Since Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples, we’ve got some ideas for activities you can do even if you are single.

Single on Valentine’s Activity #1: Have a date with yourself

Whatever couples usually do on dates, you can also do it by yourself.

You can try eating at a new restaurant. But if you don’t feel like going out, you can cook a meal for yourself or order takeout of anything you’ve been craving. You have a free pass for a food trip today, since it’s Valentines Day.

You can also take time to get to know yourself. Or write yourself a love letter. This is a way to reconnect with your inner self.

As an article from The New York Times states, “Choosing to spend time doing things by yourself can have mental, emotional, and social benefits. In a culture where we often confuse being alone with loneliness, the ability to appreciate time by ourselves prevents us from perceiving it as a negative experience.”

Being alone doesn’t mean you have to feel lonely, and you should not feel bad about it.

Single on Valentine’s Activity #2: Schedule a gathering with your single friends

If you don’t want to celebrate Valentine’s Day alone, you can invite your single friends to celebrate with you. Celebrating Valentine’s Day with friends is actually a thing! Some call it, “Galentine’s Day.”

You can reconnect, share experiences, and enjoy fun activities together. It’s also a perfect opportunity to check in on each other’s lives. Whether you’re chatting, playing games, or even praying for each other’s love lives, it’s a great way to deepen your friendship.

Single on Valentine’s Activity #3: Prepare nicely wrapped chocolates and flowers for your family

It’s not just romantic partners who deserve flowers and chocolates—because love isn’t limited to romantic relationships.

Try to look around you.

Notice how your mom cooks for you. Your dad works hard to support the family. Your older brother, though sometimes annoying, is actually protective of you. Your older sister, though a bit straightforward at times, still cares for you and supports you. Your youngest sibling, though a little lazy, makes you laugh.

If you grew up with grandparents or other relatives, think about how they have loved and embraced you. Or whoever your family is, recognize how they take care of you in their own way.

The point is, even before a romantic partner comes along, there are people who have loved you from the very start. They are your family. So, to show that you love them, too, Valentine’s Day is a great reason to make them feel special.

Single on Valentine’s Activity #4: Do intentional acts of kindness

Many people have struggled in the past years. But truth is, some have been affected more than others.

These are the people we often see on the streets—those without homes, without enough food, and who are the most vulnerable today.

If you want to spread love and have the means to do so, they are the ones who need it the most. When you give them love, you know it will not go to waste because they will accept it wholeheartedly.

Did you know that giving can also benefit you?

According to an article by the Cleveland Clinic, “Studies show that giving can actually boost your physical and mental health. Researchers also say that people who give their time to help others through community and organizational involvement have greater self-esteem, less depression, and lower stress levels than those who don’t.”

So, if you’re looking for someone to show love to this Valentine’s Day, you have plenty of options. You can even prepare free food packs outside your home, or partner with trusted organizations who share God’s love to those in need—like Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm.

Single on Valentine’s Activity #5: Spend time with God

Talking about love, it would be impossible not to mention God. He is, after all, the author of love.

Today can be a great opportunity to spend quality time with the Lord. You’ve been so busy lately, but now, you have the perfect opportunity to pause and talk to Him.

Talk to God. Ask Him about anything. You can express your thoughts and seek His guidance about the things that bother your heart. The best way to end Valentine’s Day, the so-called “Lovers’ Day,” is to spend it with the One who loves you the most.

If you want to get to know Him more, click this link because this is specially for you. This is the best gift you will receive this Valentine’s Day.

If you have a prayer request, feel free to call 8-737-0700, or message us on Facebook.

Millions of children are growing up without fathers for different reasons.

It could be because the father has abandoned the family or has already passed away. It could also be because the father is distant or is working away from home.

Whatever the reason may be, growing up without a solid father figure is a huge challenge for men who wish to be a father. Now, the questions arise: when a fatherless man becomes a father, what kind of father will he be? How can a fatherless father be a great dad to his own children?

