100%: Finances

100% session 2

God Provides for FINANCES 100%

By Pastor Jonathan Fenix

Money makes the world go round.

Money.

That good feeling we have when our hands touch those crisp, tender bills.

What is it with our relationship with money?

For starters, students like us receive our allowances. Every week, Mom and Dad give us a certain number of paper bills that will cover our food and transportation needs (for college students, other excess fees) for the week. We use this money according to our preferences: spend more on food and just walk or spend less and save for that cool gadget you've always wanted.

Money is our mean of purchasing items. In order to get that IPhone 5 you want, you should have a large amount of money to buy it. For us to buy our daily needs, we simply need to have money.

Money makes the world go round.

Have you ever felt as if you lacked in finances?

When you would reach inside your pockets, all you would find is dust and holes. 

Consider the following:

Your classmate's lunchbox is filled with mouthwatering Twix chocolates for snacks and tasty fried chicken atop Japanese rice. You peek inside yours and all you find is adobo with rice. 

Your cousin goes to one of the top and famous private universities in the state. As for you, you go to a simple college within the community.

Your best friend's phone is a Blackberry Curve with all the cool apps. Your phone, on the other hand, is a simple Cherry Mobile, with only an installed mini-TV as a perk.

When we find ourselves caught up with situations similar to these, we usually look down our financial statuses and begin to think that we are kawawa (pitiful) compared to our other relatives or friends. We assume that we do not have enough.

We are not contented with what we have.

We should consider the apostle Paul. In his book for the people of Philippi, he writes:

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 

Philippians 4:10-11

Before he became a Christian, Paul was a respected Pharisee. He had everything he needed and wanted. But when Christ called him to leave everything and serve Him, Paul left behind an easy life for one that lead him to the rocky road of Christianity. There were times when he went without food and shelter. But despite all of these, Paul still considers himself well-supplied by the Lord.

We have to realize that it may not be a need/provision issue- it may be a CONTENTMENT ISSUE.

We should learn to know the difference between a need and a want.

When we need something, these are the usual basic daily needs:

- the three meals a day 

- the clothes we have on our backs

- the homes we live in

- the medicines we occasionally take

etcetera, etcetera...etcetera.

What's a want, on the other hand?

A want...is something that we desire. We WANT. Usually, these are unnecessary stuff and things that we can survive without. Most of them are meant for our pleasure and entertainment. Clothes are considered as basic needs, but having way too many expensive designer items are another issue. Those XBoxes and PS3s meant for our enjoyment. The ITouch created for our delight...

Those are wants.

Unfortunately for us, we have this tendency to feel discontented and lacking when in fact we have more than enough.

We have this false belief that money can make us happy. If we have lots of those crips bills, we would be able to buy everything we need and WANT: that new phone, that new dress...those designer shoes. With money, we believe that we will be contented because we will never run out of financial resources. Everything that we desire is in our hands...

Wrong.

Unknown to us, there are people with loads of money to their name, living in posh-looking mansions, eating out at expensive restaurants almost every day and with the most updated gadgets. Yet despite all of these...they are miserably unhappy.

Money can provide temporary happiness, but never everlasting joy.

⁷ After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. ⁸ So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

⁹ But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:7-10

The love of money is the root of evil. When we become too obsessed with possessing money, we have a tendency to forget ourselves and go to any lengths to attain money. We do not realize that we hurt those around us and that we change drastically. This craving for money stems out from our discontentment with what we have. Money will always come between us and God. There will be times when it will replace God's place in our hearts and as much as possible, we should avoid such incident.

As long as we have what we need, we should be satisfied. 

What we consider us needs are actually wants.

The sad fact is, most of us fall into situations where we pressure our parents to provide us with these 'needs'. We become upset when they provide us with otherwise.

 Let's say you ask your parents for a Blackberry because it's the latest phone in school. They both know that you still have a perfectly good phone in your hands and that they do have money, except that the money is set aside for your school fees. But because you're starting to look like a pitiful puppy dog as your beg and whine and because they really love you, the folks make do with what they have. Blackberries are very expensive so they compromised by purchasing a touch screen Cherry Mobile instead. 

And what do you do?

Instead of being thankful, you whine. You become upset and ungrateful.

