is the only answer to all of your concerns. He is the only one who can give comfort in the midst of your troubles. There is only one way for this, accept Him as your Lord and Savior. John 1:12 says, “For as many as believed Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God to those who believe on His name.”

Being a child of God is one thing that others may don’t have. It cannot be bought by money. After all I realized that the best things in life are free – Joy, peace, love. And because Christ paid the penalty of our sins through His death on the cross, we can enjoy the free gift of salvation in Christ. You don’t have to pay just to have them. The only thing you need is faith.

Friend, accept Him, live for Him and worship Him. The next time people will ask you, “What do you have?” You can now answer them “I have Christ” with heart full of faith.

God bless you!

Planning is quite a normal thing for people even during the old times. It is just that it has become more complicated nowadays. Imagine building a house without a plan, what do you think will happen? What do you think will be its form? Maybe it will look like as if a tornado hit it. Kidding aside, making plans is really an important thing to do, without this we don’t know what to do. But are you aware that Someone greater has already planned for us since the very foundation of this world? Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Wow! The first time that this verse came into my senses it is like as if I’m on a cloud nine. Imagine a Creator planning for his creation, isn’t that an honor?

God has planned great things for us. So great that even us we can’t really imagine. But what’s with God’s plan? Maybe you have this in mind, “If it is God’s plan, then let it be so.” I know it, this is also the very reason I have in mind the first time I heard about this. But understanding what is written on the verse we can actually discover that His plans are all good of course, but the fulfillment depends on us. It is like this, you are thinking of constructing a building. You want that building to be big, with plenty of rooms inside. You call for an architect and engineer to lay-out the design you desire and they did it. But there is one problem, the lot that you have purchased is not suitable for the building you desire so instead of going on with the best plan you have to adjust it or even totally change it just for it to be constructed. Imagine the waste!

I am very sure that God has a great plan for you and for me. But what do we do so that God can be able to fulfill those plans in us? Are we suitable enough for His plans? Are His plans the same as your plans?

If you’re wondering what is God’s plan for you, be assured that, “For God so love the world that he gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believe on Him will not perish but will have eternal life” (John 3:16 ). This is my assurance and your assurance of His good plans. Accepting Him as your Lord and Savior fulfills one and the greatest of His plans. John 1:12 says, “For as many as received Him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe on his name.” Being a child of God entitles us for many things. All you have to do is make His plans your plans by accepting Him, live for Him and worship Him.

There was a grand wedding that day in a little town. There were so many visitors and the people are so busy that they didn’t notice a Man standing in a corner. He was not that tall wearing that Jewish traditional clothes. He was actually observing what was going on and what will happen next. As he was staring at all the people then suddenly His mother came rushing to Him asking for Him to produce some wine. It so happened that the festivity had gone out of wine for it was already the third day of the celebration. He was reluctant at first but because of His mother’s perseverance He gave in. he asked the maid of the event to fill the water pots with water and when they’ve tasted it, the water turns into wine. A high class type of wine.

This is the story of the wedding in Canna, Galilee found in the book of John 2:1-3 where Jesus did changed the water into wine. Was it a miracle? Of course it was. This was actually the first miracle Jesus did during His earthly ministry. One thing fascinated me with this story. The fact that the thing used by Jesus to perform His miracle was just an ordinary water pot it was not a special water pot with many decoration in it. It is also empty. It’s really fascinating thinking about the reaction of people. And I have realized one great lesson; we don’t have to be like Superman just to perform extra-ordinary tasks. Those water pots explains it all. They actually reveal the secrets to become extra-ordinary. Their secrets are they’re empty and waiting. They’re waiting for God’s timing.

Those water pots are not actually intended for drinking purposes, they’re intended to be used for washing the feet. You don’t have to be special for God to accept and use. Jesus said “Come as you are.” Those water pots are just there on a corner waiting to be touched by Jesus. Another key is waiting.

Friend, how about you, do you want to be like those water pots? Do you want to experience Jesus? Do want to know and experience His love?  This is the right timing for you. It is not an accident why you are reading this article. God has prepared this day for you for Him to be able to use you. So don’t waste this opportunity. You don’t have to prove Him something, just accept Him as your Lord and Savior and let Him be in your life. John 1:12 says, “For as many as received Him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believed in his name.” Isn’t it cool? You don’t have to be extra-ordinary to do great things; you only need a simple faith to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to start with.

When I was in high school there were times where things didn’t go along with what I plan. This is something which is really frustrating, after long days of rehearsing and then suddenly everything changes. For a perfectionist like me the words ‘good enough’ is not included in my own dictionary. I always see to it that everything is in its perfect scene or position. Because of this I always ended up broken, frustrated and tired.

During those times that I really feel depressed, someone brightened up my cloudy day. She was my best friend. We have been friends since elementary days so she knew me from head to toe. We were like sisters. We knew each other’s secrets. She would tap on my back telling me, “Hey! That was incredibly awesome.” I knew she was just trying to cool me down but the moment she tapped my back giving me an assurance that I am not alone is different. It is an act of assuring me that even during my darkest hours she is always there at my back ready to tap me anytime I need it. From then on we made it a habit to tap each other’s back when we need it.

