These Children Need You

 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 19:14

Couple's Nest is not into this ministry, but we feel the need of these children.  We thought of offering our blog to help them through information service.   

We met Maria Elena Escasiñas through facebook as one of the Independent Fundamental Baptists Site followers.  It was then that we know of the outreach for children.  You may want to visit their site on facebook to check on them.  Below is the information about the outreach and what Ms. Escasiñas said about the ministry.  Please read it.  You may be touched by God to help these children, too, in whatever you can.

WHAT IS "LOVE IN ACTION CHRISTIAN OUTREACH"? 

It is an outreach to the less fortunate and underprivileged children and family in the neighborhood by providing a mini-library center/facility wherein they can learn the basic foundations of education with the use of the Bible as the source of teaching and values formation.

The mini-library will serve as a facility in aiding children in their schooling. In the event of no schooling, will serve as a facility that will teach them basics in education and good morals and right conduct in light of God's Word.

This outreach wishes to provide adequate means of livelihood to the parents as well so that, they may sustain the needs of their family and their children especially in the educational program and at the same time can stand on their own after the program for their children ends in the facility.

Ms. Escasiñas said:

"Please help me make this OUTREACH a reality not for me, BUT for these less fortunate kids and their family. Famous line of the song, always reminds me of my purpose in life... ONLY ONE LIFE SO SOON IT WILL PASS, ONLY WHAT'S DONE FOR CHRIST WILL LAST.

The program is still in its infant stage. We dont have the so-called 'facility' yet. It's all by faith that God will provide this facility soon through the use of His people. As you can see, we are holding the class outdoors. Everything starts from humble beginnings.  

'Attempt great things for God, expect mighty things from God.'~~TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE."

Contact Information:

Email:  maeescasinas@gmail.com

Country: Philippines  

Location: Cebu City, Philippines 

Click here to go to website:  Love in Action Christian Outreach  

Pictorials:

 

 

Needs: 
Books, other reading materials, tables and chairs, other learning tools (even writing pads, ball pens, pencils), etc.   

Friends, if you are touched by God, please help.  God bless us all!

Are You Delivered?

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. Psalm 107: 6

(This is in reference to Psalm 107: 6,13,19,28.)

I won't go into the story behind this chapter, but you will see where I am going with it on a personal basis for each one of us.

Ever wonder why we tend to trust in ourselves, others and  the things of this world than to trust and put our complete faith in our Lord God who loves us more than we could ever fathom? If you look at this in Psalm and read the entire chapter, you will notice thing, which I did.

Four times it is mentioned in Psalm 107, and the Lord got me on verse 6. As I read on (I saw it 4 times), it tells me 4 times the LORD expects us to cry out to Him in our times of trouble.  Not just 4 times, but I think the emphasis on the four times is for us to see our need for Him all the much more as the day approaches of His soon-to-be return. We are to trust Him more, be faithful to Him  more in all things, surrender to Him all the more, and be in obedience and subjection to Him even more due to the temptations of the world.  We are not to be under rule by the world and  its standards of godliness, truth, righteousness and purity. We are to KNOW we have a wonderful Saviour who can lead us out of all turmoils, problems, and troubles IF only we ignore the pleas of this world's offer, turn to Christ, give in  and follow HIS pleas.  We also are to serve Him, not faint and be weary in well-doing for Him.

When we are troubled by the things that we let bother us; what we think about how hard some Bible studies may be and WE CAN'T TAKE THE WORKLOAD AND RESPONSIBILITY; what others think of us; the opinions of our Pastors, families, relatives, friends and co-workers, though may be good and in good intentions; if not God and Christ led their opinions, they will just sway us in the opposite direction that the Lord has given to us to follow, HIS DIRECTION FOR US. The song, Where He Leads Me I Will Follow, should be our plea to Jesus Christ our LORD.

When we cry in our troubles and afflictions, as so many times I have, we come to the place where we feel all is lost and there is no hope.  We feel useless and we tire of working so hard that we can't take it anymore. We feel like giving up.  BUT, in those times, the Lord has delivered me out of my distresses.  Why? Because I put my faith and trust back in Him!  I rely more on Him than I did before. 

