Teaching Archives

How’s Your Heart?

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

It may be a simple question, but for many people, it’s a challenging one.

It is hard to share your feelings with others—let alone your personal problems and prayer requests.

But if your heart is anxious, hopeless, or even depressed because of the pandemic, this is a reminder that you don’t have to go through everything alone.

Here are 3 reasons why it’s okay to ask others to pray for you:

1. It’s okay to share your burdens

Many people do not want to talk about the real condition of their hearts because they don’t want to be a burden to others.

If you feel the same, here’s a comforting truth for you: God wants His people to share each other’s burdens through prayers. That’s why you should not hesitate to ask others to intercede for you.

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 NLT)

2. It’s okay to not be okay

There is strength in being vulnerable in front of others. There is courage in speaking up about your deepest struggles. This is where healing starts. There is nothing shameful in asking for help.

Don’t let doubt, pride, or fear keep you from asking others to pray for you. It’s okay to let others know that you are not okay.

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16 NKJV)

3. It’s okay to care for your heart

Loneliness is bad for the heart, according to Harvard Medical School. Expressing your prayer concerns is a powerful way to connect with others, ease loneliness, and care for your heart.

While it’s absolutely great to pour your heart out to God during your personal prayer time, having a prayer partner, joining a prayer group, and even calling a prayer hotline like the CBN Asia Prayer Center are also important to remind you of His hope and encouragement.

Isn’t it wonderful to have people who won’t just pray for you, but also join you in celebrating victories, blessings, and answered prayers?

“If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV)

How’s your heart?

Do you need prayers?

We would love to pray for you! Call our Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and together, we will lift your concerns to God.

Do you ask others to pray for you when you need it? Let us know in the comments section below!

11 Ways to a Better Marriage amid the Pandemic | Beyond Small Talk

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

How is your relationship with your spouse lately?

If you have a hard time answering that question, perhaps you need to take the time to pause and reflect about your marriage today.

In a time of a global pandemic, it is not always “marriage as usual.” You may be grateful to be with your family at this time of quarantine, but worries, uncertainties, and responsibilities could still pile up and get the best of you and your partner.

To help you overcome these marital challenges, Beyond Small Talk hosts Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz and husband Marco are here to share tips on how to grow your relationship with your spouse even when you are stuck with each other 24/7.

1. Pray together and seek God as a family

Have you ever tried praying together your family? Seeking God’s presence has never been more important in these trying times.

As Marco shared, “Pray for each other, pray together as husbands and wives, and pray as a family.” Through prayers, invite God to reign over situations where you need Him most.

2.Read the Bible together

In good and bad times, where do you and your spouse turn to? Marco suggests that you turn to praying and Bible-reading.

3. Develop a personal relationship with God

Having a relationship with God matters. He is the glue that holds all your other relationships together.

4. Love God more than your spouse and your children

Make your relationship with God your highest priority, over everyone and everything else in your life. You would be amazed by how He would take care of your relationship with your spouse and children.

5. Acknowledge that you cannot do anything apart from God

Recognizing God as all-powerful takes a lot of humility And it’s important for a good reason: Humbling yourself before God also allows Him to do His work in your family. You need to recognize that apart from Him, you cannot do anything.

As Jesus said in John 15:5 NLT, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

6. Talk to each other openly and honestly

You and your husband cope differently in a crisis. That’s why it’s important to openly communicate with each other to understand your needs and responsibilities as husband and wife.

7. Never stop pursuing your wife

If you’re the husband, Marco advises that you continue to pursue your wife, even after you’ve already won her heart. It’s God who gave her to you. No matter how simple, make sure to give encouraging words and gestures that would fill up her love tank.

8. Submit to, respect, and serve your husband

If you’re a wife, Lara encourages you to submit to, respect, and serve your husband. Loving him unconditionally is like serving God by being a good steward of marriage.

9. Focus on and appreciate the good things that your spouse does for you

Instead of focusing on your partner’s negative behaviors and mistakes, why not focus on the positives?

