3 Steps to Make your Homes Fireproof | Fire Prevention Month

Summertime is here!

Around this time every year, people are already usually setting up plans for their summer getaway and spending their much-awaited vacation time with families. However, along with summer comes hot and humid weather – making areas across the country prone to fires.

As most Filipinos must stay indoors due to the community quarantine in light of the COVID-19, people all the more should be vigilant and active in keeping their homes safe from fire. 

This Fire Prevention Month, make your home fireproof by following these practical steps: 

Step 1: Prepare. 

Fire prevention begins with awarenessFollowing this thinking, you may start familiarizing yourself with your surroundings and areas in your household that are fire-prone.

Knowing what to do should an actual fire breaks out in your own home would be very helpful. There’s a massive resource of fire prevention and safety tips online that you can read and share with your family members.

Also, an article published by the Philippine Information Agency shares that the Bureau of Fire Protection encourages everyone to get involved and actively participate in fire drills conducted by barangays, schools, places of employment, and local government units.

Do not be anxious but stay concerned and prepared in keeping your family safe.

Step 2: Practice discipline. 

Now that you’re mentally prepared and cautious about your surroundingsset a list of fire safety practices and stick to it.

Do you know that practicing self-discipline could go a long wayIt’s more than just regularly checking the stove, wirings, and other possible fire sources at home, it’s encouraging other members of the family to exercise discipline as well. 

Step 3: Pray for protection. 

You’ve already prepared and practiced safety measures but still don’t feel at peace at all?

Psalm 91:9-11 has a good reminder, “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Whenever you feel worried about your family’s safety, asking God’s protection is the best way. Pray that He looks after your familykeeps you from all harm, and gives you peace.

The house that you live in is a blessing from God. No matter how grand or simple your home is, He purposefully provided it for you that you may have shelter, a place to rest in, and a place to build strong ties with your family members. May you be a good steward of that blessing.

Stay safe!

Do you need someone to pray with you as you seek God’s protection? Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center and we would love to pray for you. 

Meanwhile, you can partner with the Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines in helping fire victims in the countryVisit their website and Facebook page to know more about their humanitarian work.

Dear Lolo and Lola: Here’s What God Wants to Tell You

Dear Lolo and Lola,

How are you?

The saying rings trueyou are aging like fine wine. Your heart for your children and their children gets bigger over time. How you care for your loved ones is admirable. Your wisdom is impeccable. The struggles and glories of your past inspire the younger generation to live a purposeful and meaningful life. 

You must be delighted with the life you are living, as well as the lives you have touched. Truly, you have been a blessing to many!

This Grandparents’ Weekmay you be reminded of your worth and encouraged through these messages: 

God is your strength. 

Whenever you feel physically weak or emotionally discouraged, know that Jesus Christ will sustain and strengthen you. As He promised you in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

May you always be reminded to put your hope in God (Psalm 42:5) and in His eternal promise.

You’re a blessing to the young. 

Isn’t it great to know that the Creator of this world trusts and values you so much that He wants to partner with you in bringing people into salvation? 

Through the years He has molded you, equipped you, and now you are more than ready to be a vessel of His wisdom. As you seek God and set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12), be in faith that He will bless your heart too! 

More so, as someone who experienced God’s blessing and mercy through life’s changing seasons, you are called to be a fountain of blessing and mercy to your loved ones. Just call upon Him and He will surely help you influence and empower the youth. 

God loves you. 

He loves you undeniably and completely. Nothing can change that.

No worries, no struggles and no one can separate you from His unchanging love, as Romans 8:38-39 reminds: “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.”

Because you’re assured of His love, go in peace and in confidence that He will lead you in abundant life in the years to come!

Dear Lolo and Lola, you are deeply appreciated and loved – like how God does! Be assured that your Savior hasn’t forgotten you, and His glorious work remains alive in your life.

Keep your head high and keep on running the race knowing that God is running with you.

Do you want to take a step closer to God right nowOr do you have some prayer requests? Feel free to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center and we would love to pray for you! 

Staying at Home? Here are 5 Things You Can Do During Community Quarantine

With hopes of preventing the spread of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), President Rodrigo Duterte has placed Metro Manila under a 30-day community quarantine which started last March 15. 

