Teaching Archives

My Loved One is Talking About Suicide. What Should I Do?

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

Have you been in this kind of situation before?

Even when you have the best intentions, you could find yourself fumbling for words when someone confides in you that they are struggling with their mental health.

Yes, it can be scary to talk to someone who has suicidal feelings – let alone a friend or a family member. But doing so can really make a difference, and literally save a life.

So, if a loved one tells you that they are thinking of ending their life, here are a few tips to help you handle those conversations.

Tip #1: Take them seriously

If somebody around you talks about wanting to die, take it very seriously.

Don’t call them a drama queen, don’t call it a joke. Don’t brush them off as simply wanting to gain sympathy or attention. They are reaching out for help. Taking action is always your best choice.

Tip #2: Do not judge

Here’s a myth: People who talk about suicide won’t actually do it.

But here’s an alarming truth: people who talk about suicide sometimes act on it. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that the majority of suicides have been preceded by warning signs, including verbal or behavioral signs. It is better to err on the side of caution instead of judging them.

Also, do not blame your loved ones for how they feel. Speaking up about it may be a huge step for them already.

Tip #3: Start a conversation

Have the initiative to ask open-ended questions that encourage them to talk. A simple “How are you feeling?” could mean a lot.

Your loved one is totally overwhelmed by their current situation and is unsure of how to express their feelings nor seek help. Whether they gave subtle hints or mentioned suicide directly, calmly ask what is happening and assure them that you are willing to listen and you care.

Tip #4: Don’t skirt around the topic of suicide

Contrary to popular belief that talking about suicide only encourages the deed, WHO says that it is okay to talk about it.

Talking about suicide can reduce their anxiety and helps your loved one feel understood. So, if you feel that your loved one might be suicidal, don’t be afraid to use the word “suicide”. Don’t hesitate to ask direct questions such as: “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” “What are the reasons why you don’t want to live anymore?”

Initiating the topic, being direct, and letting them know that they can open up to you can be a huge relief for them. More so, direct questions are more likely to bring about direct responses.

Tip #5: Seek help

Don’t try to handle the situation all by yourself. Encourage them to seek help from a professional – like a doctor, a mental health professional, or a counselor.

But if your loved one is in imminent danger, don’t leave them alone. Seek help and 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).

Although the Filipinos are often portrayed as among the world’s happiest and most resilient people, the fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of the future amid pandemic might trigger negative feelings in anyone.

If your loved one talks about suicide, know that emotional support from people who matter to them can prevent suicide. Gently assure them that you got their back and that things can get better as you seek help.

Most importantly, pray that your loved one would encounter God’s love, healing, and light even in their darkest days.

We want to pray for you and your loved one!

Together, let’s lift your worries to God. You may call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 anytime.

Who is Jesus Christ? Get to Know God

Posted on September 8, 2020 by dev-cbn

“Jesus Christ.” You’ve probably heard the Name, or you know Him and have accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior – but who is Jesus, really? Is He truly the Savior? Is He really the Son of God?

Jesus, the Man

Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus, as a man, walked here on earth. An article contributed by Probe Ministries to Bible.org proved Jesus’ humanity when historians and ancient literature said He was a revered teacher, He performed miracles, and was crucified during the reign of Tiberius sentenced by Pontius Pilatus. Jesus became a man like you. He experienced having a family and fellowshipping with others. He experienced being ridiculed, laughed at, mocked, and hurt. Jesus, as a man, experienced the same things you are going through. He understands you.

Jesus, the Savior

Because of sin, the world is headed to eternal death and God knew that. So, He sent His Son to be the Savior of mankind.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)

Jesus came to earth to redeem the world from death, condemnation, and eternal judgment brought by another man – Adam’s disobedience and sin.

“Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.” (Romans 5:18 NIV)

No one else in this world can save humanity from sin and eternal death but Jesus Christ Himself. It is not to condemn but to save the world through Him. (John 3:17b)

Jesus, the Lord

Acts 2:36 says “Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” Acts 2:36 NIV Jesus is not just fully human, He is also 100% God. When you accepted Jesus in your heart, He also claimed Lordship over your life. Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Allowing Jesus’ Lordship over you means yielding to God’s will and purposes for your life. Jesus Himself was humble and obedient to HIs Father in fulfilling His purpose here on earth that resulted in the gift of salvation and righteousness for those who will accept and believe. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus? Would you submit to His Lordship over you today?

“If you have come to realize that there are still areas in your life that have a reservation from God, you can still make a decision to humble yourself today and accept the gift of God which is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23b)

Are you searching for answers in your walk with God? Would you like to be prayed for? Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 so we can pray for you.

Are You Sure that Heaven is Your Destination? Here are 3 Truths to Assure You

Posted on September 7, 2020 by dev-cbn

Everyone journeys through life with all roads leading to one destination – physical death. So, if you die today, would you know where you’ll go? You’d surely want to go to heaven, right? If you have decided to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are guaranteed your eternity in heaven. Jesus said in John 5:24 (NIV), “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” However, if you are new or still navigating your way to your newfound faith, there may be times that you doubt if you are really saved. Or when confronted with sins that you think are too unforgivable, you may feel that your salvation has been canceled, and so is heaven. If you are experiencing these, here are 3 unchanging truths that you can find in God’s Word that would assure you of your place in heaven.

1. You are adopted in God’s eternal family

In the Bible, God always assures His people of His plan and invites them to trust in Him. In the same way, God does not want you to doubt what He has promised and was fulfilled at the cross by Jesus Christ. In 1 John 5:11-13 NIV, John the beloved tells, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.  I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” Jesus Christ is the Son of God and those who accepted Him were adopted into God’s family. John 1:12 NIV guarantees, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

2. Redemption from sin is available for you

If Romans 6:23 says the payment for sins is eternal death, does that mean your relationship with Jesus is over once you sin? Does that forfeit your salvation? Apostle Paul tells in Romans that the world is fallen. While you live in this fallen world, you are in a constant battle with the authorities, principalities, and spiritual forces. So, what should you do when you sin? 1 John 1: 9 NIV says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Admit what you have done wrong, confess to the Lord, and repent from your sins. Peter, throughout his ministry in the book of Acts, had been proclaiming this as in Acts 3:19 NIV “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Repentance goes hand in hand with salvation. It is not a means to earn salvation but a result when one is saved. Once you experience God’s amazing grace in your life, a continuing life transformation follows. After all, “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT).

3. Your blessed assurance

Jesus Himself is the assurance of salvation of everyone who believes in Him. He is your assurance for having a place in heaven. In John 10:28-29 ESV, Jesus declares, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” While good works, spiritual growth, obedience to God’s Word, and a changed life are evidence of one’s Christian walk, you should not base your assurance of salvation on these things but on the unchanging truth found in God’s Word. Being assured of your salvation means you are completely believing that Jesus Christ has completed the work. You are saved and you have a sure ticket to heaven through Christ alone, by His grace, and through faith in Him. Do you believe in this truth? It’s time cast your doubt away and live out the joy of your salvation. The CBN Asia Prayer Center is here to guide you and pray for you! Don’t hesitate to call us at 8737-0700 or send a message to the CBN Asia Facebook page.

Charity amid a Crisis? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself as You Give during a Pandemic

Posted on September 5, 2020 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

With months away from flipping the 2020 calendar, the battle against the pandemic is far from over.

Healthcare workers still struggle with a shortage of protective equipment. More and more kababayans face unemployment as the economy dips. And, low-income families continue to wonder where to get their next meal.

No doubt, the current crisis takes a heavy toll on every Juan.

Yes, life is quite challenging these days. It is hard to keep your face toward the sunshine when all you can see are shadows, isn’t it?

