Philip and Chette Friendster Blog

The Agony of Prayer

Last June 25, 2008... at exact 3pm... Sis.Bheng (KKB Win Representative) and Bro. John (KKB Head) assigned me to lead another exhortation for the prayer meeting. I did not resist because God already told me a lot of times... that I will exhort this coming wednesday so He already gave me an exhortation, rhema or a message for that Prayer meeting.

According to Ptr. Arnel... it was a short exhortation but a very powerful one. He did not expect that I will talk about the Anguish of Jesus in Gethsemane and how well I exhorted it. - But I told Ptr. Arnel that it was God who gave me the message and To God be the Glory.

He also told me that I have to get ready because I can be a pulpit minister someday. Well Here I am Lord... send me... mold me.

But anyway, I just feel like I want to share this small exhortation last Wednesday, God's message -- here online. It's a good reminder for all of us (especially for me everytime I see this message). Allow me to share it with all of you.

Title: The Agony of Prayer
Text: Luke 22:44 “And being in Agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground”.

There's this quote I saw once on the internet... "“Prayer is not difficult to understand. But it is difficult to do.”

I remembered when we had our KKB CDN Day (June 8, 2008) and we were encouraging all the KKBs to join any CDNs they want… Praise God there were a lot who committed VIA/JAM; Triune-movers, Artist Circle, Anointed Image Work... but no one dared to approach us and say, "We want to be a part of the WIN Network". We even made the WIN presentation the best in all of the presentations yet no one joined the WIN Network.

*WIN - Warrior Intercessors Network (Praying Ministry)

If I can recall or correct me if I am wrong... Sis. Bheng is only appointing KKBs to be in the Network but no one volunteered to be in the WIN ministry.

It took me 2 days… 3 days asking God this question: “Why are there so few intercessors today? Even I can’t commit in this Ministry” and then God showed me this verse in Luke 22:24. 

And as I was medidating this verse, God answered my question and made me realize something…

We are in a generation where people avoid PAIN at all costs. That is why even Christians sadly, operate on the shallowest levels of prayers. And God wants us to take us into deep levels of intercessory prayers that only few ever experience.

When I searched the internet about the meaning of “deep levels of intercessory prayers” I found out that Deep, prolonged Intercession is painful. It involves experiencing brokenness with the Father It involves submitting everything to God, Trusting Him even though the outcome is so impossible.

Someone said, we are longing for Pentecost in our lives... We are longing for breakthroughs and Victories… but we always forget that there is no breakthrough, no victory… no Pentecost without the Gethsemane and the Cross…

… a deep level of Intercessory prayer is very painful. To become mature in our prayer life is to pray and pray and pray. When we do not feel like praying that is the time we should pray.

God wants us to pray… a genuine and painful prayer – that involves surrending everything to God, the brokenness to God, Giving everything to God. If you want to cry when you’re praying.. Do it. Don’t stop yourself. Don’t allow yourself to become satisfied with a shallow, self-centered praying. Stay with God in prayer until He leads you to pray at the Level He wants.

Right now, God wants us to evaluate our Prayer Life. Are we becoming shallow in our prayers? Then we should ask God for forgiveness. If our prayers are not sincere and painful… We won’t win any battle. Before Jesus can perform Miracles… He prays… and His prayers are very painful to Him… it always involves self-denials…

Let God evaluate our prayer lives…  let God correct us today…

Before I will end this exhortation... Eversince I accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior.. (2002..) up until now... I have 807 answered prayers... but there are thousands of prayers I already offered to God... and yet I only have 807 answered prayers.

Why is that? then God made me remember -- those 807 answered prayers were answered because that time as I was praying for the answers... I cried out to God, it was a painful experience for me. It wasn't a shallow prayer....

How is your Prayer Life today?

May 28, 2008 - Mark this day Chette (for God's glory!)

May 28, 2008 - Mark this day Chette (for God's glory!) - I stood there, in the pulpit not to lead Praise and Worship but to preach... It was a nerve-wrecking experience! And our Pastor attended that service... I was like... OMG... HELP ME OH GOD! Give me MORE OF YOUR ANOINTING!!!