During the community quarantine, classes and other forms of mass gatherings are suspended. Travelling has now restrictions and social distancing is also being practiced. Workers are even encouraged to work from home – leaving much time for Filipinos to stay indoors. 

To help make your time at home a productive and meaningful one, here are 5 things you can do during the community quarantine:

1. Rest 

COVID-19 is a contagious and deadly diseaseWhile we are advised not to downplay the situationlet us not allow fear to cripple us, too 

Panic is already taking its toll on people’s minds. So, stay calm as much as you can and do something that lifts your spirit.  

Play your guitar, read a book, listen to your favorite worship song, or catch on that much-needed sleep. Take this time to recuperate and enhance your physicalmental, and spiritual well-being.  

Rest in God. As said in Matthew 11:29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

2. Moderate Social Media Use 

Feeling bombarded by a lot of information about COVID-19? Feeling saturated by unverified or fake news? 

Perhaps, it’s a good sign to limit your time online. Log out and take a break from social media or follow only credible news sources and verified pages. 

3. Clean up 

Aside from taking good care of your personal hygiene, you may also want to tidy up your surroundings.  Declutter your room or your closet. Disinfect your household to protect the family and keep yourself occupied 

Take this time to be reminded of how God has also made you a steward of your environment. 

4. Spend time with your family 

Create meaningful conversations with them. Listen and empathize with their fears, check up on each other’s queries, and talk about your concerns. 

Being on the same page with your family members could help straighten out worries. If a loved one is on a self-quarantine and isolates themselves, checking up on them even through calls or texts to make sure they’re okay could mean a lot. 

You can also plan simple indoor activities for everyoneExercise, play games or eat together.  

5. Pray intently 

Most importantly, ask God to protect you and your family. Ask Him to remove fear and panic in every household. Pray that He heals the sick, comforts the scared, and provides for the needy. Also, pray for wisdom in the decision-making of the country’s leaders, health workers, and the front liners who selflessly sacrifice their time to help fight this pandemic. 

Pray that God will turn this difficult time into a good, that people will seek and be drawn into Him and His saving glory, as what the Bible says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 

Pray, in the Name of Jesus, for the spirit of God to reign in this land – because He is the spirit of peace, comfort, and protection. 

Time flies – as the saying goes. However, during this entire community quarantine, the days could seem so long.  

You don’t have to spend those long hours worrying! Pray without ceasing and respond in faith that God will reveal His glory and greater purpose in these trying times.

Do you have any prayer requests? You may message the CBN Asia Prayer Center or call 8737-0700 so we can pray for you.

Do You Want to be a Beautiful Woman after God’s Own Heart?

Confident. Beautiful. With a heart of gold. 

These are some of the words females usually answer when asked about the type of woman they wish to be. 

You might ask: is there a guide that could help you become that woman? Moreover, can a confidently beautiful woman also take after God’s heart?

To help you with that, here are some lessons from inspiring women in the Bible to guide you on becoming the beautiful woman God designed you to be: 

1.Be a Woman of Prayer like Hannah. 

Deeply saddened by her barrenness, Hannah wept bitterlyfervently prayed for a son and promised to offer him to the Lord all the days of his life (1 Samuel 1:10-11)God honored her faith-filled prayers and she gave birth to Samuel – who then became a great prophet and judge in Israel. 

The story of Hannah teaches women that honest and faithful prayers honor God.  

Be like Hannah. As you delight in God, be expectant that He, in return, will honor the desires of your heart! 

2. Be a Woman of Faith like Ruth. 

When her husband diedRuth refused to leave her mother-in-law, Naomi. Even though a new environment awaited her, Ruth faithfully followed Naomi to Bethlehem and trusted the God of her in-law that there is a purpose behind their affliction. 

Ruth had no doubt that God will provide for them. Day by day, she worked hard in gathering leftover grains in the field of a man named Boaz, who later became her husband. 

The story of Ruth inspires modern women to believe that amid seemingly bad situations, God can demonstrate His faithfulness to the faithful ones. 

Look at the bigger picture and be full of faith! God has a purpose behind your every struggle. He has a greater plan for your future. 

3. Be a Woman of Courage like Esther. 

Esther was an orphan who grew up to be a courageous queen of Persia. She was appointed for such a time to fulfill God’s purpose of saving her people (Esther 4:14). 

Even when it could cost her life, she obeyed God and bravely faced King Xerxes.  

