From Evernote:

Hearing or Listening by Sis. Techie Rodriguez

Reading: Samuel 3:1-10

Hearing - abot-tenga(pandinig)

Listen - pinakikinggan, pay heed, listen to warnings, obey, pay attention

Samuel's reply, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."

James 1:19 Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.

Samuel was not yet familiar with the voice of God.

John 10:27 the sheep know the voice of the shepherd. The followers of Jesus will be able to discern the voice of God.

While Samuel knew the written word, he did not yet understand the ways God reveals himself to his servants, the prophets.

You have to train yourself in listening and discerning the voice of God.

You can be hearing but not listening. To whom you focus your hearing, is the one you are listening to.

"For God speaks, the first time in one way, the second time in another,  though a person does not perceive it. -Job 33:14

You will hear a word spoken behind you, saying, "This is the correct way, walk in it," whether you are heading to the right or the left. -Isaiah 30:21

HOW ARE WE GOING TO LISTEN?

2 Timothy 4:2-5

Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.

You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist's work, fulfill your ministry.

1. Expect to hear from God when you listen (expectancy)

Jeremiah exemplifies someone who is expectant of God's answer.

'Call on me in prayer and I will answer you. I will show you great and mysterious things which you still do not know about.' -Jeremiah 33:3

The scriptures promises us that God will speak.

Expectantly believing the promises of God is expressing your faith. Faith is the substance of things we are hoping for.

Psalms 5:6-8

Expecting from God is expressing our trust in God, believing in His faithfulness.

2. Quietly.

Psalms 46:10 Be still and know that I am God

Jesus prayed in deserted quiet places.

Mark 1:35 Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer.

We have many concerns. There are many thorns, thistles that prevent us from hearing the word of God. Remove them that the Word of God may come to your hearing.

3. Patiently waiting

Jeremiah 13:1,5,6 Many days later the LORD said to me, "Go at once to Perath and get the shorts I ordered you to bury there." -Jeremiah 13:6

Jeremiah patiently waited for the Lord's instruction.

As we wait and listen we will understand.You cannot compel God to tell you everything. It can be weeks before God speak again of the topic.

4. Openly

2 Timothy 3:16 Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

God may answer you differently from the message we expect, because He knows what is best for you. You cannot just come to him for comfort and encouragement. For He also reproofs, corrects those whom He loves.

James 1:19 Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.

5. Attentively. Listen to God with your full attention.

Proverbs 4:20-22.

My child, pay attention to my words; listen attentively to my sayings.Do not let them depart from your sight, guard them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and healing to one's entire body.

6. Submit and obey

From Evernote:

Living in God's Favor by Sis. Techie Rodriguez

Psalms 8:4-6

Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them,

and make them a little less than the heavenly beings? You grant mankind honor and majesty;

you appoint them to rule over your creation; you have placed everything under their authority, -

Dt 28

"If you indeed obey the LORD your God and are careful to observe all his commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will elevate you above all the nations of the earth. -Deuteronomy 28:1

Requirement: Continue to follow, pay heed, "nakinig at sumunod" God's command

Benefits/blessing: Promote, lift up, elevate

For God is the judge! He brings one down and exalts another. -Psalms 75:7

God gives you advantages ("nakakahigit")

Example: Frequent Fliers have many advantages: lounge, preferred seats, extra baggage weight, express check-in, partner airlines (star alliance), miles for personal use and gift to others

He gives you preferential treatment.

e.g. Upgrades to Business Class

Our position in the organization gives us privileges and honor.

As Christians, are we using our position as members of the family of God to gain favor from Him.

The men and women that were favored by God:

1. Nehemiah

Please, O Lord, listen attentively to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who take pleasure in showing respect to your name. Grant your servant success today and show compassion (favor in NAB) to me in the presence of this man."  Now I was cupbearer for the king. -Nehemiah 1:11

Nehemiah was aware of the privileges his position can accord him especially access to the king's presence.

He was able to ask the king a great favor.

and said to the king, "If the king is so inclined and if your servant has found favor in your sight, dispatch me to Judah, to the city with the graves of my ancestors, so that I can rebuild it." -Nehemiah 2:5

The King granted all his request for the favoring hand of God was upon him. Nehemiah 2:8.

He always acknowledged God as the one giving him the favor.

People will marvel at the privileges you receive and thus give glory to the God whom you serve.

Claim the favoring hand of God upon yourself.