This is not the usual scenes for most of us, but it happens. 

We should learn to keep in mind that our parents do not always have enough. When they have the extra funds, they will give it to us. We shouldn't pressure them into buying us our wants because they have their priorities to pay. Never forget that our parents sacrifice their own wants for our own so let's remember to be contented with what they could give us.

¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.¹³ For I can do everything through Christ,^[a] who gives me strength. ¹⁴ Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

Philippians 4:12-14

Contentment is learned: learning to live with having too much and having little.

The point is, we should enjoy the things we have. 

Be grateful that you have a family. It may not be complete or perfect, but the fact that you have someone in your life is something to be happy about. Cherish the gadgets you're given or the clothes that you have. The phone that you have may not be an Iphone or a Blackberry, but it's still a phone you can use to text, call or even take pictures with. You may not be going to one of the top, famous schools but you're still attending a school and on the way to achieving your dreams.

Enjoy what you have.

However, if we are in a situation where we do need the finances, do not lose heart! God knows what we need and we should learn to believe in His ability to provide for us. He is our Father and we should learn to approach Him humbly and ask for help. Do not lose faith in His power!

'And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.'

Philippians 4:19

Another thing, the secret of contentment is learning to live life out of our relationship with Jesus.

Jesus is everything that we want or need. He is the great provider. Through Jesus, we connect with God who sees all our needs and wants. God knows the desires of our hearts and He has the power to give it to us, in His will or time. 

We shouldn't base contentment on material things.

Real contentment is based on a relationship with Christ.

The unconditional love He supplies us is more than enough. The very fact that He died in our place, despite the fact that he did not deserve such cruel death for the sins that we committed, is something that we should be very grateful of.

The gift of Salvation...is more than we asked for.

Lastly, God's provision is based on our generosity.

God gives because He knows He can use us to provide for someone who is need. Instead of giving money to the street kids, always have an extra biscuit you can share. Have a sandwich you cannot finish all by yourself? Share it with the classmate who doesn't have money for snacks. 

Share! God gives when He knows we can bless those who are in need to receive.

In conclusion, rather than whine and believe that we lack finances, we should look at the bright side and be thankful with what He has given us. We may not have the latest things but at least, we are provided with what we need. We should thank God because He is our Great Provider and He will never leave us nor forsake us. 

Be contented! Because God provides for our finances 100%!

100%: God Grants Wisdom When We Ask

100% Session 1

God Grants Wisdom When We Ask

By Kuya Jeremiah Sanchez

Ever had what we called an 'Oopsie' moment?

An Oopsie Moment refers to unfortunate incidents in our lives due to our carelessness or foolishness.

Imagine that you can now drive. You're about to park inside your house. But before you can even park, there's this sneaky curve you must avoid in order to maintain the beauty of your car. You've seen your parents park carefully every single time but to you, you think it's pointless. You say to yourself: Eh, I'm a better driver naman than my parents. I can so park this in without a scratch and even faster.

So, you do it your way.

And then-

CRASH!

Next thing you know, you're standing in your living room, scratching your head as you face your red-faced mother and dad whose rolling his eyes out. What do you tell them?

I didn't know it would end that way.

Oopsie!

Regret. We're not that fond of regretting, are we?

Which explains why we need WISDOM.

What is wisdom? How can we define this word?

There are two definitions for the word wisdom:

First, there's the world's definition:

- knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgement as to action

And then, there's the biblical definition which could be located in the book of Proverbs, chapter 9, verse 10:

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

Fear of the Lord. The fear in this context is not negative, rather it's positive. Your fear of the Lord does not force you to hide and simply run away from Him. Instead, this fear is out of love. If you love God, you fear of hurting Him. You want to live your life according to the way He set it for us because you love Him as much as He loves you.

We should acknowledge the fact that wisdom from God is better than any other wisdom this world offers us. Why?

⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

God knows more than we do. His ways are far superior than ours, which is why we need His wisdom in the big or even in the little things we do in this life. Wisdom is knowledge applied! If we apply God's ways (which are far better than ours), we are sure to make the wisest decisions!

When we ask for it, God will grant it!