Her story reminds modern women to be strong and courageous because it is God who will go with them wherever they go. Take heart and be excited about how God will use you in leading others into salvation just like Esther. 

Most importantly, as said in (1 Peter 3:3-4), “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”  

Did these godly characters encourage you to surrender to God? 

If you want to discover more about Him, you may now begin your first step to peace or call the CBN Asia Prayer Center. 

Woman, You Are God’s Masterpiece!

In case you forgot, with all the many hats you wear daily, your role as a woman matters. This month, Beyond Small Talk celebrates you!

Happy International Women’s Month to you who despite life’s pressure and daunting challenges still managed to stand up with beauty, honor, and excellence.

Like Miss Universe 1999 1st runner up, Miriam Quiambao-Roberto.

In this Beyond Small Talk webisode, she shared nuggets of wisdom she gained after braving through storms of life as a woman of God.

1. Don’t focus on material things or worldly achievements.

Miriam had everything – fame, career, riches – when she won the pageantry and married her 1st husband.

But then, when she got divorced, she fell into depression and realized that marriage and riches can never satisfy the longing in her heart.

Miriam learned, “It is far more important to develop your character because material things fade away but character lasts forever.”

2. Get to know God and consult Him for every decision big or small.

Through a friend’s invitation in a bible study, Miriam came to know God’s beautiful plan in her life and accepted Jesus in her heart.

God brought her out of the pit of despair and powerfully used her testimony to lead the people through the saving knowledge of Jesus. She became one of the hosts of The 700 Club Asia and there she also found meaning, fulfillment, and direction.

“God loves you the most and He knows what is best for you,” Miriam encourages.

3. Look for a guy with a Godly character.

God gave Miriam a second chance at love when she married Ardy Roberto, a Christian author, and inspirational speaker. God even blessed her womb and she gave birth to their beautiful child, Elijah.

Her tip for all the single women out there?

“Look for a guy with character, has a relationship with Christ, and is capable of commitment,” Miriam said.

The next time you feel discouraged as a woman, be reminded that you are God’s workmanship. Your true value is found in Jesus, and you are worth dying for.

If this webisode blessed you, feel free to join our online discussion and watch this Saturday’s Beyond Small Talk at 7 pm on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Do You Want To Make Your Marriage Stronger? | Beyond Small Talk

Marriage requires hard work. There will be bumps along the way and battles you have to win together.

When the road gets tough, do not give up.

You can make your marriage stronger and rekindle the romance by following these tips from Beyond Small Talk hosts Peter and Christine Kairuz.

1. Practice God’s command to “Die to yourself.”

It means “when we die to ourselves, we crucify our pride and open our hearts to the healing, reconciling, and restoring love of God,” says Jennifer Slattery in her article What Does Dying to Yourself in Marriage Really Mean? in Crosswalk.

It is daily dying to your own will and allowing the Word of God to fully function in your life. As the Bible says in Ephesians 5, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord…. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. (https://fmcg-viet.com) ”

So, husbands, reassure your wives of your love, loyalty, and faithfulness. When you do that, it will be easier for your wife to respond with respect and submit to your leadership.

2. Always consider each other.

Philippians 2:3 in ESV said, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

It is not about your own interest anymore. Remember, as said in Mark 10:8, when you get married, the 2 of you become 1 flesh. It means that everything you and your spouse own becomes 1 – even your finances.

Don’t give your spouse any reason to doubt you. Combine your money together. Don’t keep a secret bank account because everything needs to be laid on the table.

Moreover, husbands, make it a habit to consider your wife when you plan. Your wife has to know your whereabouts and the people you’re with. It is your way of valuing and respecting her as your wife.

3. Speak words of life to your spouse.

“When you read God’s Word, you will realize more and more that words matter,” Peter Kairuz exclaimed.

It says in Proverbs 18:21 NIV, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

So, what words are you saying to your spouse every day?

Take time to reflect and ask God to give you the grace to obey His Word. Remember tip number 1, practice God’s command to “Die to yourself.”

We want to pray for you and your marriage! Just call CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700.

Stay tuned for more wisdom-filled webisodes from Beyond Small Talk every Saturday, 7 pm on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel!

Do You Always Fight with Your Spouse? | Beyond Small Talk

Misunderstandings and disagreements are part of marriage.

They are normal and are in fact, healthy!

