Ikthus 18- ISAAC Bacolod Page

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Nagapreparar ka na bala sa pagpangita sang ubra? Ari ang isa ka libre nga higayon para sa tanan nga mga fresh graduates (SHS, College, TechVoc) nga naga edad 18-35!

Kaupod ang SK Pederasyon sang Bacolod, maya ara kita sang libre nga employment enrichment workshop para sa inyo sa August 5, 2022 sa New Government Center Lobby from 1:00 to 5:00 pm!

Magparehistro diri: bit.ly/YEESBacolod

Miraniel Rosales Alob Mary Cris Alob Gail Pasilan Camangyan Chelah Lagos EMzjay CEe BEe Angela Santibanez

Here is the program for tomorrow’s Webinar 4
“COPING with COVID Pandemic Fatigue”

Don’t forget to register at: https://bit.ly/akoparasabata2021
and tune in via Zoom or Facebook Live by10AM

See you!

National Children's Month 2021

Devotional
September 13, 2021
Proverbs 1:33

We all have our own fears, thus fear exists. Fear can make us feel uneasy, helpless, and prevent us from moving forward. But, we must remember that God is greater than our fears. However, faith doesn't mean putting our selves into danger recklessly or disregarding common sense. It does, instead, imply turning to God whenever fear comes. It means choosing courage over fear. As Christians, we must have courage; we must be strong in the face of our fears.

As Jesus fearlessly walked God's will, even to the crucifixion - He demonstrated courageous faith. Despite the fact that he knew he would face death, He chose to have faith in the Father and fulfilled the Father's will. Putting our faith in Jesus Christ gives us the strength to face our fears. When faith takes over, fear fades away. Fear, on the other hand, rushes in like a wave when faith is absent. Faith is the key to having the courage to face our fears.

It is possible that we are afraid of financial insecurity or even the uncertain future. No matter how scared, how troubled, or how uncertain things may seem, thankfully, God is in charge. To fight our fear, we must spend time in prayer pouring out our hearts to God. Then spend some time reflecting on who God is and what He has done for us. Also, reminding our selves of the promises He has made through His Word, the Scripture. Fear alone is nothing, when we have God in our lives.

God bless everyone! Have courage and face the day with a smile, knowing that God is always with us. 😁

- Angela

Devotional
September 7, 2021
1 Peter 5:7

We are frequently stressed out whenever we are in a difficult circumstance. We worry about what to do when we have a lot of things to accomplish from school, work, or even at home. And, sometimes, we are worried about the future. Worrying, on the other hand, does not help us; in fact, it might cause us to overthink and panic. But, when we lift to God our problems and worries, we are free to enjoy life. We may take a deep breath and rest, knowing that God will always look after us.

Our God is bigger than our worries and difficulties in life. We must put our faith in Him and bring all of our concerns to Him. Let us continue to pray and ask God to help us in these problems. Do not be anxious, overthink, or stressed, instead, simply put your trust in Him. Remember that God is with us and will always be. Nothing is too small to be prayed about. Nothing is too big to be prayed about. Pray about everything.

God bless everyone!

- Angela

Devotional
August 31, 2021
2 Corinthians 1:8-9

When we are under pressure and fatigued from our studies, work, and other obligations, we often stressed out. We often find it difficult to make plans for our future when we don't even know who we are as individuals, let alone what we want to do with the rest of our lives. We are supposed to find God's peace during these stressful moments. However, there are times stress drives us to draw away from God, because when we are stressed, we usually believe we have to do it all on our own. We break apart when we try to take control of our lives. We cannot live peacefully without God's word, love, and will; rather, we need these in order to live free from worries. God loves us and wants the best for us, but we must have faith in Him.

We often strive to live our lives according to our own plans because it gives us a sense of control. We believe that things will be easier to manage if we can arrange them ourselves according to our feelings, thoughts, and desires. This sense of control, however, does not last long, and we are quickly left stressed, broken, and pondering where we went wrong. We do it all the time, but it's critical to trust God's plan from the start, knowing that He is an all knowing God. His plan for our lives is not only greater than any plan we might create on our own, but it also brings us love and contentment! Fully trusting in God offers a comfort that is beyond explanation. We can go through extremely stressful situations without suffering its pressure and burden when we place our strong faith in Him.