Appreciating the good things help strengthen your relationship. If a pressing matter needs to be dealt with, do it with all humility, gentleness, and patience (Ephesians 4:2 ESV). Remember that like you, your spouse is still a work in progress.

10. Forgive each other

Ephesians 4:32 ESV encourages you to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. You cannot love God and not forgive your spouse. God wants both of you to constantly forgive each other, just as Jesus constantly forgives you.

11. Put your trust in Jesus Christ alone

Above all, people and seasons change, but God’s love remains forever. As Lara puts it, “He is the only one who never changes. He is good all the time.”

For better and for worse, may you always trust Him and make Him the center of your marriage.

Do you need someone to help you pray for your marriage? You may call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700, or send in your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

Stay tuned to the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk on Saturday, October 2, 2021, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page.

4 Blessings and Benefits of Home-based Learning – Beyond Small Talk

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

What was your reaction when you first heard that classes will reopen despite the pandemic?

If you were among the parents who have already expressed their opposition and frustrations about the distance learning that will take effect this school year, your reaction is quite normal.

In fact, thousands of parents, students, and groups tried to “cancel” the idea and petitioned for #AcademicFreeze, furthering the digital divide.

However, it looks like there is no turning back. Schooling will push through even outside the typical face-to-face, classroom scenario.

To help ease the doubts and worries you may have, Beyond Small Talk host Felichi Buizon is here to help you list down the blessings and benefits that come with home-based learning.

Benefit #1: Health preservation

No parent would want their child’s health to be compromised.

Now that classes will be done in your household, your child can stay safe at home and stay away from higher exposure to the virus. If your child has other health conditions, with home-based learning, you can monitor them and watch over them better.

Benefit #2: Opportunity to strengthen the family

Home-based learning gives you more time to be with your loved ones, especially if your family is one of those who haven’t spent time together because you are too caught up with life’s busyness.

“This is a time that we can get to know our children better and they can get to know us better. And why is this needed? Experts say that children learn more when they are in good terms with their teacher. With terror teachers, children’s minds tend to shut down. No learning takes place,” says Felichi.

Instead of scolding or mere lecturing your child, have a caring conversation with them. Ask them how they are doing because they, too, are affected by the pandemic. They, too, lost their connection with friends, teachers, and their normal way of life.

Benefit #3: Motivated learning

Because your child’s learning takes place near you, you now have the chance to encourage them and develop their love for learning.

To Felichi, excitement is contagious, that is why you can inspire your child to learn by joining them and showing that you are excited for them.

You don’t need to take over their tasks. Allow them to be independent in completing their assignments. However, you can motivate them to adhere to their class routine and reassure them that you always got their back when needed. In return, you may get a deeper appreciation of your child’s learning experiences.

Benefit #4: Extra time to enjoy their hobbies

Piano, guitar, or dance lessons?

Home-based learning buys your child extra time so they can pursue their other interests and hobbies. Felichi, who is also a homeschooling parent, suggests that you allow your child to enjoy and explore other things that could expand their skills.

“If you have pre-schoolers, let them play! Experts say that playing is important for their growth. If your child likes to dance or play musical instruments, you can help them look for online tutorials and lessons,” Felichi said.

It might take time before you and your child could fully adjust to home-based learning. But what good would it bring if you focus on what’s lacking or missing?

Allow yourself and your child to focus on the good things that you have at hand. Allow yourself to be grateful, prayerful, and faithful – in lack and in abundance.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)

Let us know what you think about these benefits, and feel free to add more!

Join the online discussion and don’t miss the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk as Felichi talks more about how you can support your child’s home-based learning. Catch the new webisode on October 3, 2020, at 7:00 PM on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Myth or Fact? Debunking 5 Common Myths People Believe about Suicide

Posted on September 29, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

Let’s start with a fact.

The latest figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that suicide rate increased by 57% in 2020 compared to the previous year. Suicide took the lives of 4,420 Filipinos — the highest in 14 years!

Despite these alarming numbers, a lot of misconceptions and stigma still surround the topic of suicide. Common labels are applied to suicide victims, survivors, bereaved families, and to people who struggle with suicidal thoughts.