According to David Klow, a licensed marriage and family therapist, as cited in the article How Much Fighting Is Too Much in a Relationship?, “Couples who are able to go through conflict into harmony end up having productive fights, which leads to greater intimacy.”

But then, if your fights are becoming more frequent and unresolved, you might want to reassess how you handle your conflicts.

In this Beyond Small Talk webisode, hosts Peter and Christine Kairuz, revealed the common causes of misunderstandings in marriage and how to solve them.

1. Lack of communication.

“When you talk of communication, there needs to be a listening part and a talking part,” says Peter.

Husbands, when your wife is talking to you, listen. This will show how you honor and respect her and her input.

On the other hand, wives, do not be critical when communicating with your husband. Give him a chance to explain his side in an argument as well.

As Philippians 2:4 ESV says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” 

2. Lack of affirmation.

Christine revealed, “Wives get hurt when their husbands fail to appreciate them.”

Husbands, it does not take much to notice and appreciate the sacrifices your wife makes for you and your children.

If you have not, put down your phone and tell her, “I love you,” and “Thank you!” These simple words matter to her because it shows that she and her sacrifices are recognized by the person she loves.

As Proverbs 16:24 ESV says, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

3. Disciplining your children.

Although you are raised differently by your own parents, you both should be on the same page when setting rules and regulations for your children.

You need to carve out time to discuss and agree on how you will discipline them.

4. Spending without permission.

Nothing should be done in secret – even in spending.

Consult each other first before you spend. What you can do is to agree on a certain amount or set aside a budget for both of your needs and wants.

5. Failing to fulfill the husband/wife role.

If you want to know your role according to what the Word of God says, read the Keys to A Successful Marriage.

Do you need prayers for your marriage?

We are here for you.

Do not hesitate to call CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700.

If this webisode helped you and your spouse, share it in our online discussion and watch Beyond Small Talk every Saturday, 7 pm on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel!

5 Tricks to Spice Up Sex in your Marriage – Beyond Small Talk

Are you missing sex with your spouse lately?

When you are too busy at work, raising a family, and running through your responsibilities at home, sex becomes a tiresome activity for you and your spouse.

What’s worse is that sex does not excite you anymore because you have been too familiar with it.

It’s time to spice it up!

According to Marriage.com in their article entitled 10 Health Benefits of Having Sex with Your Spouse Frequently, frequent sex with your spouse can actually help you reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost immunity, have better sleep, prevent heart attack or stroke, drive away depression, help look younger and attractive, and improve self-esteem.

Having said that, below are strategies from Beyond Small Talk hosts Peter and Christine Kairuz that will help you solve common sex problems in your marriage:

1. Wives, do not withhold your body from your spouse. Freshen up. Be ready for your spouse.

Take a shower. Brush your teeth. Spray on his favorite scent. Dress sexy for him. Your mindset should always be to prepare and make yourself beautiful and attractive before your husband comes home. Do not withhold your bodies from each other.

2. Husbands, build up the momentum.

Don’t just do it right away. You need to lay a foundation first. Begin by sending sweet and meaningful messages to her before you make love at night. Romance her. Communicate with her. Wives love it when they are being pursued.

3. Husbands, stay with your wife after making love.

Don’t just disappear or watch TV after sex. Continue to talk to her and romance her. Shower her with kisses and cuddle her. Don’t rush. Take time to enjoy each other’s presence.

4. Enjoy making love with your spouse.

“Especially for young married couples, you have no excuse not to have sex,” says Peter Kairuz.

You should be in total energy and enjoy the moment when making love with your spouse.

5. For the older married couples, exercise and take supplements.

Your age should not hinder you from enjoying sex with your partner. Do some exercises like push-ups and sit-ups to strengthen your muscles for better sex. Take vitamins and supplements to boost your sex drive.

Sex is the highest expression of love with your spouse. It is a sacred and beautiful gift from God that’s meant to be enjoyed between married couples.

As it says in 1 Corinthians 7:4-5 NKJV, “The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

Do you find these strategies helpful in your marriage? Join our online discussion on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

Catch Beyond Small Talk’s next episode as Peter and Christine Kairuz share about common causes of misunderstandings for married couples and how to deal with it this February 22, 2020, 7pm.

5 Ways on How to Be Your Spouse’s Biggest Fan – Beyond Small Talk

Are you experiencing distress and difficulty in your marriage?

