Inspirational Reading from the Book of 1 Samuel 18

~Friends Loves At All Times~ Proverbs 17:17
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The friendship of David and Jonathan demonstrated a deep and lasting-loving relationship - knit together kind of friendship... they loved each other!

What makes their friendship so unique? Both young and strong, gifted - warriors. Jonathan acknowledged David as God's leader of choice, though he was heir to the throne of Israel. Instead of holding to his own royal rights - he led the way for his friend - in submission to the authority. In humility ... with the demonstration of great character of a friend that needs to be followed and imitated. 1 Samuel 18:4 "And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt." He gave up / surrendered his own rights as heir to the throne and defended his friend David. It requires sacrifice and hard work - taking it seriously to develop this kind of friendship like Jonathan and David - to love each other 'till the end (1 Samuel 20:17).

Friendship needs to be developed, nourished and are precious - doesn't just happen! Work at it ... being a friend! Making new friends but keep the old ones. What makes your friendship special? Can you remember of the most defining moment - that you have shared with your friend? Let it be known to her / him ... that you treasure your friendship very much! Friends loves at all times - in sorrow and joy ... standing by her/his side always! Thank - You - My Friend !

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Lord, YOU are a faithful friend to me! Help me to be a blessing to my friend(s) at all times...to be available to extend help to them!

Inspirational Reading from the Book of 1 Samuel Chapter 1

Be A Promise Keeper ... not A Promise Breaker~

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It begins with prayer: When Hannah had prayed and cried out before God to open her womb and give her a son, and made a promise that son would be dedicated to the LORD “all the days of his life – forevermore! 1 Samuel 1:11 “She made a special promise to God and said, "Lord All-Powerful, you can see how sad I am. Remember me. Don't forget me. If you will give me a son, I will give him to you. He will be yours his whole life, and as a Nazirite, he will not drink wine or strong drink, and no one will ever cut his hair."Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version.

She kept baby Samuel close to her and spent quality time at home teaching him the things that he will never forget (Pro. 22:6). Hannah knew that time will come to fulfill what she had promised to God – she knew how difficult it would be keeping that promise – but she needs to do it. She kept her promise and delivered Samuel to the house of the LORD (1 Samuel 1:26-28).

In the world there is this saying: Promises are meant to be broken but in God meant to be kept – just as God has kept every promise made to us. God wants us to fulfill every promise we made before HIM and to everyone: Be a promise keeper ... not a promise breaker!

Thaddeus Jay Mabilangan, is the 2nd child of Mr. & Mrs. Lester Mabilangan, member of the Jesus Is Lord Church Winnipeg Souteast. The 1st child I dedicated in 2009, the "Year of Overflow!"

~With Mr. & Mrs. Lesther Mabilangan, with their daugther Trinity and TJ~

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Lord, YOU are a covenant keeping GOD and I am one of the recipients of YOUR promises and what YOU'VE said - it came to pass. As YOUR child, help me to do the same ... to do what I promised to YOU and to everyone. In Jesus' name... Amen!

Inspirational Reading from the Book of Ruth: Ruth chapter 1 to 4

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The story started with Naomi's journey to Mo-ab with her family: Husband and two sons and her return after their deaths. That's why she told her friends not to call her Naomi which means "pleasant" but to call her Mara, which means "bitter!" She was so discouraged that she can't even see the blessing of her doughier in law - Ruth and the acceptance of her old friends when she returned from Mo-ab to Bethlehem.

But God's sovereignty will prevail - hadn't forgotten Naomi-Mara - radical changes took place not only in her life but also in her character. In every situation in life - nothing is wasted - HE meant it for good, though the devil meant it for evil but in God: HE is going to make all things beautiful in HIS time. All of life's events have purpose (Romans 8:28).

It's always our choice - if you respond negatively with anger / bitterness your name may as well be "Mara." But if you choose God's perspective - as HIS student - in HIS classroom - teaching you and shaping you into HIS planned design for you - you'll be "Pleasant" to everyone especially to the ONE who created you.

Remember: "What happens in you is more important than what happens to you!"...focus on the journey - not the destination ... treasure every moment of the way ... HE is with You!__________________________________________________________________

In you LORD my GOD I put my trust...Your ways are higher than mine...do your mighty ways in my life. I know it is always for my advantage everything that is happening in my life - it is with purpose - into your Hands with all submission...do it LORD!

Amen~

God told Joshua to be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). You’ve been into the middle of difficulty, hardship, trauma, discouragement, defeat? Whatever – situation you are facing ... God is with you! Just as HE was with Joshua and anybody else – HE is with you as a Friend, Counsellor...YOUR GREAT I AM...name it and HE is! Just be strong and of good courage. Hang on to HIS promises that if you follow HIM “you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before (Joshua 3:4).

You may as well answer, what Joshua had said: “WHOM will you serve?” The god of this world? The idols of this society? Or the ONE – TRUE – GOD – WHO is able to do great and mighty things in your life? (Joshua 24:15...”But as for me and my house we will serve the LORD!”

• Our primary calling is by HIM, to HIM, and for HIM...called to SOMEONE and not to something!


• Our secondary callings matter – but only because the primary calling matters most...is that everyone, everywhere, and in everything - for HIM!

God's invitation - needs an answer! Today is the day to embrace HIS love and the choice is yours. Let your YES be Yes forever - until JESUS' comes!

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Whom I will serve? What an honor to be part of God's army - to be counted as one - the servant of the Most High God! Lord, help me to do the work you've entrusted to me faithfully ... that YOU will find me faithful in loving, knowing and serving YOU through the days of my existence! This is my prayer: In JESUS' name! Amen~

January 4, 2009 JIL Winnipeg 1st Outreach was born in the Southeast area of the City. It creates momentum in the church, giving opportunity / promotion to potential people and fulfillment of the vision. With our declaration, 2009 as Year of Overflow, God’s people has received the anointing of Overflow of the Power of the Holy Spirit on the very 1st Sunday Service of the year. It gives them the assurance that the Holy Spirit is always available as:

• Counsellor - one who's called alongside of another person to offer assistance (John 16:7-8).
• Coach - is there with us, offering us everything we need to take the next step.
• Giver - (of all gifts )The purpose of this manifestation of the Spirit is for the common good—for the Christian community to be built up, strengthened, vibrant, alive, and spiritually healthy. The Holy Spirit also authenticates us as genuine children of God (1 Cor. 12: 7-11).

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is the Freedom of Salvation, Freedom of Security, Freedom to move forward Spiritually and Freedom to Serve and our hearts OVERFLOWS WITH GOOD THINGS! (2 Cor. 3:17).

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Lord, I come to You for I know You are always available for me ... with all my heart I put my trust unto You! In JESUS' name...Amen!