The most beautiful time of the year is far from over. While many are still celebrating, some are dreading the loneliest season for them.

If you feel afraid, worried, or depressed when the holidays knock on your door, then you might be experiencing the Holiday Blues Syndrome.

Thankfully, here are some practical ways that can help you beat those not-so-welcome feelings this merry season:

Tip #1: ‘Tis the season to go out

Psychologist Mariglo Vicente shared that to avoid holiday blues, you need to go out, expose yourself to light, and avoid dark places, as they can affect your mood and perspective in life. Did you know that sleeping and staying at home for a long time this holiday season—dubbed as hibernating—might add up to that gloomy feeling?

“We need outdoor activities, even short daytime activities like exercise because exercise can boost our neurotransmitters and brain chemicals that help us feel better and have a positive disposition,” Dr. Mariglo suggests.

So, go out and bask in the holiday sun!

Tip #2: ‘Tis the season to eat healthy

Filipinos celebrating the holidays won’t be the same without feasting on sumptuous meals. Isn’t it great to know that aside from satisfying your cravings, there are foods that can boost your mood?

Milk, eggs, and other food rich in protein can help your brain make you feel good because they are high in Tryptophan. Medline Plus defines Tryptophan as an essential amino acid that helps make Serotonin. Serotonin produces healthy sleep and a stable mood. You can also add other Tryptophan-enriched foods like chicken, cheese, chocolate, and turkey as Healthline suggests.

Tip #3: ‘Tis the season to be merry… with friends and family

In the midst of the holiday rush and blues, mental health experts emphasize the need to connect with loved ones.

“Keep in touch with other people, friends, and especially family. Let’s ask for their support. Let’s proactively do it. Let others know that you need someone to be with or ask them to join you. If you feel lonely, go out with them so you can fight Christmas blues,” Dr. Mariglo ended.

See this season as a great opportunity to enjoy the moment with them while remembering the true value of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ. Truly, it’s a precious moment to pray, reflect, and realign hearts to Him.

May your Christmas and New Year be blessed and merry!

Caught up in the holiday blues?

We are here to pray for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Not because of the gifts you receive nor the festivities being celebrated, but because of someone who came down to give hope and joy to everyone.

In today’s culture, the real reason for Christmas is slowly being tainted with materialism and is becoming more dependent on present circumstances. But hopefully, this season will remind you of the true meaning behind this celebration and its significance in your personal life.

How did Christmas start?

It started with God.

He wanted to reach out and save people from their sins and hopelessness. Because of this separation caused by sin, God humbly came down in human form—born in a manger, in a simple town, and through unexperienced parents, Mary and Joseph.

“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:7 NIV)

It was a time when the world was crying out for a King who could rule over them and save them from despair. Yet instead of expecting a political King to rule a nation, God sent His son Jesus Christ to rule over the hearts of people of every nation, tribe, and language.

“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.” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)

Since Christmas is all about Jesus, here are 4 truths about Him that you can meditate on to understand the deeper meaning of this celebration:

1. Jesus is your Wonderful Counselor

For years when the world has been without a prophet, God the Father sent Jesus on earth as fully man and wholly divine. Fully man so that men’s sufferings are not unfamiliar to Him, yet He is also 100% divine so He can take people out of despair.

He is the high priest who can empathize with you, as Hebrews 4:15 NIV says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet he did not sin.”

Through His wisdom and understanding, you can receive guidance, help, and deliverance for as long as you humbly come before Him and ask. Without Jesus, people are left with troubled minds and hearts.

Are you in need of direction during this season? Seek Jesus and He will generously provide you with the answers you need.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 ESV)

2. Jesus is your Mighty God 

People need an all-powerful God who has the power to save them from their sins.

Though He performed miracles after miracles that no earthly god has ever done, the greatest miracle He has done was the conversion of people’s hearts so that many would believe He is the son of God—He is Savior and Lord.

“But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12 ESV)

God created the world through Him (Colossians 1:16 NIV), for Him, and by Him. He demonstrated this power by shedding His blood on the cross so they can be reconciled back to Him.

3. Jesus is your Everlasting Father 

You have a Father in Heaven whom you can always approach with boldness and confidence. Jesus is the exact representation of God the father. He is a father to the fatherless (Psalm 68:5 NIV) and He sees the joy and pain of His children on earth.