And God did hehe :) Plus did I tell you guys that I was assigned right there and there? @.@ It's like I am not READY! Physically and Mentally... But God move and He gave me a topic that caught many people's attention.

I'll share it with you Guys ^^

3 Major Purpose of Prayer (Ps 145:18-20)

1. God wants us to be one with Him
- He is Near those who call Him
- He created us to have a relationship with Him
- He wants us to communicate with Him Everyday

2. God wants us to have power to resist temptation/any satanic deception and lies of the devil
- As Christians we are not "sleeping Giants" but GIANTS
- We have 2As that God has given us: AUTHORITY and ANOINTING
- satan is place under our feet
- The More we Pray, the More we have POWER

3. Develop Thirst and Hunger and Even Intense longing to know His fullness
The Three (Es)
a. Extol - God's Holliness
b. Evaluate - Ourselves
c. Expect more Blessings

I couldn't do this without God's power... Thank you Lord for the experience and thank you for not leaving me... *bawls* *tears of Joy*

Spiritual Progress leads to a strong Foundation of Maturity (2 Peter 3:18)

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)

Questions:
Q1: What most commonly hinders you to improve/develop your spiritual growth?
    We cannot avoid "Hindrances" in our daily walk with God. There will always be "Hindrances" and it's up to us if we will focus on those hindrances or do something about it. So.. what are the most commonly hindrances to develop your spiritual growth?

Q2: How truly sincere are we to work out/increase our spiritual maturity?
   Do you do something to work out/develop/increase your Spiritual Maturity?

Dear Fellow Christians,
    What God cares most about is our spiritual growth and spiritual development. Just like a parent training and teaching his child as he grows up.

God wants you to grow up!

Our Heavenly Father’s desire is for us to become more mature and develop the characteristics of Jesus Christ. God remove anything that hinders our usefulness if we let Him do His Job.

But why other people being unproductive in their daily walk with God? Here are some Reasons why Spiritual Infancy and Unproductiveness are taking advantage over God’s people:

1. SELF-ASSUMING SPIRIT - A.K.A. PRIDE or ARROGANCE
    Some Christians doesn't want to be teach. They always say they are right and they don't accept Rebukes. Some Christians thinks they already know everything.

2. SPIRITUAL BLIND SPOTS - A.K.A. LOST OPPORTUNITIES (TAKING FOR GRANTED)
    Some Christians... they take for the granted the trainings and seminars. They don't attend such events... and most especially "Prayer Meetings". Other Christians are also afraid to Commit to the Ministry, thus making them useless and unfruitful.

3. UNREALISTIC FAITH - AKA RELIGIOUS SPIRIT / HYPOCRISY
    Some Christians are living "Traditionally". They follow the traditions of Men rather of than God. They profess that they know what they are doing yet they deny the power of the cross and the laws of God.

So how can we improve/develop our Spiritually? Here are Steps/Keys to Spiritual Progress:

1. Program your Mind to Spiritual Growth
- Everyday, Read the Bible... Take time to pray. Know God more.

2. Break out of your Self-imposed Prison
- Take a Risk. Join any Ministry. Commit yourself to God and Serve Him even others think you're crazy doing that.

3. Sharpen your Maturity by expanding your growth and improvement
- Join Seminars. Attend Trainings and Meetings. Be active in Prayer meetings and Services.

4. Accelerate and desire Radical Change
- Be Radical when it comes to Serve God. Be Crazy.. so crazy that you'll do anything in serving God's Kingdom and God.

5. Move on to serve the Living God
- The summary of all of these steps. Serve God. Don't be afraid. The Reward is Out of this World.

Stop Nagging... Stop Bitterness

Christians are not perfect. But they are forgiven. (1 John 1:9) But even though they are forgiven; They are worst in judging and murmuring (not just to the unbelievers but as well to other believers). I myself have sinned against judging and murmuring. I didn't guard my heart for the past week. But after hearing and Meditating this verse...