‘Till one day she left me. That gloomy day I didn’t know what to do and what to say. All I knew is that she left me and there’s no one to tap me on my back in times of need. I really felt that I was alone and I hate to feel that way but I see things that way.

One day a man came to me holding a book in his hands. He came and asked me what was going on then I told him everything. He just replied to me with a simple smile, grabbed my hand (I actually thought he’s going to give something to me) and tapped my back with it. I was kind of like I’m in a state of confusion. And then he asked me, “You can reach your back, right?” That very moment I felt that there are thousands of tons of weight released from deep within me. This man didn’t just tap my back, he thought me how to encourage myself.

After that we were discussing about a Man who is always ready to give us encouragement when we need it, who will not leave us, who will always be there for us. Hebrews 12:3 gives us an overview about Him, “Consider Him who has endured such hostility.” His name is Jesus. There will always be times when our friends will leave us. Our mates will leave us but He never will. Having these truths in my mind gives me again the feeling of assurance that I am not alone and this time it’s for good.

How about you? Do you feel tired? Pressured? Frustrated? All you need is a simple tap on the back. Whenever you feel you are alone, just try to look back maybe there’s someone there ready to tap you. If there’s no one at your back, try to look from left to right maybe there are people ready to tap you on your shoulder. Friend let God do the tapping on you. Let Him be a part of your life. Invite Him to come into your heart and dwell within you. His love is not enough. His power is not enough. They are all more than enough.

There are a lot of people in the world today who misses many great things in life just because they don’t know how to do the first step or rather afraid to do so. These are people who are bound because of their lack of courage. People who are sleepless because they don’t know what to do and their ignorance always fall into deep misery just because of their fear.

Queen Elizabeth I, the greatest queen and the first lady ruler of England. Imagine if she didn’t accept the throne, because of the people who questioned her abilities. Imagine if she didn’t do her first step to accept the responsibilities of a queen regent.

Friend, God has many things in store for you. All you have to do is just do the first step and He will do the rest. There are people today that because of their faith in God they become so tremendous that they really impacted the world. Darlene Zschech of Hillsong Australia considered as one of the most influential worship leader of today. Joel and Victoria Osteen of Lakewood Church, the largest church in United States of America. Another is Rick Warren who authored the Purpose Driven Life. Imagine the inspiration Rick gave to many.  There is Cesar Castellanos of Bogota, Colombia the senior pastor of the largest church in the world. There are actually many other that if I’m going to write them one by one I’m gonna be writing a book already. One thing is sure, try knowing the history of these people and you’ll find out all of them started with just one small step of faith.

All you have to do is just do your first step. What is the first step? Know the one who created you. By doing so you’ll see great things will come upon you. All you have to do is just accept Him as your Lord and Savior. Live for Him, Worship Him. Knowing the hands that created you allows you to know more about what you really are. God is so good that He is actually the one who did the first step for us to be able to live this life to the fullest. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believe on him will not perish but will have eternal life. He did his part, now it’s your turn to do your part. What are you waiting for? Do your first step now and grab the things God has prepared for you.

- Acts 3:6, MKJV

Have you ever met a beggar who has been crippled since the day of his birth, who was carried everyday of his life to an old church or along the streets to beg for alms so that he can live?  Have you ever imagined the way he lives his everyday life? It could have been so frustrating that it’s even better to die than to live. This was the exact beggar that Peter, together with John, have healed on their way to the temple; and this beggar could have been hiding in you and you could have been crippled, and begging all your life without you even knowing it.

There are many portions that made your life as you know it. It could be your family, circle of friends, memorable experiences, lifelong achievements, tremendous opportunities – these things and many more were the things that have shaped your life and these are exact things that also inflicted you with the being of the crippled beggar – rejected by family, unaccepted by friends, traumatic experiences, hardships that in the process made you feel fear, doubt, mistrust, being alone. These things crippled you from becoming the maximized you. They hinder you from doing things that would make you complete. They restrict you from running the race of life set before you. They are the crutches that constantly remind you that you are crippled, you’re unwanted, and you can’t be a someone.

Want to know what happened to the crippled beggar? The moment that crippled beggar heard and believed the declaration of Peter “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”, he started to rise up, his feet and ankles started to have strength, he began to leap, walking and leaping along the temple grounds.

Whatever it is that cripples you, there is a name so powerful, it can turn everything upside down. It’s never too late for a modern day miracle to happen to you. That name can change your life! The same way that Peter and John healed that crippled beggar, you can also be healed. Yes, the crippled beggar in you can be healed! There is power in the name of Jesus Christ. Declare it to your self, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” You can be healed from your trauma, you can be healed from rejection, you can be relieved with your fear, doubt, distress, and mistrust; you can be healed from whatsoever things that cripples you from the day you were born. You just need one name in your life – JESUS. Jesus can make a difference in you. For God so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, that if you believe in Him, you will not perish but have an everlasting life.