-Angela

The Power of Faith

Mark 11: 12-14, 20-26

Did you know that you have a superpower? Yes! Jesus has proclaimed us all to be Super Heroes! We can move mountains with our mind! We can cause seas to path! We can kill fig trees….? Ok, that last one doesn’t seem so glamorous but you get the point right?

Jesus says in Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and shall ye shall have them.” Wow that’s crazy, right? But let’s not getting carried away here! We must remember that Jesus surrendered his will to his Heavenly Father “…not my will, but thine be done” Luke 22:42. His will and his Father’s will were one.

So when we claim the promise or when we use our superpower of faith, believing that God will truly bless us with that nice car or fancy job or great apartment, we must ask ourselves ‘Is this the Father’s will?’

Anything you want in faith
The bible clearly states that anything we ask and I mean ANYTHING we ask, believing in faith that it will happen, God will grant it unto us. That is the power of faith! God desires the best for his children. He wants to see us happy; however, with great faith comes great responsibility. Many times we pray and believe in faith that something will happen that isn’t in accordance with God’s will. As Christians we must ask first “Dear God, is this what you want for me?” and then pray in faith “If it is your will, I trust and believe that it will happen.”

The fig tree is yet another example Jesus uses to prove his point, that when we believe, pray and have great faith we can trust that God will do everything that we ask of him, once it is in accordance with this will. So go out there today and crush mountains with your bare hands! Break down barriers with your mind! And face the enemy with the power of faith! Super Christians Unite!

Therefore strengyhen our faith and don't lose faith on every circumstances. Believe and put your faith in Him because everything is possible.

All credits to the owner.

It’s so easy to go from feeling really good about yourself, to not. For me, it usually happens when I say or do something really embarrassing. Then I spend hours beating myself up for not saying the right thing. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably experienced something similar, where you said or did something embarrassing. If we’re not careful, situations like these can really cause us to doubt or call, purpose and even our value.

When you feel bad about yourself, remember this. God made you. He made everything about you and made you the way you are. The good news is that He likes you, just as you are. You don’t have to change anything about you because God thinks you’re great!

Don’t let situations or other people make you feel bad about yourself. To God, you have purpose and value. God has good things planned for your life, so don’t let circumstances or situations dictate your worth. Instead, choose to believe what God says about you. He says you have value. If you’ll look to Him, you’ll find your true worth.
-ctto

Know your worth in God's presence. God bless and stay safe always. 🤗

-Manuel

July 29, 2021

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear” (Luke 12:22).

Despite the fact that we live in a world full of disappointment, frustration pressure as a youth and as this early age we worry about what to eat and how to help our parents and what works fit to us but Jesus taught us not to be concerned about anything. As someone who also like you, as someone experiencing pressure and worry about anything may we always remember that God is capable to provide all of our needs on a daily basis. He will help us survive the most challenging situations and that is one of the most significant thing God can do to us. According to Philippians 4:19 assures us that all of our needs will be met. “And my God, according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus, will supply all your needs.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, may we lay aside our worries and put God first in whatever we do today, and we will see that everything we need will come to us because He who has promised will never leave us. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

- Dhan Lea

Devotional
July 28, 2021

Philippians 4:12
" I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

In life, there is one thing that we should always have within ourselves, and that is the sense of contentment. Whether we have a lot or a little, we must be contented and happy in everything we do. As Christians, we must acknowledge that there is nothing we can do in life without Christ, and nothing we receive that does not come from His hand, for He is our strength, support, and source of everything.

We should remember that God had promised to meet all of our needs according to His riches in glory, and that in all things, God would work through us and provide everything we needed for life in righteousness. Remember that it is Christ who meets our needs and strengthens our hearts. In any position and under any situation, we should learn the essence of contentment. When we are surrounded by good things, we should be satisfied in Christ, but we should also be content when we are hungry and in need. Above all, we should understand and recognize that life's contentment can only be found in Him.