2. Joshua

I am handing over to you every place you set foot, as I promised Moses. -Joshua 1:3

No one will be able to resist you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not abandon you or leave you alone. -Joshua 1:5

3. Joseph the Dreamer

The LORD was with Joseph. He was successful and lived in the household of his Egyptian master. His master observed that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made everything he was doing successful.So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar appointed Joseph overseer of his household and put him in charge of everything he owned. -Genesis 39:2-4

He was promoted from slave to manager.

People will see the glory of God in you.

These men were men of prayer. They spent time communicating and talking to God. Prayer is their way of life. They spent time waiting on the Lord.

3. Esther

And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval more than all the other young women. So he placed the royal high turban on her head and appointed her queen in place of Vashti. Then the king prepared a large banquet for all his officials and his servants - it was actually Esther's banquet. He also set aside a holiday for the provinces, and he provided for offerings at the king's expense. -Esther 2:17-18

While at the banquet of wine, the king said to Esther, "What is your request? It shall be given to you. What is your petition? Ask for as much as half the kingdom, and it shall be done!" -Esther 5:6

Steps to win God's favor

1. Live favor-minded. Expect God to assist us.

Always thank God that His angels are in charge over you and your family.

Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and take up residence with him. -John 14:23

TO BE CONTINUED.

DAILY GOSPEL/ Saint of the Day: St. Maud (Queen)

Her story is awesome. Married a King, a son became a saint, another son
became emperor, a son and a grandson became archbishops aside from those
not mentioned. Good always begets good.
http://evangelizo.org/www/popup-saints.php?language=AM&id=10192&fd=0

From Evernote:

Holy Spirit, Set us On Fire by Sis. Techie (Anointing)

Fire example: wildfires of California - their spread is difficult to control.

God likened the Holy Spirit to Fire.

Supernatural fire is the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Fire indicates the presence of God.

Fire in the burning bush attracted Moses and God spoke from it.

A fire led the Israelites in the evening as they traveled through the dessert.

The fire of the Lord fell on Elijah's sacrifice.

God answered David and Solomon's prayers on separate occasions by fire coming from heaven.

Jeremiah likened his agony to preach to the exilded Israelites to a burning fire from within.

Malachi 3:2-3

Matthew 3: John baptized in water but someone will come and baptize in the Holy Spirit

Acts 2. Tongues of fire fell on the disciples of Jesus at Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Fires can be bad, fires can be good.

What can fire do?

Moving and transforming power.

   Burns anything it touches.

   Burns anything to ashes.

   Burns to create light, burns to create power.

The fire of God will make you glow with enthusiasm. It will wake you up.

The fire of God consecrates us. It brings about conviction.

The fire of Gos is consuming.

The fire of God penetrates.

Acts 2

And tongues spreading out like a fire appeared to them and came to rest on each one of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them. - Acts 2:3-4

Peter set on fire by the Holy Spirit, spoke with power, penetrating their hearts and so were saved.

So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added. -Acts 2:41

The fire of the Spirit continue to spread to this day.

The fire of the Lord is evident in the healing, interceding, pastoring, worshiping services believers conduct.

Satan tries all the time to stop the fire of the Holy Spirit. He cannot stop this fire. Only if we allow him. If we stifle the Spirit, we are allowing Satan to put out the fire in us.

The Holy Spirit wants to use us. All believers can do great things like what Jesus has done and like what Christian giants and leaders of the community has done and are doing.

The fire of revival will spread if we are the fire that will spread it.

We need to become a flammable substance. We need to be dead to sin. The more we have died to ouselves and to sin like the more dry wood becomes, we can easily be set on fire.

Kindling fire.

Oxygen.

Fire is always felt.

God wants to ignite you today. Let us make room for the Holy Spirit.

2nd Topic.

THE TWO TREES

So also it is written, "The first man, Adam, became a living person"; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. -1 Corinthians 15:45

By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, -1 Peter 1:3

The fruit of the old tree is the Adamic nature.

The fruit of the real tree is Holy Spirit.

In the parable of the sower, our heart is the soil. Man is the sower.

What must be planted in our heart is an incorruptible seed and its fruit is the Holy Spirit.

Earth can both be fertile ground or cursed ground. We must be all fertile ground, thus bring forth the fruit and fire of the Holy Spirit.

A tree is so attractive when filled with fruits.

The Lord is the vine, we are the branches and we bring forth the fruit.