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

Notice the word if at the beginning of the verse. The former verses before the fifth explain why we crave for wisdom:

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

Let's face it: every one of us experience trials. At school, we're faced with mounds of exams, unreasonable teachers and classmates we simply could never understand. Inside our homes, we deal with conflicts and arguments between ourselves and our siblings or parents. Even in the littlest things, we face trials.

Everywhere we go, there's always a challenge!

With all of these happening, it's only right for us to ask our Heavenly Father for wisdom, even if the situation is tiny or bigger than a whale.

HOW?

How do you ask for wisdom?

 ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

James 1:6-8

First off, we should ASK IN FAITH! We should believe that God will hear our requests. Remember: God is our Dad and He surely wouldn't turn a deaf ear to us because He loves us. He wants us to trust in Him and His word. We shouldn't doubt His ability. Let's assure ourselves that our Heavenly Dad is true to His word! :D

Another thing, when we ask in faith, it goes to show that we are totally dependent on God. We acknowledge the fact that we can't do things on our own and we need His wisdom. 

So, what aspects in our lives do we ask for wisdom? :)

1. Family

No family is perfect. Our mothers tend to nag us. Our fathers may sometimes be insensitive. Our siblings may bug or annoy us every day. No one is perfect in this world. We should ask for wisdom on how to fulfill our specific roles in the family. Ask God to help us restrain ourselves from disrespecting our parents because as it was mentioned in Ephesians 6:2-3, we should honor and obey our parents. Same goes for settling conflicts! Let's pray for wisdom in settling them peacefully :)

2. School

School is a major stress cause (yes, which is why most of us have eyebags and pimples). We should ask God's guidance in our managing our times for academics and extra-curricular activities. We're no Supermans (or Superwomans). Ask for wisdom as you study for the exams. Remember, we're doing it not for ourselves, but for Him.

²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Colossians 3:23

If we do it for the Lord, it won't be in vain! 

We can also ask for wisdom when it comes to choosing the college meant for us. Where does He want us to be? Where would we grow in His presence?

Ask God for wisdom :)

3. Friends

Lately, we can only trust a few. When it comes to choosing our friends, we can ask God to help us land within a good set of people. Ask Him to lead you to people who will be good influences in your life. 1 Corinthians 15:33 does say that we must avoid bad company. We should be sensitive to God's leading.

Also, when it comes to settling conflicts between friends. Rather than argue, which eventually leads to an end of a friendship, stop and ask God first. How should you solve this? How do you forgive?

4. Self

Do you know that you can also ask wisdom when it comes to buying things? We should become good stewards of our money. Rather than buy things in an instant, we should pause for a moment and consult God. 

Desiring those new designer shoes when you've still got a perfect pair? Ask God first.

You're on a diet. The chocolate cake in the fridge seems to be calling your name. What should you do? Ask God first.

Even in love life, asking God is really applicable.

Should you or should you not reply to his/her text?

Should you or should you not assume?

Should you or should you not spend too much time with them?

God cares for you and He wants you t make the right decisions! Which is why we should never forget to ask Him, especially to matters concerning us, His children.

God gives us wisdom through our thoughts and ideas. Usually, insights from Him can be conceived from the Bible, His Word. We should practice reading God's book of reminders for us in order to avoid making foolish decisions and regrets in the end.

Let's remind ourselves that as much as possible, God doesn't want us to undergo Oopsie Moments. Doctors would usually say: Prevention is better than cure! So, before we can make a mistake that we're most likely to regret, we should pause and ask God!

GOD GRANTS WISDOM WHEN WE ASK! :))

Good Vibes: Being Contented

Good Vibes 4

Being Contented 

by Pastor Marty Ocaya

'I want a Nokia Lumia phone!'

'She's got a dress from Forever21, I want one!'

'I want to be as handsome as Kuya Daniel (nyahahaha)!'

I want this. I want that.

I WANT EVERYTHING!

Sounds familiar?

For more than once in our lives, we have used the phrase 'I want...' in various situations. Sometimes, we have this tendency to desire material or emotional matters that we feel we lack. 

Heard about the Kulang Mentality?

