FT Chronicle

When fear keeps you

from living to the fullest,

look to the One Who

gives fullness to life.

Agoraphobia is the fear of public places. If this condition isn’t treated, people who suffer can become paralyze by fear. Usually agoraphobic can articulate what they fear and where they fear it. Some only know a sense of serious apprehension. Aside from traditional therapy, treatment for this condition may include having a trusted companion accompany the patient on small outings.

Agoraphobia is an extreme manifestation of fear. Yet many people suffer from social anxiety and other fears to a lesser 9but no less real) degree. If fear is causing you anxiety or holding you back, know that each of us a Companion, one who goes with us wherever we go. This Companion fully understands our fears and tells us to cast all our anxieties on Him. He offers peace, rest, and grace beyond measure. All we must d is trust and lean on Him, and He will help us progress and gain courage to face the future.

The LORD is the stronghold of my life-

of whom shall I be afraid?

PSALM 27:1

Resource reading: Coffee Break Devotions: Cappuccino

The grass always looks

greener from a distance.

Kids always seem to want to be older. Many single people of marrying age wish to have the stability of marriage. And a whole lot of married people wish they could have the freedom of being single again. Some couples can’t wait to have kids-other would give anything to recapture some of the old carefree lifestyle. There must be something hard-wired into people that cause them to look ahead, to desire something other than their present lives or situations as the ones they would really like to be in.

We’ve all heard the adage, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Many of us spend such a great amount of time craning our heads toward our neighbor’s “grass,” that we don’t tend or even see the beauty of our own yards (so to speak). If we’re not giving attention to our own yards, then their beauty might just fade. What would happen if we decided to try to find contentment right where we are- in our present situations? What if we gave as much attention to tending the present as we do wishing for something different? Get out the lawnmower and try it.

Not that I speak in respect of want:

for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,

therewith to be content.

PHILIPPIANS 4:11 KJV

From Coffee Break Devotions: Cappuccino

Nothing stimulates the senses like coffee or tea with friends

The English have an enviable tradition of enjoying afternoon tea with friends and family. Silver teapots filled with Earl Grey, silver trays displaying raspberry scones and lemon curd- these make up the familiar sights and sound of a traditional English tea.

What a lovely way to get off of life’s carousel for a time to re-focus on one of the most important things in life-our relationships. There’s something incredibly inviting about a coffee and teashop, where the smell of freshly ground coffee beans and hundreds of varieties of loose teas mingle in the air. Soothing jazz or classical music often provides a delectable environment for good conversation and a great opportunity to unwind. Coffee bars and tearooms are springing up all over the country. Why not invite a friend to linger with you over a warm, soothing cup of premium coffee or tea in a relaxed atmosphere? Enjoy the rich rewards of uninterrupted, relaxed conversation and a growing relationship.

Growing relationship take time and planning-coffee grounds and tealeaves may just be the best fertilizer of all!

Let your conversation be always full of grace.

from CoffeeBreak Devotions: Cappuccino

COLOSSIANS 4:6

Try to take on

another’s perspective on life,

and it might just change yours

for the better.

We often smile sheepishly when we hear the old adage, “Opposites attract!” We may even laugh as we contemplate couples of contrast such as the Odd Couple-the classic embodiment of Mr. Neat Orderly vs. Mr. Messy Chaos. The contrast can make even the most open-minded person shake his head at the mystery of such relationships.

It’s only natural to see life through out own eyes and experiences. Our own perspectives are all we have to go on- until we purpose to look at life through the eyes and experiences of someone else. Even if we don’t fully agree with or understand another person’s point of view or paradigm, we should seek to respect differences rather than belittle them- we may prove once again that opposites attract.

“Treat others the same way

you want them to treat you.”

LUKE 6:31

Resource Reading: Coffee Break-Cappucino

God is greater than our hearts,

And He knows everything.

1 John 3:20

Are changing moods are possibly one of the most difficult obstacles we have to overcome in maturing and growing as human beings, especially when it comes to faith. Our mercurial emotions constantly war with our reason. Kicking into faith mode when our emotions or the gravity of a situation leaves us struggling is tough. Like an army preparing for battle, we have to make sure our reason has plenty of backing. We can fortify with prayer and scripture, and consult good strategies. We can read about other people who had great faith, like the patriarch, Abraham, or Corrie ten Boom. For most, faith doesn’t come easy. But we can find comfort in knowing that even when we are wavering, God is greater than our changeable hearts, and He knows everything.

Trust the Lord more than you trust yourself.