Make a call for Him. He is the one you need.

Steadfast means unwavering, unfaltering, persistent, committed. Who can really fathom how big is God’s love? John 15:13 speaks of it when it quoted “No one has greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” A very few is willing to die for a family member, and certainly nobody is so willing to die just for a friend. Who would like to donate his own life, and die for a friend when he can enjoy the greatness and fullness of life? This is the exact fact that the love of the Lord chose to defy. When the Lord called you a friend, He chose to die on the cross for you simply because He loves you with a steadfast love that can never be relieved. His mercy can never withstand seeing you suffering from the wages of your sin, and He is willing to die every time you try to waste your life to meaningless things, just to extend himself and show you His love. More than that, His love is so abounding that it shall never come to an end, and is refreshed each morning of your days. That is how big God’s heart is for you. That is how faithful He is to the love He has for You.

Where and when God did show this great love? He showed it when he chose to be beaten up, punished, humiliated, defiled, carry the cross and die on the cross in replacement of you. He who is blameless chose to drink from the cup of sorrow and sin to pay for your debts. Even if His body shivers out of pain and bleeding wound, His head is aching of the crown of thorns, His hands, feet and body are excruciatingly numb on the cross, He never chose to waive but remembered you and His love for you. He chose to finish the cross even if He has a choice to give up, heal himself and ease the pain.

Remember to personalize His love message, because it is made especially for you. For God so loved you that He gave Jesus for you, that if only you would believe in Jesus, you don’t have to perish, but you will have an eternal life in God.

So never falter in your lowly times. In moments of solitudes, whenever you feel nobody love you and nobody seems to care at all, give your shoulder a tap and softly whisper “God loves you, more than everyone else does”.

Am I only a God nearby and not a God faraway? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see Him? Do I not fill the heaven and the Earth (Jeremiah 23:23-24)? These are the exact declaration from the very mouth of God when prophet Jeremiah was in despair ministering with the Israelites.

There was this young man who chose to marry at a very young age. Lacking in experience, he was not able to handle his married life well, up to the point that he and his wife have to part ways. The young man started to mock God, cursing Him for what has transpired in his life. Soon enough, the young man started to feel alone, as if nobody really cares, nobody understands and everything in his life is meaningless. He can no longer feel the works of God’s hands as he used to. He is a complete mess before the eyes of men and God. What has happened to this young man? No one would really know, but what could have been the problem is that, the young man has boxed the existence of God into a limited confinement. He failed to see that God is everywhere, God knows everything, and God can do miracles. Because of this, God was hindered to work things out for him.

God would only work in a miraculous way in your life if only you believe. God can move inside your family. He can bring inner healing, fixed broken marriages, unite broken family if someone believes He can. God is not confined in the four corners of the church. He is everywhere. You can all upon the name of the Lord wherever you are and be moved! He fills the whole universe with the splendor of His presence. But the key to God’s miraculous way is your belief. Without belief there is no miracle!

There is this instance that Jesus, while doing His ministry in Nazareth, did not perform mighty works and miracles. And the scriptures gave one simple explanation. Matthew 13:58 says, “And He [Jesus] did not do many mighty works there [Nazareth] because of their unbelief. It’s not that He cannot do, but He did not do. What situation are you in right now that needs God’s intervention? What are the things He needs to do for you? And what are the things that seem impossible and needs miracles? Think of everything and start to believe!

In my distress I called onto God and I cried to my God; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, into His ears (Psalm 18:6).

There’s nothing wrong to being firm. Being firm builds the character of strength in one’s heart. It will make increase your threshold on pain so that you won’t be easily affected by petty circumstances. But for most of the succumbing and frustrating situation, you cannot keep everything in your self and you have to blurt it out to someone who can really understand and listen to you. David is a big man, not by built but by achievement. He is more than a conqueror, fought Goliath, does exploits for Israel, expanded the kingdom and ruled over it. But it’s never easy for David. He has been facing so many struggles that made him tore his kingly robe, fall face down, and not just cry, but moan and wailed  to the one who can hear him and understand him all the way – GOD!

God can actually hear you and see your situation even before you call to Him. However, the fact that you are saying “I can do this, I’m the man” or “I’m a big girl now, I don’t cry” and eventually made God say “Ok, then do it your way, I’ll help when you can’t do it anymore.” Keeping your self from crying before God made God feel He is not needed. And at the end of the day, you grew tired because things are just too big for you to handle.

In the day when I cried You answered me and made me bold with strength in my soul (Psalm 138:3).

Crying before God is a desperate measure. But destructive circumstances need desperate measure. God answers the calls of His children as a Father answers the sobbing of his child. He will make you courageous, bold with strength in soul, will and determination. Big ones do cry. Because big ones know when to say I can and I can’t. Big ones know how to be true in front of a God that can hear and understand.  Go on and cry out before God. He can hear you; He is always there to listen. He will answer you and He will make you strong as a big man and women is. Big ones do cry!