Stigma, or the fear of being stigmatized, prevents most people with suicidal thoughts from seeking life-saving help and treatment. Survivors bottle up their shame because they worry about how they would be seen by their loved ones and society. People who have lost someone to suicide experience more rejection, shame, and blame than other bereaved people.

Misconceptions on suicide also result in uncertainty in others about how to approach and help someone through their pain. So survivors of suicide, people suffering with suicidal thoughts, and even those who have lost loved ones are often left isolated and unsupported.

This is why it is important to shed light on any stigma as they can result in terrible consequences. Let’s take a look at some common myths surrounding suicide and uncover the truths behind them:

Myth #1: Suicidal people are just looking for attention.

Fact: People who have suicidal thoughts need help.

Attention and help are drastically different from each other. Having suicidal thoughts indicates that a person is facing mental or physical health challenges, according to Medical News Today. It’s not a need for clout or attention – it is a clear sign that that person needs help.

Here’s another alarming truth: People who talk about suicide sometimes act on it. In fact, the World Health Organization says that majority of suicides have been preceded by warning signs, including verbal or behavioral red flags.

So, when you or someone you know is thinking or talking about suicide, take it very seriously.

Myth #2: Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will make them do it.

Fact: Talking openly and carefully about suicide can prevent it.

Due to stigma about suicide, many people are afraid to speak up. However, talking about suicide could be a huge relief for those who are struggling. As Nevada’s Suicide Prevention Office puts it, talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication.

Simple questions like “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” or “What are the reasons why you don’t want to live anymore?” can spark life-saving conversations.

Myth #3: Only people with mental health conditions develop suicidal thoughts.

Fact: Anybody can develop suicidal thoughts.

Suicidal thoughts and actions can affect people of all ages, genders, life status, or health conditions. It is pervasive. It touches everybody, depending on their life situation.

As stated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, many individuals with mental illness are not affected by suicidal thoughts. Likewise, not all people who attempt or die by suicide have mental illness.

Myth #4: People who attempt suicide are selfish.

Fact: People who attempt suicide think about their loved ones.

Often, people attempt suicide because they mistakenly think that they’re a burden to others. They worry about hurting their family and friends, so they try to shoulder their pain as best as they can.

But as they’re clouded by feelings of hopelessness, they tend to conclude that their loved ones are better off without them.

Believing that “suicide is selfish” stops the conversation. As Healthline suggests, keep the conversation open by reassuring people with suicidal thoughts that they aren’t a burden and that help and support are available.

Myth # 5: People who have suicidal thoughts are lacking in faith.

Fact: Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, even people of faith!

Due to the notion that suicide is an unforgivable sin and that feeling hopeless somehow translates to a lack of faith, believers who struggle with suicidal thoughts feel shame and hesitate to seek help.

While it’s true that hope, healing, and comfort come from God (Exodus 15:26), mental health struggles are real, too. Even the people God had worked with in the Bible were afflicted with suicidal thoughts.

Elijah (1 Kings 19:4) and Jonah (Jonah 4:8) wished to die, while King Saul (1 Samuel 31:2-5) and Samson (Judges 16:23-31) perished at their own hands. These stories are evidence that suicidal thoughts can affect anyone.

Suicidal thoughts do not determine a person’s faith and eternal destiny. However, it affects those who are left behind. Bereaved families are left seeking for answers, comfort, and hope.

Thankfully, the Word of God offers a hope-giving promise to everyone affected by suicide: Nothing can separate a believer from the love of Jesus Christ.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 ESV)

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to seek professional help and support from your family and friends. Call emergency hotlines such as Hopeline Philippines’ 24/7 hotlines: 0917-558-4673 (Globe), 0918-873-4673 (Smart), 02-88044673 (PLDT), 2919 (toll-free for Globe and TM).

We are also here to join you in prayers. Together, let’s lift your concerns to God. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700.

10 Bible Verses that Will Make You Appreciate God’s Creation More

Posted on September 28, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

What would you do if someone leaves a beautiful gift right at your doorstep?