Yet one of the strongest traits of being a Filipino is the inclination to find the silver lining on every cloud. And if there’s one silver lining that came out during this difficult time, it is the bayanihan spirit that gets stronger because of the crisis.

This International Day of Charity, here are 3 things to ponder on if you are wondering about how you can take part in helping others even in the simplest way:

1. What is your motivation?

Ask yourself why you want to give and what specific things you want to accomplish by donating.

Do you want to support and sustain the health workers and other frontliners? Do you wish to feed the hungry and send aid to those who lost their jobs? Or maybe, your heart is in supporting the youth’s learning and education amid the pandemic?

Knowing your “whats” and “whys” about giving will help you with the “hows.” Your personal motivations can help you decide how to maximize your resources and execute your charitable ideas.

2. What are your resources?

Charity comes in various shapes and sizes.

You can donate goods, money, or time. However, due to the pressing health risks brought by COVID-19, more people are now actively involved in supporting those who are in need through financial means.

Giving food and other essential items is great. But if you have the financial capacity to give and make sponsorships, you may consider donating money so those in need can buy the things they actually need.

Also, are you considering a one-time donation, or would you go for a long-term, more sustainable way of helping others?

3. Do you need expert guidance on your charitable giving?

If you are a first-time donor or you simply do not know yet who to help and how you can help, partnering with charitable and humanitarian organizations is a good option.

These groups have been working closely with the communities and beneficiaries, and have projects that help people in the ways they need most. Your generous support would help them sustain such projects that truly help people.

For instance, Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines – CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm – has been working to help in the fight against COVID-19 and bring hope and comfort to kababayans who experience fear and anxiety during this pandemic.

Operation Blessing has already provided relief to thousands of patients, frontliners, farmers, senior citizens and children, persons with disabilities, indigenous communities, jeepney drivers, jobless and homeless individuals, and some of the most vulnerable families across the country.

If you want to help our underprivileged kababayans and spark hope to communities in need, you can partner with Operation Blessing today. You may give online or contact 09399215543 or 09189067753 to make sponsorships.

It takes huge faith to give away what is yours.

But instead of being close-fisted, God has opened your heart and hands for something bigger: helping others.

Know that as you donate, you give beyond money. You don’t just alleviate their current suffering – you also help restore their hope and dignity. Above all, you please your Heavenly Father, because even during the toughest days, you still choose to give with compassion, love, and charity.

“Let all your things be done with charity.” (1 Corinthians 16:14 KJV)

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5 Tips to Successful Money Management in Marriage | Beyond Small Talk

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Jeaneth Panti | Leave a Comment

“For richer or for poorer, for better or for worse…”

Truth be told, there are marriages that suffer for worse because of poor money management. It might be because of failed expectations, unclear priorities, or different family backgrounds on handling money.

So, how should husbands and wives manage their finances?

To avoid headaches and arguments, Beyond Small Talk hosts Peter Kairuz, Marvin Germo, and Randell Tiongson share 5 practical tips on successful money management:

Tip #1: Define your roles

Who should handle the money? Should it be the husband or the wife?

In the Filipino culture, it is a norm that the wives handle the money. But according to Randell, handling money must be conjugal. It is a matter of defining roles on who pays for what or who does what.

Who, then, manages and executes the budgeting?

“It should be the one who is more disciplined, wise, and reliable,” Randell suggested.

Tip #2: Be transparent

One of the most important things spouses can do to manage finances effectively is to be open and honest about it with each other.

As a start, list down all your expenses to have an overview of where your money goes and avoid unwanted surprises in the future. At the end of the day, it all boils down to proper budgeting.

Tip #3: Combine all your resources

When you and your spouse got married, the two already became one. This is also true when it comes to your finances. You must combine both of your resources and treat your money as one. Practice conjugal spending.

Therefore, before making any decision on that conjugal money, it should be agreed on by both sides.

Tip #4: Give yourselves an allowance

While it is essential to manage your money jointly, it is also good to give yourselves allowance that you can spend for your personal needs or wants – after you have addressed your financial responsibilities.