Ephesians 4:29-31 "29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice."

It Struck my heart. Isn't that I kept repeating to myself that there is no Perfect Church because no one is perfect. That it is God's grace we're serving God. But sometimes, we tend to get angry.. to murmur especially when we feel we are abused; or that no one is appreciating our works; or no one acknowledge us or we feel so alone inside the Church.

Why do we go to Church? Is it for the people? Is it for the other Christians? or is it for God? Isn't that we go to Church... because of God? Not because of the people? Isn't that we are serving God and not the people? So why feel bitter? Why do we murmur when no one appreciates our acknowledge our work?

It is kinda sad that most Christians backslide because of other Christians. (Take note of this: BUT BECAUSE of other Christians). Maybe some of you might say that "Well we can't blame them... as Christians we must show good testimony"

Yes as Christians we must show Good testimony; but as Matured Christians we must also remember that no one is Perfect and if you backslide because of other Christians... then you do not love God Truly. (sorry to be harsh; but its the truth). In my 5 years of being a child of God (A Christian); there were many instances that even other believers persecute me and gives me problems. But I don't give up because I Love God. I serve God only and I go to Church because of God; and not because of the people.

God just finished dealing this part of my life. When I got rid of the murmuring and bitterness; My Joy of serving God came back.

So Christians...? if you feel so down at Church because of other Christians, Stop Nagging. Stop Bitterness and always remember you are serving God and not the people. Do not give up in Serving God.

God bless us!

JIL Pampanga 24th Anniversary!

JIL Pampanga Anniversary was awesome!  So many Signs, Wonders and Miracles! 

What Miracles you ask? Well.. first of all.. there were 2 storms coming to Pampanga on the said 'day' There were already threats how strong the winds are (from 170+ to 200+) Cebu was declared "state of Calamity" (During and after the storm)

So the Leadership of JIL Pampanga declared a three (3) days fasting! We were crying and asking God for a divine Intervention. And God did not let us down, He heard our Prayers. Typhoon Mina current storm trajectory last November 25, 2007 (Morning) went to Region 2. (Pampanga is Region 3) It didn't come to Pampanga. The Eye of the storm missed central Luzon. How's that for a Miracle?

Quote

MANILA — Typhoon Mina changed course early yesterday morning and is now heading towards the provinces of Aurora and Quezon. - inquirer.net (GMA 7)

During the Ministerial; Brother Eddie, Rev. Madam Dory Villanueva and other JIL Pampanga Pastors ministered to the people who were sick. Right there and there... we have witnessed a LOT OF HEALING and MIRACLES! The Blind... Sees;  The Crippled, Walk! There were other Members who were healed with their sickness. Impossible and incurable diseases where healed MIRACULOUSLY.

Governor Ed Panlilio (he is a priest so he should be familiar with the miracles) but he was shocked and was also amazed at what God did on that Place. During the Ministerial he was told to go to the VIP Room for protection but HE DIDN'T WANT TOO! He just stayed there looking at the Altar where Miracles are happening!

and when Brother Eddie Lay his hands on Gov. Ed Panlilio; we saw him SHIVERED!!! He felt God's presence!

There is no perfect Church

There is no Perfect Church ....
because you're there.
- Rev. Ptr Alex O. Garcia (aka: A.O.G)

It does make sense. :P I attended the "Prayer and Fasting" for JIL Pampanga Anniversary last Saturday (November 10, 07)

Since no body is perfect and you're inside that church... then there is no perfect church.

It is only by God's grace we are serving God

this may sound weird but…

this may sound weird but… I pray first before going to the doctor. I always consult God first before I consult any doctor. I remembered a conversation between me and my dad in the past… he kept telling me to take medicines but I refuse his medicines. And one day… we had a talk and I told him that “How can God used me mightly in healing if I depend on medicines?” I am glad he respected my decision.

If you don’t know me… in person… you may think I am very healthy. But I am not. Before I became a Christian, I am one of the people who makes ‘Hospital’ - our home. But after I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior… I don’t go to hospitals anymore and God is using me to heal others too.

