Jimmy Labamora, Jr.

23/09/2023

"Yet" now available on all platforms.YetRecorded by the King will comeWritten by Ashley HessProduced by Garon BrettMixed and mastered by Jed JonesVideo edite...

30/05/2022

28/12/2021

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

27/12/2021

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions,in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
-2 Corinthians 12:9-10

25/12/2021

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
-Isaiah 9:6

20/12/2021

18/12/2021

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God"
-Psalm 46:10

God bless and Keep safe everyone🙏

14/12/2021

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
-2 Samuel 22:31

10/12/2021

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 40:31

09/12/2021

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy, with my song I praise Him.
-Psalm 27:7

07/12/2021

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
-Psalm 23:6

06/12/2021

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
-Psalm 90:14

25/11/2021

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
-Psalm 73:26

27/10/2021

13/05/2021

Pure Heart = Gentle Tongue

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you”
(Ezekiel 36:26 NIV)

Love is not easily angered. When you are angry, even simple things can irritate you, but when you are filled with God’s love, you see the beauty of things and situations.

Being filled with God’s love requires that you have a relationship with him. Your relationship with Jesus Christ will determine how patient you are and how well you master anger.

When you become a Christian, you have God’s power living in you giving you a new mind-set of seeing the goodness of God in every situation and giving you the power to make hard changes in your life.

In Matthew 12:34 says, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (NIV).

Be careful with your tongue, when it is harsh it reveals your angry heart, when it talks negative it reveals your fearful heart, when it is boasting it reveals your insecure heart, when it is judgmental it reveals you guilty heart.

If your tongue reveals an angry heart, then ask God to heal your hurting heart with his love. You need to know that Jesus cares about your pain. He can replace the hurt in your heart with his peace.

When you accept Jesus as the Lord of your life, he will give you a new heart that produces love, patience, kindness and gentleness.

28/04/2021

Cuddling In

Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 116:1–7

“Daddy, will you read to me?” my daughter asked. It’s not an unusual question for a child to make of a parent. But my daughter is eleven now. These days, such requests are fewer than they were when she was younger. “Yes,” I said happily, and she curled up next to me on the couch.

As I read to her (from The Fellowship of the Ring), she practically melted into me. It was one of those glorious moments as a parent, when we feel perhaps just an inkling of the perfect love our Father has for us and His deep desire for us to “cuddle in” to His presence and love.

I realized in that moment that I’m a lot like my eleven-year-old. Much of the time, I’m focused on being independent. It’s so easy to lose touch with God’s love for us, a tender and protective love that Psalm 116 describes as “gracious and righteous . . . full of compassion” (v. 5). It’s a love where, like my daughter, I can curl up in God’s lap, at home in His delight for me.

Psalm 116:7 suggests that we might need to regularly remind ourselves of God’s good love, and then crawl up into His waiting arms: “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” And indeed, He has.

By: Adam R. Holz

Reflect & Pray

When was the last time you rested quietly in God’s love? What barriers, if any, might keep you from experiencing the Father’s delight for you?

Father, thank You for Your perfect love for me. Help me to remember that love and to rest in Your goodness and delight in me.

Source: https://odb.org/PH/2021/04/28/cuddling-in

11/03/2021

Being “filled with the Spirit” can have different meanings to different people. It’s important to first turn to Scripture to understand who the Holy Spirit is and how He works. When we submit ourse…

07/03/2021

According to Chinese legend, when Sai Weng lost one of his prized horses, his neighbor expressed sorrow for his loss. But Sai Weng was unconcerned. He said, “Who knows if it may be a good thing for me?” Surprisingly, the lost horse returned home with another horse. As the neighbor congratulated ...

28/02/2021

25/02/2021

Met·a·mor·pho·sis
February 25, 2021

If we love our brothers and sisters who are believers, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. (1 John 3:14 New Living Translation)

In zoology metamorphosis is defined as a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means. A good example of this is caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly.

That is a good picture of what happens to those who decided to follow Jesus. There is first an inside transformation in their hearts followed by outside glow of their transformed beautiful life. Part of that new life is that they are filled with the love of Jesus.

In 1 John‬ ‭3:14 it says “If we love our brothers and sisters who are believers, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead”

The Apostle John experienced it by himself, showing and living his love and faith instead of just talking about it. Loving our fellow Christians testifies that have we passed from death into life. This love for the people of the church has been made possible when we fully let Jesus reign in our hearts the day we believed in him and received the free gift of salvation from Him.

Through Jesus, salvation is made possible: forgiving us our sins and saving us from death. If we live our life full of love, showing and making our brothers and sister feel we love them as we love ourselves, then it’s a clear evidence that we ourselves has passed death into life.

By : JT SPARKS

24/02/2021

Never Alone

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 NIV)

“It can be an affliction more harrowing than homelessness, hunger or disease,” wrote Maggie Fergusson in The Economist’s 1843 magazine. Her subject? Loneliness. Fergusson chronicled the increasing rates of loneliness, irrespective of one’s social or economic status, using heart-wrenching examples of what it feels like to be lonely.