Just make sure that your spouse knows where that allowance goes, which leads you to Tip #5.

Tip #5: Let your spouse know about your expenses

Regardless of the amount, it is crucial that your spouse knows all about your cash flow.

Asking their permission and mutually agreeing on how you spend the money is one way to show your spouse that you respect and value them.

Budgeting and setting financial goals in your marriage may sound difficult but they don’t have to be. It shouldn’t be about the money – it should be about communication, mutual respect, and love.

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14 NLT)

Are you experiencing financial struggles in your marriage?

Allow us to pray for you. Feel free to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 or send in your prayer requests to our Facebook page. 

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

What is Fasting? How Should I Fast for Spiritual Breakthroughs?

Posted on July 27, 2020 by dev-cbn

Some believers don’t fast. Not because they don’t want to, but because they have not fully digested the sense and significance of fasting. Fasting – like prayer – is a spiritual discipline that must never go out of style. In fact, with all that is happening around the world, prayer and fasting are needed now more than ever! So put those utensils down and delve on what the Bible has to say about fasting.

What is fasting? Fasting is voluntarily giving up food, and other things you regularly enjoy, for a period of time to focus on God. Bible Study Tools says that the Hebrew verb sum describes fasting as a religious exercise and conveys the explicit meaning “to abstain from food.” You can find that fasting is important because first and foremost, Jesus Himself did it. “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:1-2 ESV) Dwelling in a human body, Jesus knew that He would need spiritual strength to fulfill His purpose so He fasted. As a result, He returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. (Luke 4:14 ESV) Why fast? Following Jesus’ example, fasting makes you spiritually strong and equips you to do God’s purpose for your life. It is more than just skipping your meals. Ezra 8:21 ESV shows that fasting is an act of humility before God and devoting yourself to Him. “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.” Apart from the health benefits of fasting, the act helps you become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. As you deny yourself of your natural cravings and distractions – and commit yourself to praying and fasting – you become more sensitive to His voice. “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2) Fasting can also be an expression of seeking God’s forgiveness, favor, and revival. As Joshua 3:5 ESV declares, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” How to fast? Although Jesus did not directly command his followers to fast, He reckoned that they would. It is clear in Matthew 6:16 ESV – where Jesus explained how a believer should fast, “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” As you fast… Plan what type of fast you would commit to and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Ultimately, know that prayer is an essential part of fasting. Without seeking and focusing on God during your fast, it wouldn’t be any different from just going hungry. Fasting is more than just the empty stomach; it is acknowledging that you need God’s help and guidance. It is proclaiming that even when you are empty – God can fill you with His grace and mercy. Got questions about prayer and fasting? Don’t hesitate to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 or send in your questions and prayer requests to our Facebook page.

What is Baptism and Is It Really Necessary?

Posted on July 21, 2020 by dev-cbn

“Baptism.” You might have heard of it since you were young, and now you ask, “What does baptism really mean? Do I have to be baptized to be saved? Is water baptism the same as baptism in the Holy Spirit?”