We are to receive the anointing today. What are the obstructions to receiving in full the fire of the Holy Spirit. Stones, thistles and shallowness can hinder the word to be infectious in our lives.

Make a room for the Lord. He cannot enter a room with another occupant.

Let us put our life in order. Let us not be careless.

If we do not give room for the Holy Spirit, he will not dwell in you. He wants exclusive rights to our lives. Decide to give the room of our heart to the Holy Spirit. He can remove all the dirts and disorder in our lives. As he plants, the soil can sprout out a plant bearing His fruits.

Are you willing to give Him a room today?

What is blocking you from receiving Him? Doubt? Fear Pride? Ask the Holy Spirit to remove them.

Come Holy Spirit, come.

From Evernote:

Principles of Giving by Sis. Techie Rodriguez

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

1. Verse 6: Whoevers sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever reaps bountifully, shall reap bountifully.

2. Verse 7: Each man should give what He has decided in his heart without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

3. Verse 8: God is able to make every grace abundant for your so that in all things alaways having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.

4. Verse 10: those who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

The story of Zacchaeus. Luke 19

Crowdedness of our heart prevents us from seeing the Lord

Zacchaeus must have that thirst for righteousness to exert that effort to see the Lord

When Jesus dined at his house, The crowd murmured, for Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector, a sinner they say.

Jesus retorted, "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost." and even declaring earlier that salvation has come to Zacchaeus' household.

Do we care as Jesus cared for the lost?

Can we not share to someone our time to welcome the lost in the SPIRIT EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR?

Our community's vision is to SAVE THE LOST, BRING THEM TO SAFETY. As members we share in this responsibility of bringing souls to Christ and taking care of them until they reach full maturity in Christ Jesus.

Let us give ourselves to this purpose.

From Evernote:

The Heart of a Shepherd (Part 1) by Sis. Techie Rodriguez

Reading: Psalms 23

Symbols related to shepherds: rod, staff, sheep

Story: 1 Samuel 16. The Lord gave Samuel specific instructions how Samuel will anoint the King the Lord has appointed for Israel.

The Lord has rejected Saul because of his disobedience. The anointing was removed from him. Obedience is doing exactly what the Lord instructed. See 1 Samuel 15. -- Then Samuel said,  "Does the LORD take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as he does in obedience?  Certainly, obedience is better than sacrifice; paying attention is better than the fat of rams. -1 Samuel 15:22

Real obedience is not half hearted. It is finishing the task even if you dont like it.

David was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13).

Jesus obeyed the will of the Father even unto death.

When we face the Lord, can we say to him, "It is finished!"

Psalms 37:4 Then you will take delight in the LORD, and he will answer your prayers.

Jesse's son was presented to Samuel one by one.

1. Eliab - "our God is Father". Though we call Lord Lord but does not do the will of the Father, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

2. Abinadab - "liberal". No amount of contribution to the community will

3. Shammah - "fame/renown". The Lord himself raises and puts down a person. No amount of desire can bring you fame.

4. 5. 6. 7. All were not chosen.

The Lord is looking at our hearts. The Lord was looking for somebody that is after his own heart.

Samuel did not sit down to dinner until he has accomplished what the Lord has asked him to do. They sent for David who was shepherding the sheep.

It was David's experience as shepherd that he won over Goliath. It was his shepherd's heart, laying down his life for the sheep that won for him God's favor.

We must pass God's heart test.

Know your sheep.

Know the condition of each sheep.

  - Look after spiritual welfare.

Feed the sheep with the pure word of God. 2Tim4.

  - not to impress the sheep but to feed, nurture and lead sheep to verdant pastures

Protect the sheep, warn of danger.

David's appearance did not distract Samuel, but still waited for God to declare him as the chosen king.

Humble heart, tender heart.

The shepherd's tools.

1. Rod and Staff - symbolizes authority. Also given to Moses to be a sign of his leadership over Israel. Moses too was a shepherd.

- used to take care of the sheep, not to Lord over.

- used to guide the sheep.

2. Oil - to heal the wounded sheep. To protect from insects.

TO BE CONTINUED...

From Evernote:

Five Tasks the Lord Jesus Left Us by Sis Techie Rodriguez

Reading: acts 1:1-11

We are creatures of habit. It is difficult to change a routine.

It is difficult to go out of our comfort zones.