Would you think that the gift ended at your doorstep by chance? Or would you ask your friends and family for who sent it so you can thank them? That’s probably how most people would respond upon getting a surprise gift.

You received a beautiful gift. It was given to you even before you were born.

That gift is the Earth you live on – the air you breathe, the marvelous sceneries, and the life you enjoy. If you think of it, the Earth is like a gift left on humanity’s doorstep.

We have done nothing to deserve it, but here we are, enjoying God’s wonderful gift.

Take a moment and slow down to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation! Here are 10 Bible verses to help you embrace and celebrate the world we live in:

1. Every living thing is in God’s hands

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you;

the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you;

and the fish of the sea will declare to you.

Who among all these does not know

that the hand of the Lord has done this?

In his hand is the life of every living thing

and the breath of every human being.” (Job 12:7-10 NRSV)

2. God is pleased with His creation

“So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:21 NKJV)

3. In wisdom, God made it all

“O Lord, how manifold are your works!

In wisdom have you made them all;

the earth is full of your creatures.

Here is the sea, great and wide,

which teems with creatures innumerable,

living things both small and great.” (Psalm 104:24-25 ESV)

4. The earth was made by God’s power, preserved by His wisdom

“But the LORD made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens.” (Jeremiah 10:12 NLT)

5. Let all creation praise God!

“Let heaven celebrate! Let the earth rejoice!

Let the sea and everything in it roar!

Let the countryside and everything in it celebrate!

Then all the trees of the forest too

will shout out joyfully.” (Psalm 96:11-12 CEB)

6. Darkness cannot overcome God’s creation

“All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:3-5 ESV)

7. With God’s breath, life formed on earth

“God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out.

He created the earth and everything in it.

He gives breath to everyone,

life to everyone who walks the earth.” (Isaiah 42:5 NLT)

8. By faith, we understand that God created this world

“Because of our faith, we know that the world was made at God’s command. We also know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.” (Hebrews 11:3 CEV)

9. All things were created through God, for God

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16 ESV)

10. Let every creature praise God

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13 ESV)

Truly, God speaks to His people through Scripture and creation. Now, the question remains: how can you extend your appreciation to His wonderful gift?

May the Creator’s love and wisdom lead you into reflecting that love back to His creation.

If you have prayer requests, call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we would love to pray for you.

If this article has helped or inspired you in any way, share it on your social media accounts so others will be inspired, too.

5 Habits of Happy and Positive People

Posted on September 24, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

Is it possible to live a happy, positive life amid the pandemic?

Absolutely!

You can be a more positive person starting today! But what makes people happy and positive? What makes them see the glass as half full and not half empty?

It’s simple – positive people make it a habit to be positive. They act, think, and see the world differently. Here are 5 habits of positive people you can try out for a happier, more positive you:

1. Positive people accept their past, live in the present, and stay optimistic about the future

Some people live in this mindset: “I am poor, I had a painful past, I was given a hard life.”

Positive people think otherwise. They have the courage to accept that everything that happens is for their growth – no matter how bad it may have been.

Choose to believe that life’s challenges make you stronger, wiser, more loving, and more faithful. Use your gifts, strengths, and even your struggles to create something of value to your life and to the world.

Instead of harboring resentment, focus on the things you have and can do in the present moment. Have faith that in the future, everything will work out for your good.

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

2. Positive people practice self-love

Do you love yourself?

Positive people would answer a resounding yes to that question. They know that self-compassion lets them experience more happiness, optimism, and motivation in life – affirming what Social and Personality Psychology Compass found in their research.

So, take care of your well-being so you can take good care of others, too. Likewise, embrace your identity which is wonderfully made in the image of God.

Avoid comparing yourself with others. Whenever you catch yourself thinking this way, be careful that you don’t fall into self-pity. Remind yourself of your worth and potential. Trust the process. Run your own race!

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:14,17 ESV)

3. Positive people surround themselves with positive people

What kind of people do you surround yourself with? Do they fill you up, or drain your energy? Do they lift you up, or bring you down? Are they supportive, or critical?