The hurt of feeling alone isn’t new to our day. Indeed, the pain of isolation echoes off the pages of the ancient book of Ecclesiastes. Often attributed to King Solomon, the book captures the sorrow of those who seem to lack any meaningful relationships (4:7–8). The speaker lamented that it’s possible to acquire significant wealth and yet experience no value from it because there’s no one to share it with.

But the speaker also recognized the beauty of companionship, writing that friends help you accomplish more than you could achieve on your own (v. 9); companions help in times of need (v. 10); partners bring comfort (v. 11); and friends can provide protection in difficult situations (v. 12).

Loneliness is a significant struggle—God created us to offer and receive the benefits of friendship and community. If you’re feeling alone, pray that God would help you form meaningful connections with others. In the meantime, find encouragement in the reality that the believer is never truly alone because Jesus’ Spirit is always with us (Matthew 28:20).

By: Lisa M. Samra

Reflection:
• How might you reach out to someone who’s lonely? How have you experienced the blessing of God’s Spirit with you when you’ve felt alone?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, when I feel lonely, give me courage to reach out to others with an offer of friendship.

Source: https://odb.org/PH/2021/02/24/never-alone-7

24/02/2021

Turn on the Light
February 23, 2021

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’” (Matthew 5:16 NIV).

As my husband and I prepared for a cross-country move, I wanted to ensure that we kept in touch with our grown sons. I found a unique gift, friendship lamps connected by wireless internet, which can be turned on remotely. When I gave the lamps to my sons, I explained that their lamps will turn on when I touch my lamp—to provide a shining reminder of my love and ongoing prayers. No matter how great the distance between us, a tap on their lamps would trigger a light in our home too. Though we knew nothing could replace our more personal moments of connection, we could be encouraged by knowing we’re loved and prayed for every time we turned on those lights.

All God’s children have the privilege of being light-sharers powered by the Holy Spirit. We’re designed to live as radiant beacons of God’s everlasting hope and unconditional love. When we’re sharing the gospel and serving others in the name of Jesus, we become brilliant spotlights and living testimonies. Every good deed, kind smile, gentle word of encouragement, and heartfelt prayer produces a beaming reminder of God’s faithfulness and His unconditional and life-transforming love (Matthew 5:14–16).

Wherever God leads us, and however we serve Him, we can be used by Him to help others shine His light. As God, by His Spirit, provides the true illumination, we can reflect the light and love of His presence.

By: Xochitl Dixon

Reflect:
How can you be a light for Christ, intentionally expressing His love to those in your sphere of influence this week? How can you shine a light on God’s love as you serve people who don’t know Him?

Pray:
“Loving Father, please fuel me with Your perfect truth and love so I can shine a spotlight on You by loving You and others wherever I go.”

Source: https://odb.org/PH/2021/02/23/turn-on-the-light

24/02/2021

As a boy, theologian Bruce Ware was frustrated that 1 Peter 2:21–23 calls us to be like Jesus. Ware wrote of his youthful exasperation in his book The Man Christ Jesus. “Not fair, I determined. Especially when the passage says to follow in the steps of one ‘who did no sin.’ This was totally ...

08/02/2021

Connecting Christian faith with technology, engineering, and science.

06/02/2021

Worship and Learn
February 6, 2021

“Start with God — the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning” Proverbs 1:7 The Message (MSG)

How do you become a great student?

Worship God.

The Bible says it like this: “Start with God — the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning” (Proverbs 1:7 The Message).

The apostle Paul once told Timothy that the problem with many people was they knew a lot — but not what was most important. In fact, Jesus told the religious leaders, “You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! (John 5:39 The Message).

One day, after your life has ended, you’ll stand before God. It’ll be your final exam. It’ll be far more important than any exam a teacher or professor gives you.

At that final exam, God won’t talk about how you did in math or social studies.

He’ll ask, “Did you know me?”

How will you answer?

Self-Reflection
• How is it possible for many people to learn a lot yet still miss the true point of life?

05/02/2021

Why Christian Fellowship is Important?
February 4, 2021

“Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT).

These days you don’t have to go to church to watch a worship service. You can just stay home and see it online. You can stay in your pajamas, and make a late breakfast.

But the Bible makes it clear. “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT).

And this is why you need a church family. This is why we need to gather as groups of believers who can live life together as we follow Jesus together.

Without a church family, you’ll drift when it’s tough to trust Christ. I can look back on my life and see times when, if I had missed a specific worship service, my life would have taken a radically different turn. And I’ve thought, “What if I’d skipped that service? What if I’d just slept in that day?” I would have missed something that changed the direction of the rest of my life. So if the church doors are open, I want to be inside.
A church is kind of like a campfire. In a campfire you’ve got all these red-hot coals. If you remove one single coal and set it far away, it will cool in a matter of minutes. The fire goes out, and the coal goes dark. But if you take a coal that’s lost its fire and put it back into the fire, it gets hot again. That’s the power of fellowship.