May we, like the Philippian Christians, be willing to support and be part of ministries and minister with the fruit of our hands to the glory of God, and may we, like Paul, be ready to live our lives sincerely unto the Lord in full of joy contentedness, whether we are poor and without the bare necessities of life or wealthy. Let us be contented and joyful in Christ.

Start with this day, be contented and thankful for what you have.
God bless everyone!

-Angela

July 26, 2021
Devotional

As we face this pandemic, we are worrying about the survival in our lives. To where we can look for a job, on how can we provide our food to eat, our daily needs, etc. These are the few things we usually worry about.

And what we usually do? We Pray.

Pray to God about it. Prayer is the most powerful weapon we can have in this time of pandemic. Never underestimate the power of prayer. He never fails to listen in your prayer.

He fulfills His promises to us. His promises is written in His Word, the Bible. Just like your prayers to Him. If He sees that it will be beneficial for you, then He will grant it. If not, still praise Him, maybe He has something for you, bigger than what you pray for.

So practice Praying to Him and He will surely listens.

-Manuel Acosta

Photo taken from google, credits to the owner.

Devotional
July 21, 2021

Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Relationships are important to life, yet because we humans are imperfect, even those who love us might betray or hurt us at times. But what are we going to do about it? Are we going to retaliate or seek vengeance for what they've done?

We should make allowances for each other's faults and forgive them, as Colossians 3:13 instructs. The first step is to recognize that even we Christians aren't perfect. Others do things that we may not believe are correct. If and when this happens, we must be gracious and loving in our response, explaining why we are offended. The scripture then teaches us to forgive everyone who has hurt us. However, most of us who read this verse must understand that it is not simply a good advice; it is a command. God expects us to be forgiving to one another.

Knowing that we should forgive someone doesn't make it any simpler, and even hard sometimes, especially when it is something that has caused us a lot of pain. However, we must keep in mind that God has forgiven us as well. Even if it is difficult for us, we must learn to live as Christ did. It can be viewed as a step toward becoming a forgiving person. Because God forgave all of our sins, we must also forgive those who have wronged us, even though it is hard. We must allow God's love to conquer this battle we have within ourselves.

God bless everyone!

- Angela

Devotional
July 14, 2021

Mark 12:30
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

The desire to be passionate needs love, energy, time, effort, and attention to God's presence and His will. Because we were made for it, humanity is enthralled by passion. God created us with a desire to be passionate in order for Him to be able to fulfill that desire through His plans. The Bible is the ultimate love story. It's the story of God coming down to earth and entirely sacrificing Himself for us, even to the point of death. He has defeated death and now desires to use us as passionate children to bring the entire world to salvation and freedom, so that our lives will have an eternal impact.

We were made with a desire to be passionate, however, sometimes we tend to forget the love that God has given to us. We tend to focus on what the world is offering us and put all of our time to it. We often forgot what God has sacrificed enable for us to enjoy the lives we have today. Therefore, it is time for us to be awaken and convince ourselves to be more passionate to His desires and plans for us, at the same time to Him. We should love Him with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength. He is our God eternal, without Him, we are nothing. Hence, instead of focusing on what the world can give, why not turn our attentions to what God is already giving to us. We just need to realize that His love is the greatest above all things, and be passionate in being His sons and daughters, and live the life He wants us to have.

Have a great, positive, and blessed day everyone!

- Angela De los Reyes

Let us read this, as one of our sister in Christ shared her thoughts and experiences on how her faith in God help her grow.

One of the ISAAC Beneficiary shared his experience and thoughts of who God is in his life in the midst of the pandemic.

HOPE FOR GRACE

The apostle Paul wrote:
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,
17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17

Everything was apparently lost, that day when the man disobeyed the divine commandment of His Creator that said: “Do not eat of that tree”. Darkness at that time took over the earth, death and discouragement ravaged existence. The beginning of a humanity seemed at the end so quickly, however, not everything would remain that way and that is why many years later God sent His Son to give us salvation.
God has produced a great miracle in our lives, and is that when everything was dark and apparently lost, gave us His Son, to free us from hell and sin. He gave us a living hope, for which, as the Apostle Paul himself says: “Nothing will separate us from the love of Christ”. Nothing can separate us from His hands.
We live with hope and that hope makes us stand firm until the last day of our lives, since God makes us feel safe in Him. Do you feel safe in God? Is the hope that God has given you enough for you? It shoud be enough, since it is the only hope that goes beyond death. We give glory and honor to the Lord our God because He has chosen us and because of His love and mercy we are on our feet.