For positive people, friendships have a huge effect on positivity and happiness. In fact, a study called Dynamic Spread of Happiness in a Large Social Network suggests that those who associate themselves with happy people have a happier demeanor – and that happiness spreads through their social network!

So, surround yourself with friends who are happy, wise, and supportive. Build lasting relationships with individuals who can inspire you and help you grow in faith.

“The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.” (Proverbs 12:26 NKJV)

4. Positive people find joy in the little things

Positive people know that our days are numbered, so they make the most out of it by finding joy even in small things.

Avoid overthinking and overanalyzing because not all things are worth worrying about. Don’t take yourself too seriously – have fun!

Finding joy and humor in little things in life is an attitude that can be cultivated each day. Enjoy your time here, so go ahead and dance, sing, crack jokes, and smile a lot!

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 ESV)

5. Positive people cultivate an attitude of gratitude

What are you grateful for today?

For positive people, gratitude helps them refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. They believe that what they focus on grows, so as they focus on gratitude, it naturally brings positivity and abundance into their life.

To feel better about your life, cultivate gratitude on a daily basis.

Instead of complaining or sulking, step back and take time to pray and thank God for the life He has given you. Praise Him for the tiniest things to the grandest of blessings. Thank Him for His promises that are yet to be fulfilled.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

Are you looking for some positive vibes to start your day?

Brighten your mornings with Joselle Feliciano’s latest song, Love and Light – out now on all digital streaming platforms! The song is produced by Reverb Worship PH, CBN Asia’s music arm.

Stream Love and Light and follow Reverb Worship PH on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more updates.

5 Ways to Cope with Pandemic Stress | Beyond Small Talk

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

Imposed quarantines from time to time, news about the rise and fall of COVID-19 cases here and there, plus health and safety reminders everywhere. Can you believe that the world has been battling this pandemic for a year and a half now?

How are you holding up?

If these unsettling scenarios stress and fill you with anxiety, know that God wants you to be free from all worries (Psalm 34:4).

God gives you the power to break free from stress!

Here are 5 essential tips to help you cope with your pandemic stress, from inspirational speaker and Beyond Small Talk guest, Carl Pascua.

Tip #1: Slow down and rest

Did you find yourself feeling extra stressed when the pandemic started? You are not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the pandemic.

Perhaps, uncertainty becomes the gasoline that fuels your stress fire.

Don’t worry. You don’t need to force yourself to be okay all the time. Carl suggests that you process your emotions. Take time to figure out where the sadness or stress comes from and take a much-needed rest.

Tip #2: Exercise and stay healthy

Science has long proven that your mind and body are strongly linked.

“Remember, a healthy body can result into a healthy mind and a good emotional condition,” Carl reminds.

The American Psychological Association support’s Carl’s assertion and states that as your mental health declines, your physical health can worsen, and if your physical health declines, you can feel mentally “down.”

So, get off the couch and start a simple exercise routine. Also, be extra mindful of what you eat!

Tip #3: Talk about your problems

Whether it’s with a family member, a trusted friend, or a mentor, sharing your thoughts and concerns with other people can help relieve stress.

Likewise, you can help others feel that they’re not alone, too!

Like you, each person you know could be fighting a battle you don’t know about. So don’t hesitate to reach out. Encourage each other and build each other up! (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)

Tip #4: Let go of the idea about control

Who would’ve thought that by 2020, going to malls, restaurants – or even work – could be a health risk? Who would’ve thought that by the summer of 2021, you would still be cooped up in your home and praying for a pandemic to end?

No one.

But it happened. This goes to show that no matter what your plans are, you cannot control everything. Ease your pandemic stress by letting go of your need to control things, and trusting in Someone greater who is always in control – Jesus Christ.

As Proverbs 19:21 ESV puts it, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

Tip #5: Put your faith in Him

If anything, the pandemic proved the famous saying, “Everything changes, except the word change.”

If you put your happiness and trust in things that change – like your career, health, or even relationships – you might feel stressed when things don’t work out the way you had hoped they would. It’s high time to put your joy and faith in a God who never changes.