What is baptism? Baptism came from the Greek word ‘baptizō,’ which literally means to dip, immerse, or wash – according to Bible.org. As the Word of God points out, baptism expresses union with Christ in His death and resurrection. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4 ESV) Baptism has meaning and importance because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. His finished work on the cross gives you the opportunity to walk in newness of life. Do I need to be baptized? To be baptized and be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18 NLT) is God’s commandment. Jesus also said in Matthew 28:19 ESV, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is more than just a religious tradition. It is more than just submerging in the water, but immersing in the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The question is, is there a difference between water baptism and baptism in the Holy Spirit? Water Baptism Baptism – as per the example of Jesus and other believers in the Bible – involves immersion in water. Just as how Jesus died and resurrected, water baptism symbolizes a person’s dying to his old ways of life – and beginning a new one with Him. This symbolic gesture is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus. On the other hand, Acts 2:38 NLT says, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – highlighting the importance of baptism in the Holy Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit Water baptism is not the only way of saying that you have received Jesus in your life. Even though you have not undergone water baptism yet, it doesn’t change the fact that Jesus already died for your sins and saved you. Ultimately, it is by His grace that you have been saved, through your faith (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV). How to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit? While baptism in the Holy Spirit is a free gift, surrendering your life to God is the way to receive it. First, you must accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and ask Him to baptize you in the Holy Spirit. Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for (Luke 11:9). Second, believe that you have already received baptism from God. Galatians 3:2 NLT says that you received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. Faith in Jesus is a prerequisite to baptism. It is about believing that you have been saved and that you have received baptism in the Holy Spirit. In Mark 1:5 ESV, baptism is tied to repentance, “And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.” It implies that baptism and repentance go hand-in-hand. Experiencing baptism – by water, and more importantly, in the Holy Spirit – is a beautiful gift from God. It is a union between you and your Heavenly father, a union that must be enjoyed and lived out on a daily basis. Do you want to accept Jesus in your life and receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit? Allow us pray for you as you embark on this journey of knowing Jesus. You may call the call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 or reach us through our Facebook page.

Are You Spiritually Healthy?

Posted on July 15, 2020 by dev-cbn

The pandemic stress is real. You see its effects and how it has taken its toll on people’s physical, mental, and emotional health. If you are one of those who are reeling from these effects, you might also need extra effort to stay spiritually healthy. As a human being, you were created as a living soul (Genesis 2:7 KJB), to dwell in a physical body, and live eternally as a spirit. It is also clear in 3 John 1:2 NLT that God cares for your body, soul, and spirit, “Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” So, how does one nourish the spirit? Here are 3 ways to help you become spiritually healthy during and beyond this challenging time.

1. Start with your spiritual food You need spiritual food for spiritual strength, just like how you need food for physical strength. The Bible describes itself as the spiritual food – a historically accurate, foolproof source of truth. It is important to read and reflect on it day and night to be nourished on the truths of the faith (1 Timothy 4:6). As all Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV), the truths in His Word can heal any spiritual sickness, give wisdom, increase faith, and sustain spiritual strength. Your spiritual strength will help you brave the spiritual battles in this world and accomplish your purpose in life. 2. Give your faith a regular exercise Faith is not a one-time thing – it is a lifestyle. For your spiritual health to grow and mature, it needs regular exercise. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 ESV gives a good analogy of why constant “spiritual exercise” is needed: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” To be spiritually healthy, one must consistently run after and press on towards God. Praying, reading the Bible, keeping God’s commandments, and other spiritual disciplines are needed to be exercised so you may bear good fruit. 3. Trust God’s grace God recognizes that you are imperfect and that from time to time, frailties and life’s challenges could get the best of you. When that happens, know that there is no shame and condemnation in God. His love for you does not depend on what you do and what you feel. Even when you fail, trust that His love nourishes, His grace is sufficient for you, and His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV). He loves you so much that He won’t allow you to face all the hurdles alone. After saving you at the cross, God has given you a Helper that dwells inside of you to constantly guide and remind you that He has already won your battles. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV) Are you feeling spiritually dry, empty, or unhealthy? Tap into your ultimate source of strength – Jesus. He will never disappoint you. Allow us to stand with you in prayers You may call the call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 or reach us through our Facebook page and we would love to pray for you.

How Can I Come Back to God?

Posted on July 3, 2020 by dev-cbn

Have you ever felt so distant from God? Or perhaps, you feel like you never had a relationship with Him? Was there a time when you don’t feel like going to church or praying and you don’t feel His presence anymore? If you now feel that unexplainable sorrow, frustration, and emptiness in your heart – God is inviting you to come back to Him. God cares for you. God loves you so much that He doesn’t want you to feel lost. He wouldn’t want you to tread in the wrong direction. Like the prodigal son mentioned in Luke 15 who realized a life without his father is not worth living, you might be at the same point in your life. You ask, “How can I come back to God?” To fully experience His fatherly love and come back to His loving arms, start with repentance.