Basically, the Kulang Mentality occurs when we base our contentment on what others have. For example, our parents bought us a new Iphone 4 for our birthday and we our giddy with joy. It's an IPhone 4! The must-have of the century. So you go to school, excited to show your friends your new phone. But when you enter the room, your winning smile vanishes when you see that one of your classmates apparently also has a new IPhone and what's worse is it's an IPhone 4S. Much better than yours :(

Or let's say that you come to JZone excited to see your crush (ehem, ehem). Beforehand, you had a haircut and you're pretty sure that your crush will notice you and your new hair. But when you arrive, you see your crush with ANOTHER GUY (Yikes!) and they're attending together. Your heart breaks when you see them sit beside each other and even jump and down in the mosh pit together.

And you're like

'COME ON! Why can't I have that?'

Discontentment develops inside of us.

We realize that we lack something. When we see others possess something that we don't, we become unsatisfied with what we already have, thinking that it's not enough. Jealousy and insecurity arises and sooner or later, the Bad Vibes take control of us, causing us to be moody most of the time.

If there was anyone who deserved the chance to complain or grumble for lacking so many, it would be the Apostle Paul.

When Paul wrote the book of Philippians, he was currently imprisoned. The majority of his life dedicated to ministering in the name of the Lord was not exactly a walk in the park. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-25, we learn the Paul was beaten 5 times with 39 lashes, beaten with rods thrice, stoned, shipwrecked thrice and spent a night in the open sea.

Talk about mega discouragement!

Other minsters did not experienced what he went through and he had every right to compare himself to them. Yet despite everything, Paul was in Good Vibes- ALL THE TIME.

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.

Philippians 4:12

Because we keep comparing ourselves and believing that we lack something, we tend to forget the simple yet valuable things God gave us. The mere fact that there's food on the table is something to be thankful because let's face it, there are others who only feed themselves with salt. 

Our insecurity often leads to us worrying of not having enough. When we worry, we become discouraged, losing all hope and when we become discouraged, we will eventually become bitter! MEGA BAD VIBES!

This world will keep on making things that will lead to our discontent. There will always be another IPhone version in the coming years. A new fashion trend will eventually die out. The latest trends will always come to an end and we will merely exhaust ourselves if we try to keep up. People will also change. They will like you at first and end up disliking you in the end.

Instead of keeping up with all of this, we should follow what Paul said: 

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:11

"Kahit anong situation ng life ko, GV ako!"

We should learn  to be content, no matter what the circumstance is. Hard yes, but we should learn this. 

We musn't depend on people because if we do, we will find ourselves deeply disappointed and hurt. Don't look at people, instead, trust God because He will never fail you.

Perspective determines our attitude. Our viewpoint affects the way we respond to situations. For example, instead of thinking that we're such losers because we don't possess an Iphone 4s and only an Iphone, let's think that we should be thankful because let's face it, it's still a phone that we can use to call or entertain ourselves. Never think that you're without, always think that you're supplied!

Paul had a different perspective in life. He was not focused on the latest trends of the world. Nope. He was focused on Something that mattered the most. Paul contented himself in the love of God and despite everything that happened to him because of his ministry, he still has the energy to write:

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord.

God gives us what we need. We sometimes take it for granted though.

¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Want to find out the secret to true satisfaction?

The apostle Paul wrote it down for us.

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

God is our great provider and He is always there for us. He know what we need and what we want. He provides them according to His will and His time. All we have to do is to have faith in His power and He is the source of our satisfaction.

We do not lack when we have Christ. We have more than enough.

When he was 18 years old, Scott Rigsby and his friends rode at the back of a pick-up truck after a hard day of working as landscapers. They were basically chatting away about the future and girls when a passing 18- wheeler hit their truck, throwing him underneath a 3-ton attached trailer and dragging him 300 feet.

The accident caused Scott to suffer third degree burns in his back and both legs amputated because they could no longer be saved. He endured years of doctor visits, surgeries, medications, fear and depression because of this unfortunate event. He had no steady future and life as he knew it, was over.

It was on 2005 that his life made a full turn. It was when he met Jesus.

Getting back on track was no easy task but he held on to God, contenting himself with the promise that God will always be there for Him. He was eventually given prosthetic legs he can utilize in triathlons and races that seemed impossible for him to compete before.

By the grace of God, Scott eventually completed 13 triathlons and 5 road races, a feat that he never thought he could complete.

He says this of his experience:

"I want to place my ordinary life in the hands of an extraordinary God so that He can do extraordinary things."