You might be going through a rough patch this season. Or you may be in deep sorrow due to the challenges you have faced this year. Yet your comfort comes from this truth that you are not alone.

You have God who can feel your pain but also desires to mend your crushed spirit. This Christmas may not be what you expected but with Jesus, you can be joyful despite your circumstances.

“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.” (John 10:29-30 NIV)

4. Jesus is the Prince of Peace 

One of the beautiful reasons why you can still celebrate Christmas regardless of your situation is because Jesus came not just to give material gifts and blessings, He came so your heart will no longer be troubled.

It is through Jesus that you can be at peace with God, with others, and with yourself. He restores broken relationships, provides peace and order in your life, and assures you of eternal life.

“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:17-18 NIV)

Whatever situation you face this season, may you have the strength to fix your eyes on Jesus who can give you divine counsel, who can save you from your troubles, who can love you unconditionally, and who can give you peace that surpasses all understanding.

Because even if the whole world celebrates this season with gift-giving, decors, and festivities, apart from Jesus, these are all nothing. Jesus is always the reason for this season.

Receiving His free gift of salvation is the best Christmas present we could ever receive.

Are you ready to receive Him so you can have peace, joy, and eternal life?

We are here to pray for you this Christmas. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

What’s on your mind?

Millions of people use social media every day to share what’s on their mind. While many posts bring people together, some online conversations have driven people apart.

You might be wondering what you can do to have a positive influence online. You might be thinking, “How can I use my social media to share God’s love?”

Thankfully, as Jesus Christ lives in you, He can help you use your platforms in sharing His comfort to the hurting, helpless, and hopeless.

Spreading the Good News anywhere is a blessing! So here are 5 ways on how you can share the love of God on social media:

 1. Share the Word of God

Did you know that when you share a Bible verse, you are planting seeds of faith into the hearts of the people and helping them reflect on the Word of God?

In a study titled, Effects of Christian Faith Sharing through Social Media, researchers found out that faith sharing through social media significantly impacts the beliefs and behavior of those who encounter those posts.

So, share that morning verse you have read in your devotional book in social media. Post your favorite worship song. Retweet that powerful testimony so others can be strengthened, too.

Who knows, maybe one of your friends needs a little encouragement and that post could pop up just in time. You might not know the impact of those messages to their life, but God’s Word is alive, and He can use your posts to touch their hearts.

Are you looking for inspiring content to share today? CBN Asia website, Facebook, Twitter, and Tiktok accounts have an array of articles, stories, and videos that can help strengthen people’s faith in God. Click that share button now!

2. Tell your story

How has God blessed you? Share it today!

Your personal testimony is a powerful tool in sharing what God has done and continues to do in your life. It doesn’t just represent you coming to Jesus—it can also bring others to Him.

In his interview with Live the Word Love the Word, social media content creator Doug Kramer shared how he maximizes their family’s platform to share about the goodness of God in their lives.

They share their usual family activities like praying together, teaching their kids Christian values, and glorifying God in their successes and everyday lives.

Whether you have thousands of followers or just a few, your story and answered prayers can influence others, too!

3. Pray for your friends on social media

Noticed that friend’s post about health issues? Reach out to that friend and send a prayer. It will surely lighten the burden. If you know someone who is going through a challenging situation, grab that opportunity to share the love of God and pray for that person.

Another simple yet powerful way to share God’s love on social media is to ask your friends if they have any prayer request. Let them know that in every situation, they can always come to God through prayer.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

4. Help others and encourage your online friends to do the same

Share God’s kindness by supporting your kababayans in need. While you’re at it, you can share posts on outreach activities, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support His ministry—like Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines, CBN Asia’s humanitarian arm—to encourage others to help as well.

As you experience God’s blessings, you can inspire your online friends that they can be a blessing, too.

5. Simply be nice

In the era of cancel-culture, endless rants, and online bullying, there is always room for kindness.

Make a difference by simply being nice on social media. As Matthew 5:16 puts it perfectly, let your light shine before your online friends, so that they may see those good works and glorify your Heavenly Father.

Maximize your online presence by sharing, inspiring, and encouraging others to grow in their faith. Tell your friends that God loves them so much that He gave His life to the world. Take every opportunity to share about God’s Word.