Every man living experiences big problems that are hard to resolve. Sometimes, we pray to the Lord although we still carrying doubt within us. If you really believe in God, surrender everything, take your doubts away and let Him drive your way. Instead of saying, “God, I have a Big problem”, say “Problem, I have a Big God… so don’t bother me.”v

“What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Believe in the power of God, what you need is not faith in faith, but faith in the power of God. “All things are possible to him who believes”, said Jesus in Mark 9:23. He used the analogy of faith so strong that you could command a mountain to move. Impossible, right? Of coarse, but Jesus said “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Resource Reading: Tomorrow Begins Today- Harold J. Sala

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight”.-PROVERBS 3:5,6

Jon is a student from a known school in Manila. In his life a college student, he never complains about his problems despite of struggles he experiencing with his terror professors. One day, one of his classmates called him ‘saint’ because he never use cheats or even copy answers from his seatmates during exams. Because of that, he often gets low scores, although, he never showed any frustrations and stress on his expressions-not even once. But then, he still finished the semester without any failing grades.

He may not intelligent enough, but he knows that he carries the main ingredient of life- Faith. For him, faith is not like walking in the dark but acting on the promise of God’s word. He knows that the confidence he have is really faith.

We must know that the real struggle is often a matter of our will, wanting to be completely in control of our destiny instead of trusting in the promise of God, and doing what we know we are supposed to do.

We all want the blessing of God’s deliverance. But in takes the testing to help us know that God is there and that He keeps His word. Though, being what it is, we’d just as soon skip the challenge, we prefer deliverance without going through fire and blood.

Fathers around the world play a big part in their family. Having a father (and of course, a mother) is a treasure a child should have. A father also brings light to lead his children to the right path. The Bible always attributes Father to God.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” – Matthew 6:9

But, what kind of father God is?

We can say a thing or two about a father by the way he treats or talks to his sons. Let us consider the moment when Jesus went to Jordan river to be baptized.

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:16, 17

Through these words, we can see what kind of father God is. Notice such three points.

First, the words “this is my Son” shows God is proud of His Son. One of a child’s needs is to feel important and to be given attention by their parents. Even though Jesus is old enough that time, it is sure that He felt glad hearing His Father esteems Him.

God also showed His Fatherly Love when He referred Jesus as His “beloved” Son. It’s just like saying, “I love you, Son”. Fathers should express their love and support tp their children in order to help them in their development.

Lastly, the words “in whom I am well pleased” expressed God’s approval and support in everything Jesus will do. Jesus surely felt elated hearing such words from our Heavenly Father.

Yes, God is an incomparable Father indeed! Would you like to have such father? If so, you will be glad to know that you can also be close to God! The Bible says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). It is great to know that we can establish a close connection with God, the greatest Father of all.

The headlines: storms destroy homes, earthquake wrecks a city and terrorist attacks claim innocent lives. In a world where peace and security seems to be lurking somewhere else, people question God. “Why?” Where is the Lord in these times? Does God really care?

” He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” – 1 John 4:8

It is not wrong to ask God such questions for Habakkuk also asked “Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; there is strife, and contention arises.”(Habakkuk 1:3). God did not reprove him but instead those words were written in the Bible. But note what James 1:13 says: “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.”

Let’s in back to the question, does God really care? Yes!

He gave us the Earth, which is rich in natural wonders, amazing fauna and bountiful land.

“Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” – Acts 14:17

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20

He gave us a marvellous body for us to enjoy everyday which enables us to taste great food, to watch the beautiful sunset, to hear the children’s laughter and to feel the warmth of a tender loving heart.

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” – Psalms 139:14

He gave us wisdom that helps us to face everyday problems and worries.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple, the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” – Psalms 19:7, 8

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” – Psalms 119:105

“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel:
“I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go.” – Isaiah 48:17

He provides up hope and the hope to live forever in Paradise and to see our love ones again.

“And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” – Luke 23:43

“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” – John 5:28, 29

He sent His beloved Son, Jesus, to die for us being the redeemer of our sins with the promise of eternal life.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

He established the Messianic Kingdom in heavens and gave us assurance of His great Kingdom to rule the Earth.

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace of the increase of His government and peace. There will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” – Isaiah 9:6, 7

“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” – Revelations 11:15

He invites us to come close to Him through prayers and through our hearts and He will hear us.

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” – 1 John5:14, 15

He constantly assures us of his fervent love and sympathy.

“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” – 1 John4:9, 10

God is always there for us, and we must be there for Him. Thank God for everything.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” – 1 John4:19

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