As a born again Christian, I am very weak in many areas of my walk with our Lord.  Yet I know He is faithful to help me through all areas of my life, but only if I put my whole trust, whole faith, whole surrenderedness, and whole self to Him.  I must allow Him to use me for His will and purposes. 

What I find of utmost importance is to PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.  Without prayer none of us will ever have that relationship with Him that we think we have.  He desires us to be more like Him in all ways.

Friends, cry out to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ now and allow Him to be the focal point of and in your life.  Make Him have control over you. Allow Him to be your first in all things.  Let Him deliver you out of all depths of despair, problems, troubles, and negativeness. Look up and around you. He will stand beside you to help you in your walk with Him. Don't ignore Him and His plea for you to come back to His loving arms.  He is holding out to you. Enter into His haven of rest where He shall lift you up out of the pit and set your feet on solid ground.  He will establish your goings and set you forth on the right path to the best riches you can have.  There, you will be in a heavenly home in glory  where He is preparing a place for you.  Amen.

(c) November 2009, Michael Carey

Message of Encouragement From A Friend on Blog

 

We got this message from our email (mikenluisa@yahoo.com).

Thursday, November 12, 2009, 8:15:20 AM 

Hi MikenLuisa Carey, 

You received a new Blogged message from Kim Covington.
    

"NO!!!  I should be saying thank you for your blog.  It is very inspiring.  Please keep up the great work!  I could not stop reading it yesterday.  I am new to this blogging but I find yours to be awesome. I love it!"...

Sincerely,
Blogged.com  

Kim, thank you very much.  You encourage us to write more for God's glory!

 

God bless us all.

In Christ,
Mike and Luisa

Who Art Thou As A Christian?

Yesterday, our good church pastor's sermon was all about the different kinds of Christians.  I just thought of sharing them with you.  I assessed myself already.  It's now your turn :).

Kinds of Christians:

a)  Those who live for themselves or those who live for Christ.

b)  Those who seek their own or those who seek the things of God.

 

c)  Those who love money or those who love God.

Well, you know yourselves better, friends.

Gospel Truth: Cross Too Heavy?

Comic presentation taken from:
(with permission to publish)

http://gospeltruth.net/

Gospel Truth Ministries

P.O. Box 6322, Orange, California 92863 US

Copyright(c)1999-2007

Strong Woman or Woman of Strength? (Author Unknown)

(When I read this poem, I was touched by it. I wanted to become a Woman of Strength and to tell everybody that God do this for me. I am sharing this poem now with YOU, women, who will read this.- Luisa)

A strong woman works out every day to keep her body in shape - but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything - but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her - but a woman of strength gives the best of herself to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future - but a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure footedly - but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face - but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey - but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.

Author Unknown

Trusting God In Business

Mary Ann has an inborn difficulty that partially makes her unable to speak and walk well. She is dragging her feet a little when she walks and stammers when she talks, but she can walk through the town to visit people. For all her difficulties, she has served the Lord full time in the ministry.

As a sideline income to help the church and her family, she sells silver jewelries. It's giving her now a very steady income while she busies herself with ministry works!

That encourages me to earn an income, too. I am paralyzed, but I can walk limping now. She recruited me to sell silver jewelries also. I prayed for it and asked God to help me. Now I am starting. It's difficult moving at first with my physical disability, but I trust God to help me in this. I know I still can do ministry in my church like her. Mary Ann sets a very good example for me.

"But Jesus beheld [them], and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

(c) October 2009, Luisa Mercado

Backslidden Heart... Anyone?