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” (Mark 16:15 NIV)

Do you need an encouragement today? Feel free to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send your prayer request to prayforme@cbnasia.org.

June is Men’s Health Month!

Do you want to take good care of your loved ones? Staying healthy is the key! A healthier mind, body, and spirit enable you to care for your family and spend more time with them.

Check out these 3 practical health and wellness tips that will benefit you and your family:

Tip #1: Take care of your physical health

You might be working so hard that you’re not aware of the consequences of unhealthy lifestyle and bad eating habits. It is never too late to adopt a healthy lifestyle! Remember that a healthy body will help you live a productive life.

How do you take care of your physical health?

In his interview with Beyond Small Talk, coach and motivational speaker LA Mumar said that eating right, drinking lots of water, and getting enough sleep are so basic, but they can make a positive difference to your health.

For Coach LA, observing a healthy lifestyle is really important. Being healthy and staying fit allow him to take good care of his loved ones.

He encourages men to exercise and advises fathers to engage their children while working out. For instance, he plays basketball and swims with his two boys. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone–he gets to exercise and bond with his kids at the same time.

This is a great idea for a busy person who juggles family, work, and other responsibilities. Try exercising or playing different kinds of sports with your family members. It will not only keep you in shape, but it’ll also let you enjoy the bonding experience with your loved ones.

Tip #2: Nurture your mental health

Many people are still affected by health issues, financial problems, and other challenges brought by the pandemic. If anything is weighing you down, it’s time to look after your mental health.

Inspirational speaker Carl Pascua shared tips to overcome anxiety, and suggested that reconnecting with your loved ones, spending time praying and reading the Bible, and looking for something that can give you fulfillment are all vital for a healthy mental health.

Tip #3: Nourish your spiritual health

Just as you eat, exercise, and keep your physical body healthy, you need to recharge from the ultimate source of strength—God. Carve out time to pray and rest in the presence of your Heavenly Father.

The 700 Club Asia host Erick Totanes shared the benefits of cultivating a prayer life, “A man connected to God through prayer, discerns well, hears well, understands well, and leads their lives well and the family that they have.”

Follow these health and wellness tips to stay healthy not only for yourself, but for your loved ones as well!

Do you need prayers for your health?

Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0700 and we would love to pray for you. If you want to see more inspiring content, check out our Facebook page.

Feeling anxious after the election? Are you looking for encouraging words to lighten you up?

You’ve come to the right place!

Now that the election is over, Filipinos have different views on the results. Tension and anxiety affect many Pinoys these days.

If you, too, are experiencing post-election anxiety, take a look at these practical tips that can help you cope with your situation:

1. Identify your anxiety triggers

What exactly triggers you about the election? Is it the content of the news that you hear on TV and radio? Or the posts that you see while scrolling your news feed? Are you unhappy with the results of the election or worried about the future of the country?

Pause and think. Mayo Clinic says that you need to identify the source of your anxiety so you can start addressing it.

You can’t control what’s happening around you, but you can control how you respond to it. You don’t have to react on everything that you read or watch on the screen. If you feel overwhelmed by current events, staying off the news and discussions might be helpful for you.

2. Share your feelings with God

When you are bombarded with different reactions and issues nowadays, be intentional in being still in the presence of God. Speak out your feelings to God for He is ready to lend an ear without any judgment. As you open your heart, be ready to listen and respond to what He is going to reveal to you. Pray that He guides you and gives you understanding on how to deal with your situation.

Be still, and let His Word give you peace.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10 NKJV)

If you are anxious about the election results, remember that God is in control of everything. He is a sovereign God! He can change the hearts of the leaders (Proverbs 21:1), so, pray that God makes them righteous ones. He appoints leaders according to His plans, so pray that He helps you entrust the future of the Philippines in His hands.

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” (Daniel 2:20-21 NKJV)

3. Share your thoughts to a trusted person

If election matters continue to bother you, talking to a family member, a friend, or a counselor can help you, according to Mayo Clinic.

Share your feelings and thoughts to a trusted person who is willing to listen and even guide you in handling stress and anxious thoughts.

4. Accept the reality

After giving yourself enough time to sit with your feelings and praying for them, it’s time to accept the reality of life.