Here are some helpful tips to help you become a better haligi ng tahanan if you grew up fatherless:

1. Look for a role model and a mentor

If you grow up without a dad, look for a male role model and pattern your life after him. When you are thinking seriously about settling down, ask him questions so you can learn from a man that you respect.

Find a good male role model now. He could be someone you respect from the church, at work, or a relative you look up to. It could be someone from a support group. Watch how he interacts with his children and ask him for advice about fatherhood.

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22, NIV)

2. Embrace love and patience

Being a good dad is not about being perfect; it’s about being present and loving. It’s a journey of love, patience, and grace.

Think about how God loves you, even when you make mistakes. Aim to mirror that patience and understanding in your interactions with your children. Be encouraging, be nurturing. Being there for them and showing them love can create a safe and trusting environment, even if you didn’t experience that growing up.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 ESV)

3. Allow God to father you

In Psalm 68:5, God reveals himself as the father to the fatherless.

Someone who does not have a good relationship with his father might have a hard time believing that God is a good father. But He is. And even though you do not have an earthly father, God is your perfect father.

He will father you and guide you to become a good man—and a good dad to your children. He will show you that He is good and perfect in every encounter with Him through prayers and His Word.

Be encouraged! You can still be the best father you can be, even in the absence of one, as you learn from God’s grace, love, wisdom, and humility.

May God’s strength cover your journey as you strive to be the father He created you to be!

“‘And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18 NASB)

Are you worried about your ability to be a good father? Are you struggling to be a good dad to your children?

This Father’s Day, allow us to pray for you. Do not hesitate to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700, or send in your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

“I have messed up my life beyond repair.”

“I am a failure.”

“No one will ever truly love me.”

Nolo Lopez struggled with these thoughts before meeting Jasmine.

Perhaps, you have said these to yourself, too.

Nolo and Jasmine’s story was featured in this year’s Tanikala Special, Tugon, whose love story began after connecting through social media during the pandemic.

They, too, have their own fair share of failures and mistakes in the past, but have proven that God is a God of second chances.

Here’s how you can start a new life after a messed-up past according to Tanikala presents Tugon:

Tip #1: Surrender everything to God

Raise the white flag, get on your knees, and surrender.

In Tugon, Jasmine can be seen constantly asking God when the right partner would come. She surrendered her love life to God because she knows based on experience, that God will always show up at the right time.

Jasmine once tried ending her life. But when she was about to drown, something happened that saved her life. Right there and then, she knew that God can still turn her life around.

Surrendering doesn’t always mean it’s the end. Sometimes, it means you have accepted that you cannot be victorious on your own.

Many people may find this hard to do so, especially when they’re used to handling everything on their own.

But God wants to help you. It is said in Psalm 34:18 that God is close to the brokenhearted and to those whose spirits are crushed.

Instead of handling everything on your own and exhausting all the possibilities, surrender it all to God, even your messy past.

“This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him” (Psalm 91:2, NLT).

Tip #2: Rediscover your dreams and passions

Nolo always wanted to become a singer and an actor. Since he was young, he would accept gigs and projects, waiting for his big break to happen.

However, the pandemic struck just as he was about to have it.

He was depressed, brokenhearted, and lost. But when he saw Jasmine’s video on TikTok, and heard her sing, he was inspired.

Nolo started writing songs again and shared them with her. Eventually, the two connected more deeply because of their passion for music.

Rediscover your passion. Recognize the gifts and talents that God has given you. Recreate those dreams that were on hold because you think you have failed.

And remember who you are in God’s eyes: You are loved. God doesn’t look at you through the lens of your mistakes and failures. He looks at you with love in His eyes.

It was best shown by Him when Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sins of humanity.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV).

Tip #3: Believe that you can live a different life

Have faith that everything will gradually fall into place if you have made the decision to surrender your ways and rediscover God’s gifts and plans for you.

As for Nolo and Jasmine, they put the past behind them and put God first in their lives. In return, God led them to each other.

God is a good Father and He has wonderful plans for you. He can bring you out of the pit, out of the mud, cleanse you and turn your situation upside down.

He is more than willing to give you a new start, despite having messed up in your past.