Return, ye backsliding children, [and] I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou [art] the LORD our God. (Jeremiah 3:22)

If we delve into the lives of strong Christians, oftentimes we could see they were tainted with backsliding, but repaired by God's pardon and healing when they willingly submitted themselves humbly to Him and asked forgiveness. Many strong Christians who have not yet experienced failures may also find themselves backsliding later. Why? Because our strengths as true believers of Christ can only remain steadfast by His grace alone. Remember this bible verse: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12

What is backsliding?   Alban Douglas, in his book One Hundred Bible Lessons (copyright 1988), said that "Backsliding is turning away from God... is growing cold and leaving the first love... is turning from the simplicity of the Gospel to  salvation by law... Some defines backsliding as one sin that separates a believer from the Lord... Speaking generally, backsliding is growing cold and losing interest in the Lord, the Bible, prayer, church attendance and witnessing, and turning toward the world."

Nobody backslides instantly. Although outward appearance may be misleading, but the finality of the experience happens gradually.   Small things may crop-up bit by bit in a believer's heart and without asking God's forgiveness daily, it would lead to bigger spiritual problems.

These bits of pieces, as Alban Douglas wrote in One Hundred Bible Lessons, will start with covetousness** (eyes seeing something attractive). Before one will know it, he will be choosing too low** (deciding to "peep through" the attraction). Then he will compromise** (getting nearer the attraction). In addition, he will be captured by the enemy** (someone nearer gets captured easily). After that, he will follow carnal living** (gaining worldly influence but losing sprituality). To cover his guilt, he will then practice criminal weakness** (takes others with him). Finally, he will be carousing** (living the life of sin).

There are lots of outward causes of backsliding from selfishness** to disobedience**, and from fear** to ambition of power**. In fact, they are many to mention. Alban Douglas enumerated the real causes and I ask you these questions. Please answer them honestly. Here they are:
1. Failure to maintain the Quite Time** (Do you communicate with God personally and honestly daily?) - A lot of people said in tears that they "lost out with God in their Quite Time." (Douglas, Alban copyright 1988)

2. Failure to pray** (Do you pray any time everyday?) - Prayer is needed to ask humbly to God for strength, etc.
3. Failure to read the Bible** (Do you read the Authorized Bible Version everyday?) - 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God..."
4. Failure to attend church** (Do you go to church regularly?) - "Be sure to attend church once a week plus Bible Study, and prayer meetings." (Douglas, Alban copyright 1988) 
5. Failure to obey the Holy Spirit** (Are you grieving the Holy Spirit?) - Ephesians 4:10 says, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
6. Failure to confess Christ** (Do you deny you are a Christian, and therefore Christ also, to your friends or anybody for whatever reasons?) - Matthew 10:33 says, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."
7. Failure to walk in the light** (Are you obeying and following God's leading?) - We ought to for Christ's leading and quickly.

We would not wonder if we would see undesirable things happen to the backsliding person. For sure, there would be loss of power**, loss of peace**, even loss of joy and hapiness**. Everyday he would be "clouded with murmuring and darkness"**. Worst thing is, he would even loss rewards** and favor from the Lord.

Are you backsliding at present? God is calling you to return to Him. He said in Jeremiah 3:22, "Return, ye backsliding children, [and] I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou [art] the LORD our God."

My friend, as you return to Him, He will surely pardon you. He promised it before, He still promises it now. Come to Him and be healed. "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him", says the Lord in Hosea 14:4. He will!

(c) October 2009, Luisa Mercado

** enumerated by Alban Douglas in his book, One Hundred Bible Lessons
 All verses used were from the King James Bible

Reference:
One Hundred Bible Lessons
By: Alban Douglas
Copyright 1988

How To Overcome Discouragement And Be Encouraged

Have you ever been so overcome with the things of the world and life in general that you allow it to bring you down to its level?

It is not worth it to allow the world and those around you to be so negative as to bring you down to their level. I speak not of your spouse or spouse to be, as we all have disagreements. No one is exempt from that. But, what l mean is those people or some circumstances in your life that seems to be so overbearing, that you feel you are about to explode and no one around to help you, guide you or even be there when you need someone to lean on to. A shoulder to cry on it wonderful, but the wrong shoulder can be detrimental to you as it will discourage you even more.

To be truly encouraged is to be around those Christians who are morally strong and sound in the faith. Though not all those can support you all the time, but they can only be a support and be an encouragement to you for a length of time and it dwindles.

But, l find true encouragement comes only from God Almighty Himself.