What is Repentance? Repentance is the starting point of your new life. It starts when you acknowledge that you have gone in the wrong direction, and would like to turn back now. Repentance is turning away from your sins, rebellious ways and reckless ways of this world, and turning back to the righteous ways of God. As you encounter God in prayers and in reading the Bible, you will know that His kindness is intended to turn you from sin (Romans 2:4). The good news is, God is so gracious and compassionate! He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him (2 Chronicles 30:9b, NIV). In fact, your Heavenly Father will meet you the same way the father in the parable met his prodigal son.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20, NIV)

This is God’s heart when you come to Him in repentance. Change of Heart and Your Daily Walk with God In repentance, God will also move to change your heart. 2 Corinthians 7:10 gives a glimpse of what real repentance is, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” Worldly sorrow is experiencing fear for having to suffer the consequences of sins, while Godly sorrow is feeling truly sorry for breaking God’s heart. It brings life-changing repentance. Unlike worldly sorrow that brings nothing but spiritual death, Godly sorrow produces fruit and real change in character and in the way you live. “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8, NIV) And because only God can change hearts, repentance takes humility and faith. It is confessing and surrendering to God and believing that no one can cleanse you of your sins but Him. It is an everyday journey of seeking His ways, living in His presence, and living out His glorious purpose for your life. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV) Come to your Heavenly Father now. He is waiting to receive you with open arms. Do you want to repent and find your peace in God?   You may call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8737-0700 and we would love to guide you and pray for you!

What Does Having a Relationship with God Mean?

Posted on June 8, 2020 by dev-cbn

You are probably wondering now. You prayed to accept Jesus Christ in your life as Lord and Savior and now you ask, “Where should I go from here?” This is the beginning of your new life. You are a new person now! (2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT) You have been born again! “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3 NLT) And as your new life begins, God wants you to experience the fullness of it by growing in a personal relationship with Him. After all, He loves you so much that He calls you His child (1 John 3:1).

But, what does having a relationship with God really mean? No matter who you are or what you have been through, you can have a personal relationship with God. Having a relationship with God means having a constant communication with Him – like you would to a person you are in a relationship with. It also means growing in faith as you get to know God deeper through the Bible. The Bible is one of the many ways God speaks to you. In it, your Heavenly Father reveals His history, character, as well as His promises for you. Now that you accepted Jesus Christ, God also gives you a helper that helps you understand Him. It is the Holy Spirit that dwells in you. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” (John 14:15-16) Simply put, God speaks to your heart through the Holy Spirit, as illustrated in Isaiah 30:21, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Likewise, you can speak to God through prayers with the help of the Holy Spirit and in Jesus’ name. How do you grow in your relationship with God? A relationship with God is built through a constant belief, connection, and communication with Him. It is also a life filled with obedience and faith. And like all human relationships, trust is also a very important factor you should have in your relationship with God. Trusting Him is more than just letting Him speak to your head – it is letting Him speak to your heart. It is more than hearing what He says to you, but responding in faith and living it out. Your newfound relationship with Him now inspires you to trust and act in God’s truth, rather than your own knowledge and abilities. What does a trusting relationship with God look like? Can you recall a moment when you felt weak and discouraged because of a certain situation? You prayed to God and asked Him for strength. As you open your Bible, God spoke through Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,” and you answer, “I believe You, God! Thank you for being with me.” This is what a trusting relationship with God looks like. That very moment, you met God, and God met you. That is how you experience Him and enjoy His presence in your life. May you continue to grow in your relationship with God all the days of your life! Do you want to have a personal relationship with God? Take your first step toward Him here. Do you need prayers? Send us a message on our CBN Asia Facebook page or call us at 8737-0700.

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