The past cannot be undone, but will you allow it to define your future, when God promises you a new life?

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV).

If you are blessed by this year’s Tanikala and you want to support the ministry in producing more inspiring films, you may do so through cbnasia.com/give.

Ever felt like life took an unexpected turn, leaving you lost and searching for answers?

In the aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion, His disciples scattered, wrestling with the weight of His death. Yet, in their darkest moments, Jesus met them, reigniting their hope and purpose.

Let’s journey through the experiences of three remarkable apostles and rediscover the hope that saved the world:

1. Peter

Imagine Peter, haunted by his denial of Jesus. Despite his guilt, Jesus sought him out and met him on the shore, just like the first time they met, reminding him of His love and forgiveness (John 21:12-17).

Peter’s transformation is a powerful testament to the boundless love and grace of Christ. Instead of drowning in guilt for your past actions, embrace God’s forgiveness and love for you. He awaits you right on the shore.

2. Andrew

Andrew was among the disciples who relished introducing people to Jesus, quietly guiding them to meet the Lord (John 12:20-23). When Jesus died and rose again, it revitalized his hope, revealing that his true source of hope transcends death (Mark 12:27).

After Jesus ascended to heaven, Andrew tirelessly preached the Good News along the shores of the Black Sea and throughout modern-day Greece and Turkey. He never ceased to share the message of Christ, even in the face of persecution, until his final moments.

Just as Andrew sought to spread the knowledge of Jesus wherever he journeyed, you too, can share God’s saving love with those around you.

3. John

When Jesus died, His believers retreated into hiding, uncertain of the future.

Perhaps John kept a low profile and became cautious during that time. Maybe they were thinking, “Who can defend us now? Who will start the revolution?”

But Jesus’ resurrection unveiled a deeper truth: His mission was to love and save the lost, not lead an earthly revolution. When John and the believer’s eyes were opened to this truth, he dedicated his life to building, planting the early church, spreading the Gospel, and sharing this truth despite persecution (Revelation 1:9).

When you can’t see the real meaning of things, ask God to open your eyes because He gives wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5).

In the stories of Peter, Andrew, and John, we find echoes of our struggles and doubts. May their journeys remind you that even in your darkest moments, hope endures. May you, like these disciples, find peace in the unwavering love of Jesus and courageously share that hope with everyone.

Seeking a spark of hope in your heart?

The CBN Asia Prayer Center stands ready to pray for you. Call 8-737-0-700, or send your prayer requests through our Facebook page.

Bleeding backs, sore feet.

People passionately walk kilometers to witness the senakulo. Men roam the streets and flog their own backs until they bleed, while some would even willingly nail themselves on the cross as their penitensya.

It’s a usual scenario you’ve probably witnessed as Filipinos observe the Holy Week, hoping to recreate or experience a portion of the suffering Jesus endured at the Calvary. In this tradition, devotees aim to show their love to God.

But what does penitensya (penance, atonement) really signify?

Why would devotees go as far as hurting themselves in sacrifice?

According to Asian Journal, this tradition dates back to 1955 wherein hooded men cut and whipped their backs, others would carry life-size crosses, and be nailed on that cross as an act of faith, repentance, and appreciation of Jesus’ sacrifice. All because of love for Christ.

As spectators, you can empathize with these spiritual acts.

But now, take a moment to revisit what Jesus endured and accomplished on the Calvary, the very first penitensya in history.

Imagine Jesus, walking humbly to His death. As blood mixes with sweat, the scorching sun burns the Messiah’s skin. The Jews shouting and mocking. Carrying His own cross, He was flogged, slapped, and shamed. At this point, Jesus’ face was beyond recognition.

The sound of the hammer, the wood, and the flesh filled the air. An innocent God was crucified and breathed his last thinking of you. A loving savior died in the most gruesome way – all because of His unfailing love, for you.

But, why?

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23).

Humans’ sinful nature separates you from God’s pure love. Making you deserve nothing but wrath, eternal death, and eternal darkness.

You were under the filth of your transgressions, but God – being rich in mercy, gave His Son, Jesus. He died and served as the ultimate ransom for your sins that you may come to your Father in heaven.