“Other people may not understand everything that is going on in your life, but God knows. That means you can go to Him, cry to Him, and you can seek help from Him. Problems can be big, but our God is bigger, our God is stronger!” Carl concluded.

No matter what you’re going through, keep going! You can always find comfort and overcome through the help of your merciful God!

“In the multitudes of anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19 NKJV)

Do you feel overwhelmed or stressed?

We are here for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we will pray for you.

Mark your calendars and catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!

3 Practical Ways to Find Perfect Peace Amid the Pandemic

Posted on September 21, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

The pandemic has taken away many things for many of us.

Maybe you have lost your dream job or the business that you have worked so hard to build. Or perhaps, you have lost a loved one to COVID-19.

But apart from the things and people you have lost, the pandemic keeps on shaking up the peace in your life on a regular basis. Do you feel troubled and worried?

Regain your peace today!

Here are three practical ways that can help you find perfect peace amid the pandemic:

1. Spend time with God in prayer

For more than a year, the pandemic has kept us from socializing with the people outside of our homes, including our best friends.

You might be missing having someone genuinely listening to you while you are going through tough times. You wish they were beside you right now when life seems so overwhelming.

The good news is, you do have someone who wants to listen to you and free you from your worries and pain: God! You are never alone. God is just waiting for you to go to Him.

When you are filled with anxious thoughts, spend time surrendering your worries to God in prayer.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

Set a time of the day to intentionally seek God in prayer. Find comfort knowing that God can hear all your requests amid your distress.

2. Read God’s Word

Have you ever found yourself aimlessly scrolling through your social media feeds every day?

As you browse through discouraging news, the latest trends, and so many more superficial posts, do you find yourself feeling empty and disheartened?

When events of this world shake your peace, turn to the unshakeable foundation of your peace – the Bible.

Instead of scrolling through your social media accounts, read chapters in the Bible filled with hope and promises of God.

Let the Word of God fill your thoughts and direct your life.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 109:105 NLT)

Take heart and feel the peace that comes with the promises of God in the Bible and it will make your life filled with hope every day.

3. Focus on God

As you find hope in prayer and direction through the Word of God, sustain your peace by focusing on God every day.

When worries start to kick in, let prayer and God’s Word lead you to an unshakeable peace brought about by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

One of the ways you can focus yourself on God is by listening to uplifting and feel-good music!

Watch out for Reverb Worship’s newest single, “Love and Light” by Joselle Feliciano – a song that will inspire you to rediscover God’s love and light even amid these pressing times.

Stream the song on Spotify, Apple Music, and all digital streaming platforms starting September 24.

Be updated with the latest songs of Reverb Worship PH by following them on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Teacher, Check Out these 5 Self-Care Tips for You! | Beyond Small Talk

Posted on September 20, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

Modules. Online classes. Reports.

Sounds familiar, don’t they?

In fact, they are so familiar and important that you tend to give your all to provide quality learning experience for your students. They are so valuable that sometimes, these things that you love to do become the source of your stress and burnout.

Influencer, mental health advocate, and Beyond Small Talk host Jericho Arceo shares helpful self-care tips so teachers and educators like you can still thrive while staying committed to your noble profession:

1. Engage in self-care

What can you do to take care of yourself? Start with yourself.

In this time of crisis, teachers like you are exerting extra effort on their work to the point of skipping meals or not getting enough sleep. The work may feel endless at times, but taking time to take care of yourself isn’t selfish! In fact, it’s an important of part of doing well in your job too.

Take care of your sleep, make sure you eat healthy foods, and do not underestimate the value of exercise. Be a little kinder to your body. The healthier you are in mind, body and spirit, the more productive you will be!

Jericho shares, “When we take care of our bodies, eventually, our mental health is being taken care of. It is important to take care of our bodies intentionally, so we can take care of others – in line with the second commandment which is to love our neighbors.”

2. Identify sources of stress

Pause and take time to identify where your stress could be coming from, both in your work and personal life. If you can pin-point your triggers, you can find ways to successfully manage and respond to them.