Contentment can never be found in the things of this world. Instead, believe that God knows what's best for you. If you have the joy of Jesus inside, you'll find yourself never looking for more because you already have enough. 

Jesus is more than enough for us.

HAVE A GV-FILLED WEEK!

Good Vibes: The Debt Has Been Paid

Good Vibes Session 3

The Debt Has Been Paid!

by Kuya Daniel Carandang

BITTER.

When was the last time you experienced bitterness?

No, not about you taking a bite of your least favorite wrinkled and green-colored veggie. When was the last time you found yourself holding a grudge against someone?

For most teens, bitterness is usually associated with love life issues (admit it, just admit it). That sudden moment when you thought the guy actually liked you but in reality, he was just leading you on. Or that harsh event when you realize that this girl actually likes you...as a FRIEND. Some love-life related issues sometimes make us bitter than bitter gourds.

Yet bitterness does not only abound in usual petty love issues. We experience bitterness against our parents when they become unreasonable or when we feel that they just don't care that much. We hold grudges against our siblings who are selfish and only order us around. Sometimes, we can't bear to forgive that certain friend who betrayed our trust. 

BITTERNESS.

The dictionary definition of bitterness is resentment/cynicism. However, the Bible defines bitterness as acridity or in other terms, poison. 

When we are bitter, we carry this heavy feeling within us. Though we may not notice it, the grudge within us causes stress that affects us physically and emotionally. We usually feel weak and unwell after bitter arguments with one of our family members or friends. Afterwards, a heavy heart settles within us and all of a sudden, the good vibes we had before everything else is sapped away from us, leaving us tired and restless for the day. 

Bitterness plays with our emotions and physical strength!

When we are faced with bitterness, we have two options:

- to continue being bitter (and unhappy for the rest of our sad, sad life)

or

- forgive

Should we choose the first option, let's not be surprised when we are in bad mood most of the time and wrinkles developing early in our faces.

Yet should we choose the latter option, we are choosing the best solution to overcome bitterness: FORGIVE.

You might be asking: "Why on earth should I forgive him/her? He/she did me wrong and wasn't even sorry for it. Why should I forgive a person like that?"

I'll tell you why.

^"31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."

Ephesians 4:31-32

FORGIVE...because CHRIST FORGAVE YOU.

Our pride can sometimes get the best of us. We belittle or even degrade the morality of the person who did us wrong yet we forget that we are no different from him/her. How? Because we are SINNERS and SINNERS have done all the wrong against the Great One in the Universe.

We fail to realize that God has more than enough reason to be bitter against us. We sin everyday, don't we? We lie, we cheat, we hurt others. Our God is perfect and He simply cannot stand sin. But here we are, his creations, sinning every day and showing it to His face. As stated in Ephesians 2:1-3:

2 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. ² You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.^[a] He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. ³ All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

We are no different from those who hurt us. Like them, we have also offended Someone greater. God has every right to be angry with us. Have we really understood the BIG DEBT we owe God?

The only way we can learn real forgiveness is to experience real forgiveness itself. And that can be found in Jesus.

⁴ But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, ⁵ that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)⁶ For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:4-6

Despite everything that we have done against Him, God still chose to forgive us because He loves us unconditionally. In order to save us from a tragic end in Hell, God sent His son, Jesus, to die for sins he did not commit for us to have eternal life with Him. Even though we do not deserve it, He still included us in His family. 

¹¹ For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
    is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
¹² He has removed our sins as far from us
    as the east is from the west.

Psalm 103:11-12

God removed our transgressions through His Son, Jesus. Despite being innocent and blameless, Jesus paid for our debt. This is an evidence of real forgiveness. 

Let us not be one with the world who believes that we should hurt those who hurt us. Instead, our rightful response must be to forgive because Christ forgave us. If God can forgive others, why can't we?

As stated in Ephesians 4:31-32, we should get rid of bitterness! Difficult, yes but we should make an effort to be pleasant and happy, rather than live a life walking among others with dark clouds hovering above our heads. God says that we should love and forgive one another just as He did with us. 

Don't let bitterness suck the joy out of our lives!

The Debt has been cancelled and we should also cancel the debt of other :)

⁹ But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

1 John 1:9

Have a GV-Filled WEEK! :D