It’s time to move forward after the election and accept the newly appointed officials. Pray for the leaders and let God work in their hearts. Pray for the nation, that all Filipinos may live a godly life.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2 ESV)

5. Seek professional help if needed

Feelings of anxiety come and go, but if your post-election anxiety gets worse to the point that you can’t handle it anymore, Mayo Clinic suggests that you consider consulting a medical professional.

Take care of your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and allow God to do the rest.

Always remember that Jesus is always there for you. He is a friend who’s ready to listen and give you peace when you’re stressed out. Take your first steps to peace by visiting this page.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NKJV)

If you are still struggling with post-election anxiety, we are here to pray for you. Feel free to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or contact us through Viber at 0943-144-4933.

Do you need healing in your life?

No one is a stranger to the brokenness of this world. Physical illness, emotional pain, and conflicts leave everyone in need of healing.

Thankfully, the Scriptures share how you can experience healing from God in your body, spirit, and community.

Here are 11 Bible verses about healing to help you stand on the promises of God for your own life and on behalf of those you love:

1. Pray for God’s intervention and healing

“Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.” (Hosea 6:1 NKJV)

If you need healing, draw close to God and receive the comfort He freely gives. He tears and strikes down imperfections, but His promise of grace will help and heal.

2. Pray for peace

“I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will lead them and repay them with comfort, creating for their mourners the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal them.” (Isaiah 57:18-19 NRSV)

God has seen your brokenness, yet He is always willing to rescue you from it. He doesn’t just heal—He can lead you, comfort you, and reward you with eternal peace.

3. Pray for God to deliver you from sickness and distress

“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!” (Psalms 107:19-21 ESV)

When the sick and distressed cry to God, He hears them. He delivers them. Even in common cases of recovery from sickness, God in His love speaks, and it is done—the body and soul are restored to health.

4. Pray for restoration in every area of your life

“I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 30:17 BSB)

You probably have experienced firsthand the pain of loss, illness, and injustice. Do not worry, God sees you. And your Heavenly Father—being a God of new beginnings—declares restoration upon you.

5. Pray that God blesses your soul

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:2-5 ESV)

In the psalmist’s mind, the most important thing was to be forgiven by God—even more important than physical healing. Thankfully, God both forgives and heals. With that, may all creature praise and thank Him!

6. Pray for the heart to receive God’s healing

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3 ESV)

It is God’s pleasure to heal you of all your diseases, mend your broken heart, and to set you free from the hand of the enemy. Open your heart. Cry to Jesus. He is always there to lift you up during your lowest point.

7. Pray for everyone’s revival

“If My people who are called by My name will 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.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV)

In the middle of crisis, division, and chaos, God desires to revive the nation and save His people. His healing can come when people learn to humble themselves, pray, and turn from their earthly ways. Pray for their hearts to be touched and souls to be saved.

8. Pray that God surrounds you with people who can pray for you

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14 ESV)

God doesn’t intend you to suffer alone. He doesn’t want you to suffer in private. He uses people to help those who are sick and calls everyone to pray for each other to bring about healing—may it be a physical, emotional, or spiritual need.

9. Pray that God increases your faith

“A woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, for she said to herself, ‘If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.’ Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, ‘Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And instantly the woman was made well.” (Matthew 9:20-22 ESV)

Physical healings don’t always happen, but God always sees the condition of everyone’s heart. Jesus saw that the bleeding woman had great faith that His power could heal her—and He did heal her, according to His will. So, ask and keep on asking with great faith and determination. Remember, everyone whom Jesus wills to be healed will be healed.

10. Pray for a heart that seeks Jesus more than anything

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 ESV)

Everyone wants healing. You’re praying for healing for yourself or for your loved one. Although God can grant miracle healing, He wants you to focus on Him, not just on the reward. May you pray for a heart that seeks God more than anything. Seek the Healer, not the healing. Seek the Miracle-worker, not the miracle.

11. Pray in the name of Jesus

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13 NKJV)

Keep praying in Jesus’ name, because God can do what you ask in His name if it’s according to His will. Praying in Jesus name is acknowledging that He alone has the power to heal. So, pray and declare healing in Jesus’ mighty name!

Do you need prayers for healing?

We would love to join you in lifting your concerns to God. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send your prayer requests on our Facebook page.