Maybe you need to start showing how much you appreciate and support your spouse today. Making your partner feel loved and admired results in a stronger and more vibrant relationship.

According to researchers Allen W. Barton, Ted G. Futris, Robert B. Nielse in their study Linking financial distress to marital quality: The intermediary roles of demand/withdraw and spousal gratitude expressions, “When couples are engaging in negative conflict patterns like demand or withdrawal, expressions of gratitude and appreciation can counteract or buffer the negative effects of this type of interaction on marital stability.”

So, how do you express gratitude and appreciation? Check out these 5 actionable ways from hosts Peter and Christine Kairuz to guide you on how to be your spouse’s #1 fan:

1. Wives, admire your husband.

Show admiration by being generous with your words. You can start by saying, “I really appreciate what you do for our family.” or “I’m proud of you.” Just remember to always affirm, encourage, exhort, and comfort your husband.

2. Wives, believe in your husband.

Believing in your husband’s abilities will energize, motivate, and inspire him to do things he has never done before. When you believe in him, you are bringing out the best in him. Then, he will have the confidence to believe in himself, too.

3. Husbands, always praise your wife and spend quality time with her.

Don’t just praise her because of the big things she does for you. Praise your wife even in the little things as well. It will show how much you take time to notice her so don’t hold back in praising and appreciating your wife because they wholeheartedly serve you without complaining.

Moreover, don’t put limits on your time together when you date or go out. Instead, focus and give attention to your wife. It will make her feel special.

4. Husbands, properly introduce your wife to your friends.

Honor your wife by properly introducing her to your friends when you’re in a social gathering and they don’t know her that well. Make your wife feel welcome and at home. Don’t let her feel like she’s a stranger in a crowd.

5. Husbands, speak highly of your wife in front of others and your children.

Teach your children to praise and bless their mother by appreciating her in front of them. So that someday, when they get married, they will do the same.

Be your spouse’s biggest fan and use your words to express appreciation, admiration, and gratitude. As it says in Proverbs 18:21 NKJV, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Your words can either bring courage or disappointment, esteem or pain. Choose to be the one who gives life-giving words, so you can keep your marriage alive and growing.

Let us know what you think about these tips. Join our online discussion on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel. Don’t forget to also watch Beyond Small Talk’s next webisode this coming February 15, 2020, at 7 pm.

Keys To A Successful Marriage | Beyond Small Talk

Do you know your role as a husband or as a wife?

As the Bible instructs, you are called to submit to one another out of your reverence for Christ.

Wives are to submit to their husbands as you do to the Lord, while husbands are to love their wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Here’s the key to a successful and long-lasting relationship: Both of you should fulfill your role according to what the Word of God says.

To help you further here’s Beyond Small Talk hosts Peter Kairuz and his wife, Christine’s advice:

God works in divine order.

Christine explained, “God is our commander-in-chief. The husband is the commander and the wife is the assistant to the commander.”

As the head of the wife, husbands should be the leader of the house.

However, take note that “Husbands are not dictators. They should not demand. They should not rule over their wives,” according to All About God in their write-up Role of Husband in the Bible.

“Instead, husbands should influence their wives and families in accordance with biblical teaching. They should exemplify, with their voice and their actions, attributes that bring glory to God and value to their spouse and family,” they said.

You have also been given the responsibility to provide for the needs of your family and to protect your home.

It is your duty as well to reassure your wife that she is loved, valued, and secured.

On the other hand, wives are helpers. From the Hebrew word Ezer in the Bible, helper means “helpmeet.” Ezer is a military word that means assistant to the commander.

“You are also an administrator and a companion,” says Christine. With the wisdom and the skills given to you by God, you should be able to manage your household with confidence and grace.

Another God-given role of the wife is being a lover and a companion to her husband.

“As a wife, you should always be ready for your husband,” Christine said.

Think of it this way.

“The husband is the head of the home, and the wife is the neck. The neck supports the head and helps the head to fulfill its duties,” shares Beth, a wife, in an article Role of the Wife in the Bible by All About God.

God designed it to be this way that you must work, not as enemies, but as a team united with Him to carry out what He has called you to do.

Do you want more tips about marriage and relationships?

Don’t miss Beyond Small Talk every Saturday, 7 pm on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

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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.

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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