Heb 10:25 - to attend the weekly gathering

Ezek 36:26 God can change our hearts of stone to natural hearts.

God wants to change some part of us, but He cannot do it without our cooperation.

God is a God of order. Rules are important to create that order. It is important to follow the rules and instructions within a community.

We need a change of attitude.

Acts 1 tells us of what Jesus wants us to do.

To wait in Jerusalem.

To wait for the promise of the Father.

Five Tasks Jesus Left.

1. Jesus left the church with an unfinished mission. He gave us the Holy Spirit to continue the work, to be faithful to it.

Mt28:19. Go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit to obey all the instructions I have given you.

Mark 16:15 Go and preach the good news.

Act 1:8 you will receive power.

Jesus told us what to say. We have to proclaim what we have witnessed.

Matthew 10:32 Whoever acknowledges me before me, i will also acknowledge before the

Father.

We have to witness by our work, by our consistency in our life.

Malachi 3:6 God is a constant God.

We were called to be the salt and light of the earth. We are called to preserve and shine. You are called to reflect the glory of God, a clear image of Jesus who is in us.

We are to witness by our oneness and our love for others.

We were told to witness to Jerusalem (family, office, neighborhood), Judea (our country) and the ends of the earth.

Turtles. The only way for turtles to make progress is to stick its head out. We need to stick out our heads for Christ.

2. Jesus also left an unchangeable message.

Stages of Jesus Mission.

1. Conquest was predicted in Genesis

2. Early Ministry (Luke4)

3. Conquest by His death on the cross

4.

5. Conquest was extended through the church. 1john 5:19

6. Conquest will be completed by His second coming.

We are more than conquerors.

3. Jesus gave us the Power to accomplish the mission. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and spurs us towards righteousness. The Spirit gives us the power to confront.

Mt 10:19

Jer 20:13

Acts 4:8

Do not be anxious of  what you are going to say

4. Jesus left the church with an unshakeable testimony. Jesus showed his words in action.

Jesus gave us a powerful testimony, by the changes He has accomplished in our lives. When the world sees Gods word alive in us, then we are testifying like Jesus.

Our lifestyle changes witness to this.

Mt5:16 the Lord is glorified by our shining light.

5. Jesus left the chruch with an unchanging promise. He shall return in person, visibly on a cloud.

CAPIZtahan sa Araneta Center

 

Explore and celebrate all the best from CAPIZ!

MARCH 4 - 5: Seafood Fair at Farmers Market
MARCH 4 - 11: Photo Exhibit at Farmers Market and Ali Mall

MARCH 4:
FARMERS MARKET
6:00am - Opening of Seafood Fair and Diwal Display
          Cooking demo by Margarita Fores
12nn - Grand Pakain at Dampa
1:00-3:00pm - Mini Show by Capiz Cultural Singers & Roxas City Singers, Infinity Live

ALI MALL
10:00am - AVP Showing
1:00-3:00pm - Mini Show by Capiz Cultural Singers & Roxas City Singers
5:00pm - Photo Exhibit Ribbon Cutting
        Dali sa Capiz Show by Dagway Sigmahanon, Roxas City Singers, Infinity Live

MARCH 5:
FARMERS MARKET
12:00-2:00pm - Mini Show by Capiz Cultural Singers & Roxas City Singers, Infinity Live
3:00pm - Street Dancing Parade from Dampa to Ali Mall

ALI MALL
10:00am - AVP/ Film Showing
1:00-3:00pm - Mini Show
5:00pm - St. Francis Show with Roxas City's Sensei Dancers

 

From Evernote:

DEAD END

Exodus 14:1ff

Harden pharaohs heart so that the Lord can show His power.

When we are in a test, we do not know why we are there. God always has a purpose.

The Israelites encamped between mountains (Migdol - tower) and the sea.

The Israelites encamped there have never never known to be free. They have been Egyptian slaves for 400 years.

The only way to regain freedom is to pay for it.

Moses had a vision of God's promise of freedom for the Israelites. There the Lord declared that He knows the misery of his people.

So does He know our miseries.

And he gave Moses the vision of the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

So does He give the same promise for you -- To liberate you from the slavery you are in.

The hardening of the heart of the pharaoh leads to His glory.

Migdol - tower. They are used to look far and so see the oncoming enemies. They are also armories and so have everything they need to win the battle.

When you are in a dead end, the sea is the best place to go, where the miracle of God can happen.

On the other side of the sea is God's promise.