Amazingly, Jesus didn’t just die on the cross, He rose from the dead.

His resurrection destroyed the curse of your sins and breathed hope. When He defeated the grave, He also defeated your sinful past and strongholds.

It is finished. Your victory is won.

All you must do is to believe, accept, and declare that He is Lord and Savior. Accept the eternal life He freely gives.

Then, you would be dead to sin and alive in God (Romans 6:11), because Jesus bore the ultimate penitensya – the greatest sacrifice, declaring the greatest love.

More than 2,000 years have passed, yet God still offers the same love He offered on the cross.

Take a step closer to the love of Christ. He is more than ready to embrace you.

Do you need someone to pray for you this Holy Week?

Just call us at 8-737-0-700 if you are in Metro Manila. If you are outside Metro Manila or the Philippines, send us your prayer requests here or email [email protected].

“Lord, when will this end?”

When people encounter challenges and setbacks, they usually ask this question.

Do you find yourself asking this question, too?

We have three tips to help you grow in your faith in God, especially during hard times.

But first, let’s define what faith is according to the Bible.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

In the NLT version, it says, “Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.”

So, how can you exercise faith during hard times?

Tip #1: Focus on God

Life’s challenges seem small when you keep your attention on God because of how big He is. It’s not about denying your problems, but more about shifting your focus.

Focus on His Word, His promises, and His character.

This is what having faith in God means: Believing that He is greater and bigger than the problems you are facing.

“For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37, NKJV).

Tip #2: Invite God into your situation

Have you ever wondered why even after trying everything, still your best wasn’t enough?

Truth is, some battles are too big for you to handle so you need to invite God into your situation.

One important approach for overcoming setbacks and disappointments is to put more faith in God than in oneself.

According to YouVersion’s Bible plan titled Divine Time Management, “When people in the Bible trusted God, they experienced His best. When they trusted in anything other than God, they didn’t.”

“Share your plans with the LORD, and you will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3, CEV).

Tip #3: Understand the season of pruning

This might be a difficult pill to swallow, but God never promised that life would be pain-free.

In fact, it says in John 15:2 that for a person to be more fruitful, pruning, or facing a challenging season, is necessary. And this is a painful process.

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:2, NIV).

Sometimes, God cuts off unnecessary leaves in a plant to stimulate more growth and for the plant to be healthier.

The same applies to a person who follows God.

Every time you go through the pruning season, understand that it’s not because you’re a failure. It’s not because God doesn’t love you anymore. And it’s definitely not because He has forgotten about you.

It’s because He wants you to prosper and live an abundant life.

Faith on! Because this, too, shall pass. The promise is worth it, and the Promise Giver is with you always.

Are you having a hard time believing in God amidst failures and setbacks?

This Holy Week, be inspired by people who continue to have faith in God during difficult times.

Watch CBN Asia’s Holy Week special, Tanikala presents Tugon, this Good Friday, March 29, at 5:30 pm on GMA!

If you bruised your knees, they could heal fast.

An emotional wound, however, could linger for a very long time.

A broken relationship, a traumatic experience, or a limiting belief in yourself could all add weight to your emotional baggage. They are absolutely hard to deal with and they can prevent you from living a joy-filled life.

While healing from your emotional wounds is a challenging journey, remember that you have the power to change your story!

Here are 5 tips to help you let go of your past and thrive your way through emotional healing:

Tip #1: Acknowledge your emotional wound

Do your emotional wounds hijack your creativity, productivity, and even the way you think? Perhaps it’s time to acknowledge and accept your pain.

Being honest with yourself and accepting that you have these painful wounds are powerful keys to your healing.

It doesn’t have to be a Level 10 kind of pain to be called difficult – it could be the little things: a childhood memory, stress at work, hurtful words, or just day-by-day problems that have accumulated and affect your mental health.

Today, may you have the courage to admit out loud that something has affected you. Have more “courageous conversations” with yourself and with other people as well.

Tip #2: Find rest and relief

How do you find rest? How often do you rest?