Now, I know there are times when we can’t make it to church, and we can be grateful that there are ways we can still connect, such as watching a worship service online or listening to a podcast. You may be too sick to come to church, or you may have times when you live hundreds of miles from the nearest church, such as when brave men and women serve in the military. You might even be serving the Lord in some remote region of the world.

In cases like these, it’s still important to stay connected as best you can with other believers, who can help you stay encouraged and faithful. And it’s important for people within our congregations to reach out to individuals who experience challenges in getting to church every week.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:20, “Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them” (GW).

Let’s continue to pray and support each other, and “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24 NIV).

Self-Reflection
• How has the support of a church family helped you stay faithful and encouraged?

05/02/2021

Focus on Your Future
February 5, 2021

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12 NIV).

When we follow Jesus, we will face trouble. The Bible says that’s guaranteed. You’ll be harassed, persecuted, rejected, and ridiculed because of your faith.

But that’s not the end of the story. The Bible also says that Jesus endured the torture of the cross “for the joy set before him.”

You, too, must focus on your future reward if you want to get through your temporary troubles.

Imagine the scene at the end of history. Everyone who has ever lived will one day kneel before Jesus Christ. Everyone will say, “Jesus is Lord.” Some will praise him because they’ve done so all their lives. Others will praise him in judgment to themselves because they’ve denied him all their lives.

Every professor who ridiculed you because of your faith will one day praise Jesus. Every friend who tried to convince you to abandon your faith will praise him. Every entertainer who made a mockery of his name will praise him. Every politician who opposed his ways will one day praise him.

The Bible describes it like this: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11 NIV).

Everyone will one day bow before Jesus.

At that time God will also reward you for staying true to him despite the harassment and criticism you face for your faith today.

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12 NIV).

Whenever you face persecution, you’re in the same category as Daniel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Moses.

Just like those great prophets of old, you’ll one day experience an eternity with God, full of unimaginable joy. The harassment, persecution, rejection, and ridicule you face now for Jesus’ sake won’t compare to the reward of eternity with God.

Self-Reflection
• What temporary troubles are you facing right now that are distracting you — or could distract you — from your future reward?

04/02/2021

Finding Friends
February 3, 2021

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV).

Let’s agree upfront that God wants you to have non-believers as friends. God wants you to love everyone, show kindness to everyone, and be able to help everyone. If you don’t have any non-Christian friends, you won’t be around anyone who needs to hear the Good News.

But your best friends should be Christians. They should be strong believers.

It’s always easier to pull people down than to pull them up. That’s why you must make sure the people you hang out with the most are moving you in the right direction. They should be building you up rather than tearing you down.

Where do you want to be in 10 years? What kind of person do you want to be? Tell me two things about you and I can tell you where you’ll be without even knowing you. Tell me the people you’re spending your time with and what you’re reading. Those two factors will determine your future.

The Bible teaches us, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV).

Your friends are too important to pick by chance. You must be intentional. That’s why you need a church home. Get to know people at church. Build relationships. Join a small group.

Or start a group! Gather some Christian friends from your office or your neighborhood to study the Bible together during lunch. You need Christian friends. Do what it takes to build those relationships.

Self-Reflection:
• Look at your key friendships in life. How do your closest friends help you with your spiritual commitments — or do they help?

04/02/2021

Study the Real to Detect What Isn’t True
February 2, 2021

“Since only your rules can give me wisdom and understanding, no wonder I hate every false teaching” (Psalm 119:104 TLB).

The only way to really know what’s fake is to know what’s real.

The U.S. Treasury Department trains its agents to spot counterfeit bills by giving them authentic ones to examine, touch, and recognize. There are many ways to counterfeit, but there’s only one version of the real bills.

So, a good educational principle is to study what’s real in order to detect what isn’t true. That’s why it is so important to study God’s Word. By knowing biblical truth, we’re able to spot false teaching.

Many people today fall for foolish ideas because they don’t know the truth. And because they don’t know what is authentic, they can’t spot a lie.

So how can we find more time to spend in God’s Word?

Spend less time in front of screens. Spend less time on our devices. Spend less time cheering on our favorite sports team.

According to CNN, A new report has revealed the world's heaviest internet users: the Philippines, where people spent an average of 10 hours and two minutes a day online in 2018. By the time a typical Filipino student graduates from high school today, he or she will have spent more than 21,000 hours in front of a screen (including video games, tablets, laptops, and televisions).

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/01/health/philippines-highest-internet-use-scli-intl/index.html #:~:text=In%20the%20Philippines%2C%20people%20spent,two%20hours%20and%2016%20minutes.

Any guess how long it takes to read the entire Bible — all 66 books? It’ll take just 80 hours.

So, we do have the time. The question is, “How will we use our time?” God gave us his Word to give us the wisdom we need to live a fulfilling and productive life.

Self-Reflection:
• How have you seen other people become wiser through consistent Bible reading?