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Monthly Devotion: Trust - January 2025

Passage:
1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

Devotion:
The first month of 2025 just ended, and I think most of us are anxious about what is to happen for the whole year. I’m anxious. I find it so hard to be calm when some things we see and experience in this world are unclear. My mind finds it difficult to understand and trust that things will be fine because of how harsh the demands of this world are. I don’t know what will happen in the next five years (or even in the next five days).

It frustrates us because we always want to be ready, prepared, and ahead of others. But reflecting on 1 Corinthians 13:12 reminded me of two simple things:

1. To trust that God sees, is well aware of, and is more concerned about the bigger picture. We sometimes get so consumed with what we only see and feel that we don’t get the big picture of why things don’t go as we want them to.

2. To trust that God sees us completely. He knows everything about us—what’s in our hearts and our minds, how gullible, self-centered, unfair, etc. we are. And so, He knows what we truly need at a specific time.

2025 may not be easier than the last, but by trusting that God loves us and wants what is best for us (despite all our flaws), we can face this year less anxious, less bitter, less selfish, more courageous, more joyful, more humble, and more loving. We can trust and believe that our Lord sees and knows everything around us and in us.

Prayer:
Lord, you have been so amazing throughout the years. Thank you! I’m sorry that we only get to see your goodness when we start looking at the bigger picture of our lives. We thank you for making our relationship so personal that you give each of us what we uniquely need at a specific time. Thank you for always loving us unconditionally.

We surrender to you this year, all our plans, everything, Lord. Please continue to hold us and mold us today and in the coming days. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Monthly Devotion: A Priceless Gift - December 2024

Passage:
Jeremiah 23:5
“‘For the time is coming,’ says the LORD, ‘when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land.’”

Devotion:
One of the most overlooked aspects of this season is the fact that the birth of Christ was prophesied long before it actually happened. Sure, much of the Old Testament focuses on the coming of the Messiah, but what I mean by "overlooked" is this: when we celebrate the birth of Christ, we often forget that this very event was foretold by prophets for CENTURIES. We tend to focus solely on the nativity story, but we rarely stop to reflect on the long wait between the prophecy and its fulfillment. Many generations passed before this promise came to fruition, and we often miss the significance of that.

It’s also important to maintain a spirit of excitement, not just for the gifts we’ll receive on Christmas Day, but more importantly, for the realization of God’s future plans.

What stands out to me in this passage is the palpable optimism that Jeremiah had when he wrote it. He was excited for what was to come—though he knew that he might not live to see it. His excitement wasn't dependent on witnessing the event himself; it was rooted in the confidence that God’s promise would be fulfilled.

I honestly believe we should approach every Christmas celebration with this same excitement: not just for the presents we’ll receive, but for the certainty of God's plan—whether or not we see it come to pass in our lifetime. That, in itself, is a priceless gift.

Prayer:
Dear Lord,


May You continue to fill us with the excitement and optimism we need to celebrate not just Christmas, but every day of our lives. May we always have hearts that look forward to the fulfillment of Your plans. We know the power of Your purpose and the strength of Your will. And we pray that Your plans come to fruition—not only for us but for every kid out there.

Amen.

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Monthly Devotion: Finding Joy In Every Moment - November 2024

Passage:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Devotion:
It was Monday morning, my day off from work, but I decided to work anyway since I am preparing for a Young Life-themed club that will be happening in two weeks. I purposely started my day by listening to a podcast to get some ideas and inspiration for the club talk I’m going to give. The podcast was moving and powerful, and it set my mood positively. I was energized and ready for a long day.

During the day, things went just as I thought they would. I went to the schools to talk with their principals and invited some students to attend the club. I visited a newly opened store and had frozen yogurt. I stayed there for a bit to enjoy my food and their air-conditioned space. As I was about to resume my work for the day, a few things came up that I wasn’t expecting, and I just said to myself, “Samoka uy, dangaga nimo! (You’re so clumsy!)” Then the rain started pouring, and I didn’t bring an umbrella with me. I started hating my day, and my mood just dropped. I stayed at the store for a bit, hoping the rain would stop. Long story short, I wasn’t able to finish what I had planned for the day and went home feeling disappointed.

Have you ever experienced having a very nice day, but then getting angry and just thinking that your entire day was a waste? I feel like this happens to me quite often.

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

This verse is a powerful reminder of how my thoughts influence my perspective and actions. It encourages me to fix my mind on things that reflect God’s character—truth, nobility, righteousness, purity, loveliness, admirability, and praiseworthiness. This verse also guides me to redirect my thoughts whenever I face frustrations and discouragements. Holding on to what is true helps me trust in God’s promises. Thinking about what is pure and lovely reminds me to avoid negativity and appreciate the beauty in simple moments, like enjoying my frozen yogurt and the cold breeze from the pouring rain. Lastly, reflecting on what is admirable and praiseworthy reminds me to be grateful for God’s unending goodness.

I believe that if we consistently choose to think about these things daily, it allows us to see how God works in our lives. Even in frustrating moments or situations beyond our control, our day isn't entirely a waste. By focusing on what went well, we can end the day with gratitude and faithfulness. This is both a challenge and an invitation for us to transform our thoughts and keep our hearts in tune with God’s peace, even when things don’t go as planned.

Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for Your Word that reminds me of Your truth. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed my negative thoughts and actions to define me. Father in heaven, help me focus my thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Teach me, Lord, to always see the goodness in even the simplest things happening in my life. Help me to trust You in all situations, even when things don’t go as planned. Lord, renew my heart and mind. Guide us to live in gratitude and peace. Strengthen me to face each day with hope and to walk faithfully in all Your ways.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Monthly Devotion: Don't Lose Hope - October 2024

Passage:
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-31

Devotion:
Isaiah 40:30-31 captures the essence of human weakness and divine strength. Verse 1 acknowledges that weariness is a common experience, affecting even the strongest among us. Life's demands can leave us feeling exhausted and vulnerable, reminding us that our own strength has limits.

I was looking at the remaining months of this year when all of YL Philippines’ activities are about to end when it hit me, “Have I done my best? What else needs to be done?” Just thinking this is very tiresome and makes me feel weak knowing there are still a lot of things to be done.

Yet, in the face of all this weariness, the passage offers a powerful promise: Those who place their hope in the Lord will find renewed strength. This hope is not merely a wish; it is a deep, abiding trust in God’s faithfulness. When we turn to Him, He empowers us to rise above our circumstances.

I was blessed to visit Doulos Hope, the floating bookstore that anchored at Cebu City's port this month. I was invited to attend a missions fair with my wife Glorivic. The experience made me think again about my purpose and mission. Looking at the older missionaries brought me new vigor to focus on God's strength and not my own might.

The imagery of soaring like eagles illustrates the transformation that happens when we lean on God. Eagles are known for their strength and grace, rising high above the storms. Similarly, God lifts us from our struggles, granting us resilience and the ability to keep moving forward—whether running or walking—without succumbing to weariness.

Coming out from the Book Fair, I stumbled upon a display and a very inspiring baller with Isaiah 40:31 caught my eye. I remembered God's faithfulness in renewing my strength whenever I leaned on Him in my time of weariness.

In moments of exhaustion, take time to reflect on your source of strength. Are you relying solely on your own efforts? Shift your focus to God. Pray, read scripture, and immerse yourself in His presence. As you hope in Him, expect renewal and strength. Trust that He will help you soar above challenges, empowering you to navigate life with grace and endurance.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to place my hope in You. In my moments of weariness, remind me of Your strength. Renew my spirit and enable me to rise above my challenges, trusting in Your unfailing support. Amen.

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