If you had a hard time answering those questions, then it is time to take a break from your pain and find relief, Psychology Today suggests.

Some people find relief in arts or sports, others feel rested when they travel or engage with nature. Some people find rest and relief from their wounds when they start to forgive.

Tip #3: Seek help

Someone is in deep anguish after the loss of someone or something very important. He’s been holding on to that emotional wound for months, to the point that he cannot eat or sleep. But when people ask him how he is doing, his answer would always be: “I am fine.”

His situation sounds familiar, right?

Most people have been like Someone in one way or another – saying that they are fine even when they are not.

You need some time alone to heal from your emotional wounds, but it is also important to allow other people to help you. Do not hesitate to reach out to your trusted friend or family member, or even seek support from mental health professionals.

Tip #4: Reflect and learn from your experience

Now that the event is over, give yourself time to look at the situation from a more logical perspective.

After going through a traumatic event, a stressful situation, or any scenario that caused your emotional wound, it is likely that you only thought of that experience in one way.

Try to understand your situation more clearly and consider the reality above any assumptions that you might have been making this whole time.

What was true? What was not? How did it play out in the end? What did you learn from the experience? Ask yourself these questions and discover new perspectives that you can carry from that event.

Tip #5: Allow God to heal you

You cannot change your past; it will remain the same. What you can change is how you look back on your past.

It might be difficult to let go and heal deep emotional wounds but with Jesus, you can get there.

Your Heavenly Father can lift you (Psalms 146:8), strengthen you (Isaiah 41:10), and heal your emotional wounds (2 Kings 20:5). Bring your burden to God and allow Him to help you transform your life for the better.

As Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Are you struggling to heal from your emotional wounds?

Watch CBN Asia’s Holy Week special, Tanikala presents Tugon on Good Friday, March 29,  5:30 pm on GMA, and discover how true restoration and healing come from God. For more updates about the much-anticipated telecine, follow @CBNAsia on Facebook, Tiktok, X, and YouTube.

How’s your new year going so far? 

Perhaps you have already listed down new plans and goals you wish to attain this year. Oh, what a joy to pray for all the places you would love to visit, the people you want to spend more time with, or the career goals you aim to achieve!

While it is important to persevere to reach these life goals, it is also important to trust God’s perfect will and plan to not lose joy and peace while waiting. 

This 2024, here are 3 straight-from-The-Book truths to help you remember that God’s plans, promises, and purpose for your life will take place in His time:

Truth #1: God has a time for everything

Isn’t it comforting to know that there is a time for everything? 

You may have experienced a time of breaking down, crying, or searching – but God promised that there is also a time for building up, rejoicing, and discovering the great things He has in store for you. 

As you wait and pray and persevere, be ready to trust the One who knows all things. 

Ask God to help you to be more patient and more trusting that He has made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). 

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV) 

Truth #2: God’s beautiful plans for you will surely come

When plans do not unfold the way you hoped they would, frustration and disappointment could come knocking at your door. But do not fret – God’s clock is not broken. He already has an appointed time for you! 

As you seek His ways, He promised that the thing you’ve been praying for will surely come. 

“For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3 ESV) 

Truth #3: God has already fixed the seasons by His own authority

Are you at the point of praying and asking, “God, when?”

When would you get that dream home? When would you get that long-awaited career breakthrough? When would that relationship start, grow, or be mended? When would the blessing arrive? When would healing come?

When these questions come up, be assured that God already has the answer. He already fixed the times and seasons of your life, as Jesus Himself said in the book of Acts. Wait and see how He is going to surprise you! 

“Jesus replied, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” (Acts 1:7-8 BSB) 

It’s good to have plans and timelines but it’s far better to trust God’s plans and timing. May these Bible verses give you hope that God’s plans and timing are always the best! 

Do you want God’s presence at all times and in every season of your life? 

Download the Tanglaw App today and be ready to walk in His light and love!

Tanglaw is a daily devotional for iOS and Android devices, produced by CBN Asia and voiced by the hosts of The 700 Club Asia and friends. You can also stream it on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and Amazon Music.