Just like another testimony at Church…

God worked miraculously once again in the life of another brethren at Church.  Her name is Sis. Connie (not the one from Magalang). She is serving as one of the Gatekeepers of the Church. (Ushering) But last two weeks, she was diagnosed that she has cancer and she needed 45,000 pesos for her operation (All 4 doctors confirmed). When she found out about it, She went straightly to the Church and to our Pastor and leaders (us). She asked for a prayer.

Last Sunday, she happily run towards Pastor and the us and told them her  good news. She went to the doctor last week and her operation was canceled because when they check her up once again, they couldn’t find the “Cancer”. She was healed by God miraculously! *_*

So don’t be surprised that I don’t go to hospitals anymore^^;;

“TRULY THE GOD WE SERVE IS ALIVE AND A MIRACULOUS GOD!”

M-Minister??? O.O;;

Is it my time?
I ask this to God and said, "Yes."
I ask this to my pastor and said "yes"

I guess it's just me...

anyway.. please pray for me @.@ I am now preparing for October 7, 2007.

On October 7 (Sunday) Many Christians around 1Million will gather in Luneta Grandstand to Celebrate the JIL 29th WORLDWIDE Anniversary! So why am I preparing? Because.. we were informed that... we (Area Leaders) are going to minister to those 1Million congregation... and I don't want to Minister to people if my Heart is not prepared and that there is something wrong with me... I am gonna be accountable with that person then.. and will transfer bad to him or her.. I don't want that @.@ That is why I am preparing.. fasting... praying... in Jesus name... It's no joke to minister people @.@ I am telling you @.@

and fear doesn't leave me alone 

please pray for me...

when I got my ID... I became more nervous... -_-

Team Building

The conference started at around 9am. The first speaker was Rev. Pastor Bubut Bernardo (head of Education Ministry), Next was Rev. Pastor Joey Crisostomo Who talked about "Faithfulness" (I will share you this later), The next speaker was non-other than The President of the Jesus is Lord Church Christian School and lady of Brother Eddie Villanueva "Madam/Sister Dory Villanueva" The next one was Congressman Joel Villanueva and the last was Brother Eddie Villanueva. They preached about the Core Values of JIL (explain it briefly) And since we are all WORKERS and LEADERS we understood everything (There were no members mind you) It was a Meeting of the "GENERALS of GOD under the BANNER of JESUS IS LORD CHURCH"

But even though we are only Workers and Leaders and Pastors... from Region 1, 2 and 3... The attendees were about 4,000! (I felt goose bumps when I saw the workers and leaders of Region 1,2 and 3.. I can't believe that there were a LOT OF WORKERS and LEADERS of OUR CHURCH!

We felt the Holy Spirit, But in the end of the session it was the Hand of God who moved. There was deliverance, Revelations, Annointing, Blessings, Speaking in tongues, Miracles etc... God was there... He really is.

Here are the Pictures :)

and we were blessed to have our Picture Taken with our Spiritual Bishop Brother Eddie Villanueva *_*

Love Bank

Philip: Last Sunday, Our KKB Service was different from all the sunday services we've had. It was the 'post-valentine' service of the KKBs (youth).

Chette: Two leaders gave us a good insight on what True Love really is. But as you can see... as a woman who had lived for 4 years with her godswill... I already know some of their advices. I just nod and say "Amen"

Philip: But of course, as them... our elders at church, we have learned something too. When He started to talk about the "Love bank". It made my eyes looked like this O.O and then it became like this *.*

Chette: You see... as a couple, you must have a visible (imaginary) Love Bank. Where you can deposit Love there every day. So that when you two argue... and could feel that Love is fading... then... It's time to withdraw some "Love" from the Love Bank.

Philip: When the Love bank became empty... how can you still withdraw Love from there?

Chette: It was really something... the words hit us big time and made us think. And then, as I was thinking.. and thinking... God told me that if we invest the Love bank into Him... If Philip and I put our Love Banks into His hands... Our Love Bank will never go down to O

Philip & Chette: Interesting huh? :D