Robert James Treyes

June 3, 2021

1 John 4:9
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him."

Notice God’s love. The Bible teaches that God is love. You and I were sinners. We were aliens from God. We were enemies of God. We had rebelled against God. We deserved hell, but in spite of the fact that we resisted God, we rebelled against God, we sinned against God, we were enemies of God the Bible says God loved us anyway with an everlasting love so that He was willing to give His Son to die on the cross for our sins. There is not a person who has the ability to love that way unless he comes to Christ. You don’t have the power to love.

Know God’s love for yourself.

Prayer for the day
Your love encompasses me, Lord Jesus, wherever I may be. There are so many who need the healing of Your love in their lives. Fill me to overflowing with “agapé” love for them.

Have a blessed Thursday everyone! :)

June 2, 2021
We Are In Christ
Colossians 1:18

Christ is our Creator, whom things were created and through whom all things, both visible and invisible in heaven and on earth are held together. He is eternal, just as God is eternal. He is the God who freely took on human flesh in order for us to have redemption of our bodies - forgiveness of sins - by His shed blood.

Christ is also the Head of the Church, and His headship over the Church is one of our His many wonderful and glorious character, which signifies a great deal to us who have been saved by grace through faith in Him.

As Christians, we must acknowledge that we are members of Christ's spiritual body. We must understand that as representatives of the Church, His righteousness has been imputed to all of us. We must learn to live in a way that reflects Jesus Christ's life and love. We are in Christ because we are members of His body, and His death has become our death and His resurrection has become our resurrection. Hence, we should live our lives that reflect Him and are worthy of being called members of His holy body.

- Angela De los Reyes

June 1, 2021

Jeremiah had been writing about how difficult and depressing his circumstances were in captivity. But then suddenly, in the middle of this bleak account, his thoughts take a startling positive turn toward the character of God. The Hebrew word translated here mercies is used 250 times in the Old Testament. It is a sweeping, all-inclusive term for God’s love, goodness, forgiveness, compassion, and faithfulness. Even in the bleakness of God’s discipline, there was hope. Judah would not be permanently destroyed, but ultimately restored.
- Ptr. Ed

As we live in this world, it is inevitable to experience disappointments, broken promises and discourages. A lot of people may criticize and pull you down. And as a believer of Christ, we experience difficult times and challenges in life, that we can say, we give up, I'm such a disappointment, or being disappointed to the outcome that is opposite to what you had expected.

Though we may experience these things, our response will be like Jeremiah that despite of what he is struggling with discouragement, his FAITHFULNESS to the Lord is strong and firm. When we are discouraged, stop and remember the God's faithfulness to you. He is our God who never gives up on us. Even if we are stubborn and hard-headed people, still His FAITHFULNESS is In us.

Every day is a mercy that He always sustains your needs. Also a reason to be thankful for Him that you can wake up in the morning, you opened your eyes and still breathing. From the air that you breathe, the water you are using, to the food you eat, for keeping you healthy, and the like. The point is acknowledge God even in little things. That shows complete dependence and trust to Him. He is faithful to you, so you must be faithful to Him also.

A wonderful day and pleasant morning to all. God bless and take care always.
Don't forget to pray and give thanks to the Lord always.

- Manuel Acosta

May 28, 2021

TRUST GOD ALWAYS

Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:
Isaiah 26:4 (KJV)

In no one else and only in my Beloved Lord I must trust, He is my sustenance and my helper, the one who guards my life from all danger, that is why it is good that our trust be placed in God and only in God. Let us not doubt all that God can do in our lives.

Trust in God is something vital in the believer, it is something that cannot be lacking in us, because we always have to trust God. In ancient times the great men of God always had their trust placed in Him.

Despite of the circumstances that happens in our, we should always trust the Lord Jesus because he will provide us, guide us, and lighten our path of darkness. We should Believe that God is our shelter and provider.

