WaTchman Davao

27/04/2024

25/04/2024

John 6:44
New King James Version

44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

10/02/2024

Depressed or can we say Deep Rest.
(Embracing the journey of inner restoration. Healing.)

02/01/2024

God’s Word




“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”—2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

For hundreds of years, only one version of the Bible was available to English-speaking people: the Vulgate. But it was written in Latin, a language most people could not understand. In addition, only clergy were allowed to read the Bible. But a student named John Wycliffe became committed to knowing more about the Bible for himself.

In 1348, the black plague spread throughout Europe. Stirred by this tragedy, Wycliffe wanted God’s perspective. Pouring himself into the Bible, he became convinced that everyone needed to be able to read the Bible themselves in their own language.

So he began an English translation, completing this in 1382. It was the first new European translation in nearly 1,000 years. Then he sent men, called Lollards, to bring the Word to the people and to help teach and encourage Bible reading.

Concerned about these unauthorized actions, the church banned Bible translation and expelled Wycliffe from his teaching position. Even though he and his followers experienced persecution, they had begun a revolution that changed the world.

As we end a year, how appropriate to think about the importance of God’s Word and the commitment of men like John Wycliffe, who died on this date in 1384. He gave his life so we could read the Bible. As you approach a new year, commit to filling your heart and mind with the Bible. Renew your commitment to serve God and obey His Word.

Reflection Question: What is your Bible reading plan for the coming year?

Prayer
Father, give me a greater hunger to know Your Word. Help me understand it more clearly. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen

02/01/2024

God Knows the Future




“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.”—Ecclesiastes 3:11

Looking back at the end of a year, there is much to ponder about our personal lives and the world. Some things may have surprised us. At times, we may have been encouraged or discouraged.

Now we face the beginning of another year and another set of questions. Certainly, we all would like to know what will happen. This is a time to remember important truths the Bible teaches about time.

The Bible reminds us of God’s sovereignty and design, for “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Our paths may bring us through many different experiences. But the Bible promises that God will work everything together for good (Romans 8:28).

The Bible also reminds us that God has an eternal purpose for our lives. In fact, “He has put eternity in their hearts.” But He has made it impossible for us to know exactly what will happen in the future: “No one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

None of us knows what will happen in the coming year. But the Bible also assures us that God knows and that we can trust Him.

Are you ready for the future? No matter what you face, you can trust God. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He promises to take care of you and work everything together for good.

Reflection Question: Reflect on this past year.

Prayer
Father, I commit the coming year to You. I trust You and believe You will work everything together for my good. In Jesus’ name, amen

02/01/2024

Predicting the Future




“Let now the astrologers, those who prophesy by the stars, those who predict by the new moons, stand up and save you … They have become like stubble, fire burns them; they cannot save themselves from the power of the flame.”—Isaiah 47:13–14 NASB

During the time of Isaiah, the Babylonians had every reason to feel confident and secure. A powerful army protected their vast empire. Babylon itself was the largest and most magnificent city in the ancient world. And it all was supported by their concept of religion.

Scholar Joan Oates describes how Babylonians believed that man was created to serve the gods. “Each Babylonian had his own personal god or goddess to whom he offered prayers and sacrifices.” Priests regularly recited incantations and performed rituals to ward off evil powers, understand the future, and change the course of events.

Men who practiced divination could become powerful. Babylonians believed that their gods “shaped the destinies of mankind.” Through divination, they could “ascertain the will of the gods.” They looked for omens everywhere, from the actions of animals to celestial events as simple as rain and thunder.

Many people today are like these ancient Babylonians, looking for comfort and direction through false religions, the occult, astrology, and other practices. They think they can have their personal gods and predict the future. But as Isaiah warned the Babylonians, there is only one God. We must serve Him and Him alone.

Make sure you place your hope in God. Do not look to the gods of this world or be distracted by idols and false religions. God knows the future. Trust completely in Him. Stand on His Word.

Reflection Question: Compose a prayer entrusting your future to God.

Prayer
Father, open my eyes to understand more of Your Word. Thank You that You know the future. I trust my life to You. In Jesus’ name, amen

02/01/2024

Tomorrow




“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”—Matthew 6:34

Through years of ministry, Charles Wesley learned the limits of his understanding and how little he knew about the future. In each moment, it was important to be faithful to do the work to which God had called him.

He expressed these insights in a hymn called “The Past No Longer in My Power.” This short hymn consists of just 42 words, but that was all it took to make a strong point.

The only thing he had been given for sure was the present. He could not predict what would take place in the future. The past was gone, and he could not go back and change anything. The focus should be on the present; this was the gift of God.

He prayed that in each moment God would help him know what to do and how to be faithful with each assignment, to serve and please Him.

The Bible reminds us about how little we know. In fact, we don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Our life is just “a v***r that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).

As Wesley discovered, it can be easy to dwell on the past and stew over words we have spoken, things we have done, and mistakes we have made. We need to let go of the past and focus on the present, every day seeking to be faithful to the tasks God gives us.

Reflection Question: How do you let go of past mistakes?

Prayer
Father, show me clearly the tasks You have called me to accomplish. Help me focus on fulfilling Your call. In Jesus’ name, amen

27/12/2023

God’s Plan




“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”—Matthew 5:17

For 53-year-old Anton Bruckner, it was a critical moment. He stood before the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra to conduct the premiere of his Third Symphony. After years of rejection, this was his opportunity to hear his music played by a world-class orchestra.

But soon after the opening notes, the audience began streaming for the exits. When the symphony ended, only a few people remained. Instead of being a triumph, this was a crushing defeat. Overwhelmed, Bruckner stood on the podium, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Following this, many colleagues urged him to stop writing symphonies. After all, no one understood them. But Bruckner, a devout Christian, felt this would be a compromise. He knew someday God would call him and ask, “Where is the talent that I have given you?”

He felt he had to obey God. Eventually, Bruckner would be acclaimed as a master. But this would have been impossible without his commitment.

Every day, you make many decisions. What should you do with your time? Your resources? Study the example left by Jesus—an example of obedience and faithfulness. He was always sensitive to the leading of the Father (John 8:29) and always faithful.

Think about the decisions you will make today. Make sure you follow God’s leading and avoid the path of compromise. Surrender your life anew to Him. Seek to be faithful to fulfill the goals He gives you.

Reflection Question: How well are you stewarding the resources and talents God’s given you?

Prayer
Father, I commit my life to serving You. Help me make the right decisions. Help me to be faithful and a good steward. In Jesus’ name, amen