1) Seek the Lord first in all things.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.

The more we seek our Saviour God, His goodness and His grace; the more He will give to us, if we seek His face on all matters of our hearts each day. Lay treasures up in heaven and not on earth and He will supply our every need. The more we look for God and His righteousness, more He will give us the desires of our hearts.

2) Going through trials

Rom.5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.

When we go through bad times or even times we think are bad, we should be happy in the Lord and be encouraged by the patience He gives us to get through so many trials and wicked, vengeful times in our lives. He allows us to go through what we go through to help us grow stronger in God Himself, to strengthen us, and help us fight off temptations. That is an encouragement to me.

3) Victory over the devil

John 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

We have encouragement because we have victory over the devil. We are saved by the blood of Christ and the devil ain't able to do otherwise to make us lose our salvation. Satan has no say, though very powerful he is, because we have the Holy Spirit in us and He lives. We are to be encouraged and live a life that is pleasing to our Saviour . We need to be happy and be full of the joy that only Christ the Lord can give us.

4) We are comforted.

Matt.11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and l will give you rest.

What better encouragement to know our Saviour can give us the proper safety in His arms even when we work so hard, and when we badly need rest. When we are under so heavy burdens, troubles from others and from the world itself, and that we can't seem to take it in; God is there in all His glory, to let us run to Him so He can lift us up and give us encouragement. He will give us rest from what the wicked world offers us. He will give us what we need from Christ our Lord in order to be in proper rest from our labours. We can lean on His everlasting arms for strength, hope, rest, love. When we are burdened by the cares of the vile world, what better way for true encouragement than the One God who created us for His glory, to thank Him for His wonderful marvelous grace and His tender mercies, His free gift of salvation, and His unfathomable love for us.

(c) October 2009, Mike Carey

Life And Death

My mother died of breast cancer. I was there because I personally took care of her in sickness and until her death. I was with her on her last breath. It was very hurting and I felt myself in a vacuum of unseemly dark space. That was ten years ago.

Now, death to me is just transition from this not-perfect world to a much higher dimension of true happiness and contentment where God is there always. I am not afraid anymore despite my physical frailty. There is a way to get there and I have found it - THROUGH JESUS CHRIST ALONE. I'm just waiting for that right and perfect time to go home to that heavenly abode where my mansion is waiting.

Yes, it's important to be ready with death because we know exactly where we go in the crossroad later. It's now time to decide where to go before it is too late.

(c) October 2009, Luisa Mercado

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Charity suffereth long.

Charity is kind.

Charity envieth not.

Charity vaunteth not itself.

Charity is not puffed up.

Charity doth not behave itself unseemly.

Charity seeketh not her own.

Charity is not easily provoked.

Charity thinketh no evil.

Charity rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.

Charity beareth all things.

Charity believeth all things.

Charity hopeth all things.

Charity endureth all things.

Thanks!

Humility In Action!

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7

Here is an example of humility - a child digging up his face in the sand! (It intrigued me when I saw that picture.) Can you do what he did? Of course, you do, if it would take proving your guts when challenged. I am not asking you to do it so that you would be blessed or would go to heaven. What you see is just figurative description of humility.

Jesus said that unless you would become like one of these little children, you can not enter heaven or something like that. Everybody wants to go to heaven wherever it is. Nobody wants to burn good in hell with no stop forever! It's a never-ending doom.

Friend/s, it's easy as 1, 2, 3. Humble yourself now (if you hadn't yet - you don't have to bury yourself in the sand), talk to Jesus wholeheartedly (alone or with a trusted somebody), repent for all your sins, and accept Him as your personal Savior and Lord in all truth and honesty.

John the Baptist said, "Repent for the Kingdom is at hand". It is still true today. It will be true in the years to come for as long as Christ will not return yet. The Kingdom is promised to you now, if you would accept Christ as your personal Savior and Lord. Nobody else in heaven, on earth and the entire universe has that power except Him alone.

Humility plus Great Faith equals Growth in True Life With Christ. I pray you will, one day soon, experience it.

(c) October 2009, Luisa Mercado