-Robert James D. Treyes

May 27, 2021

Luke 6:43-45

Who we really are on the inside will at some point be revealed outwardly by our words. According to Scripture, all of us make mistakes in what we say—it would take a “perfect” person to always bridle the tongue and thereby control the body as well (James 3:2-3). In fact, no one but Jesus is completely successful in this way. But to the degree that we walk closely with the Lord, the more our speech will be evidence that we follow Him.

In today's chapter, Jesus illustrates this point with a metaphor about good and evil trees. He describes Christians as good trees, through whom the indwelling Holy Spirit is working to produce His excellent fruit, making a contrast between those who believe in Him and those who do not.

However, just because we are "good trees" does not mean that we will automatically speak in a positive manner. The Holy Spirit must help us in using language that is edifying, gracious, wholesome, and true (Eph. 4:29-30). Let us make it our goal to abide in Jesus, enabling the Holy Spirit to guide our words and bring glory to Him.

Happy Thursday! 😊

-Dhan Lea Buscado

May 26, 2021
The Lord Our Healer

Jesus is the one who heals the sick and frees those who are enslaved. Every attribute of the Almighty, Eternal God pointed towards the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, the God and perfect Man. He who made the deaf hear, the lame walk, the blind see, and the dead rise into newness of life - The Lord our Healer.

We always have God's healing in our lives. We may be fatigued, frightened, or unwell, but we can sense His presence. This COVID 19 has brought us numerous issues and problems. We constantly pray for God's healing during times like this, when we are confronted with something unexpected. We must believe in His healing and protection, as He is the only one who can help us overcome this obstacle. Also, not only that we must ask His healing, we should always thank Him for His unconditional love, grace and mercy upon us.

When God's love is missing in our lives, sickness and illness will enter our minds, bodies, and spirits. We also need physical, mental, and spiritual healing when confronted with unpleasant events. Only the presence of God in our lives can heal all of them. We must seek for His healing powers and continue to have faith in Him, knowing that despite the difficulties we are facing, deep scars we have, and terminal illness, He is still with us.

-Angela De los Reyes

May 25, 2021

Is there a time in your life that you feel depressed or down because of the things happening in your life? Have you ever feel like you are lifting the world? Or did you sometimes question and ask God if He really do exist? Like why is this happening in your life? Feels like the world is unfair for you?

My dear fellow Christians, it's not you alone who experience those things. The walk of a believer of Christ is never been easy. We face harships, trials, conflicts, etc, in our daily life since everyday is a survival to everyone. Yes, indeed. Survival wherein it is not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually and mentally survival. And it is God who make it happen to your life. God is allowing those circumstances in your life because he wants you to learn, teach and test how strong your faith is. Faith that enables you to survive in your daily life.

The verse of today is reminding us that when you go through on those circumstances, you are not alone. God is in us. He is with us. So we must be strong and courageous for the Lord of Lords and King of Kings is in you, The Provider, the Defender, the Creator, the Living God. A God that loves you, hears and answers your prayer because He will never leaves you nor forsakes you.

Whatever we may experience in life, we must face it boldly and courageously for our God is with us.

A blessed morning to everyone! Stay safe and God bless.
God loves you. 😊

- Manuel Acosta

Devotional for today.

Do no wrong to one's neighbour", may sound a very simple principle to perform, but on deeper reflection we realise it is an enormous undertaking that would prove to be impossible without God's sufficient strength. To do no wrong to one's neighbour covers every word we say, every action we undertake, every attitude we express, and every motive in the secret depths of our heart, that God alone can see.

Paul reminds us that when we love others in the same way that Jesus loved us we fulfil the whole of God's law, "for love is the fulfillment of the law." And James calls this the ROYAL Law, and it should govern every aspect of our lives. BUT we can only love as Jesus loves when we are walking in spirit and truth and allowing HIM to lead and guide every word we say, every action we undertake, every attitude we express and every motive of our heart.

And Paul, in his book of Galatians, expresses it this way, "bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfil the law of Christ." In a world where the love of many has grown cold, may we fulfil Christ's command to love our neighbour as He loves, and do him no wrong, as we submit to the leading of the Spirit and carry out God's will for our lives.

-Therese Marie Arisgado