So, what is your stressor? Your deadlines? The workload? Your colleagues? Or the pressure to adjust to new modes of learning?

3. Be part of a support group

Figuratively speaking, no man is an island.

Scientifically speaking, having trusted people around you is important. In fact, a research titled The Correlation of Social Support with Mental Health from the National Library of Medicine shows that having a good support system can have a positive impact on one’s mental health.

“Make sure your support group understands you, listens to you, loves you, and prays for you. They will lead you closer to God and insulate you in times of mental health problems. Choose your friends,” Jericho suggests.

4. Seek professional help

Are you struggling to sleep, feeling restless or down, becoming sick, or lacking interest in things you used to be so passionate about?

A certain amount of work-related stress is inevitable, but a burnout is a more serious type of stress. You may want to consider talking to a doctor or a mental health professional so they can help you work through it.

“If you are experiencing burnout or any mental health problem, it is important to seek professional help. There is nothing wrong with that,” Jericho reminds.

5. Rest

Some people feel an overwhelming sense of guilt whenever they rest. Perhaps that feeling stems out of the belief that one’s productivity equates to one’s worth.

But rest is productive, too.

According to Psychology Today’s article “Rest for Success”, your “downtime” can boost your biological intelligence. Apart from that great benefit, rest also helps increase your productivity, creativity, and attention to detail.

So, take your time off – and the next time you do, gently remind yourself that rest is required, and you deserve it.

According to Jericho, one of the best things you can do as you rest is to pray and have a personal time with God, “Pray to God, because God is the one who understands you when you cannot verbalize what you feel.”

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Are you feeling restless?

It would be our joy to comfort you through prayers and introduce you to the ultimate source of rest and peace. Feel free to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we would love to pray for you.

Catch the next Beyond Small Talk webisode this Saturday, 7:00 PM on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

3 Keys to Experiencing God’s Boundless Love

Posted on September 17, 2021 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

God loves you.

These three words are commonly heard, but many still don’t fully understand or have felt it in their lives.

God’s love is shown throughout the Bible. And that love is still available for you today.

The love of God brings peace, hope, and joy that transcend any circumstance in your life.

Here are three keys to experience God’s boundless love for you.

1. Seek God in Prayer

Seeking God is dwelling in His presence. Sometimes, with all the busyness of this world, people tend to forget that God is with them.

Set a specific prayer time with God. Surrender all your concerns to Him. God will meet you and embrace you with His love wherever and whatever situation you find yourself in right now.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. (https://www.cbnasia.org) His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)

2. Read the Word of God

As you seek God in prayer, understand more about His great love for you by reading His Word. You can find the promises of God, on which to anchor your faith, in the Bible.

Devote a time in your everyday life joyfully reading His Word. As you meditate on the Good News of the Lord, you will also understand His boundless goodness and unconditional love.

“Desire God’s pure word as newborn babies desire milk. Then you will grow in your salvation. Certainly you have tasted that the Lord is good!” (1 Peter 2:2-3 GW)

3. Abide in God’s ways

Now that you’ve already grasped the essence of dwelling in the presence of God and meditating in His Word, persevere to abide by the things He called you to do.

Walking in God’s ways lets you experience the immeasurable love of God that goes with you every day.

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” (1 John 4:16 NLT)

At this point, you probably know in your head that God loves you so dearly. And this love will enable you to have a life of peace, joy, and love.

But but in order to truly experience the fullness of His love, you need to accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

His sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin is the ultimate manifestation of God’s love and grace for you.

Through Jesus Christ, you can start a new life, free from sin and shame and full of God’s boundless love.

Begin your journey of faith today. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0700.

Meanwhile, join us in celebrating 27 years of God’s boundless love and faithfulness to CBN Asia with a virtual event titled Boundless on October 6 and 7! Visit boundless.cbnasia.org/getticket to know how you can take part.

What It Takes To Believe in God

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3you with unfailing kindness.

The Fearless Life | God’s Word Today

His love for you is endless. That’s the kind that never fades. He reminds us all of his love for us in Jeremiah 31:3