Siete Palabras: 7 Thoughts to Ponder About the 7 Last Words of Jesus

Blood, sweat, and tears.

One afternoon 2,000 years ago, Jesus, the Son of God endured shame, pain, and mockery. Hours before He died on the cross, He uttered 7 statements which proved that He is true to His love and commitment to save mankind.

This Holy Week, ponder on Jesus’ 7 last words and remember the love that saved the world:

1. Jesus spoke to the Heavenly Father

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Luke 23:34 gave a glimpse of Jesus’ heart in the midst of suffering. Despite the unimaginable pain He experienced from the hands of His people, He was still thinking of them as He asked His Heavenly Father to forgive them.

2. Jesus spoke to the criminal

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

In Luke 23:43, Jesus showed that He is a God of forgiveness and salvation. When one of the criminals crucified beside Jesus acknowledged Him as the Savior, Jesus assured the dying man of forgiveness and a place in heaven.

3. Jesus spoke to Mary

“Dear Woman, here is your son!”

Even while confronted with the impending death before Him, Jesus continued to show concern for others, this time, for His mother, Mary. John 19:26-27 recalls the moment when Jesus entrusted Mary to John, one of His trusted friends.

4. Jesus spoke again to the Father and cried out

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

In Matthew 27:46, Jesus’ agony and extreme suffering were noticeable as He neared His death.

But, why? Didn’t He already know His fate?

John Piper of Desiring God explained that Jesus bore the judgment and wrath that was meant for mankind – and it necessarily involved a kind of abandonment. God the Father gave Jesus up to suffer the weight of all sins, and Jesus faced the forsakenness that was meant for His people.

Jesus knew it was coming – and He wasn’t seeking for an answer, rather, He was expressing desolation and fulfillment of the Scripture. All of which can only be understood through the lens of faith.

5. Jesus thirsted

“I am thirsty.”

Hanged on the cross and badly wounded, John 19:28 shows that Jesus lived and suffered in a human body. He felt the thirst brought by the physical effect of crucifixion. And as He knew that everything was finished at this point, He fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 69:21 by drinking the vinegar offered to Him.

6. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy

“It is finished!”

John 19:30 records the fulfillment of the prophecy. Jesus was sent to this world to live and die for the redemption of mankind from sin. He performed every prophecy that was said in the Scriptures. The Savior’s task was completed. Mankind was saved. It is finished.

7. Jesus spoke His last words

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”

In Luke 23:46, Jesus knew that He already won the victory over sins, Satan, and eternal death. Putting His life to the Heavenly Father’s hands, He cried out these words and breathed His last.

The 7 last words of Jesus showed His undying love for mankind. At the cost of His own life, Jesus bought salvation and eternal life for those who believe. As Romans 5:8 says, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Everyone who accepts Him has to fear neither physical nor eternal death. There is now no condemnation for those whose freedom from sin has been given.

Jesus’ finished work is the beginning of life for every man.

Are you willing to accept the salvation God freely gives you? Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center today at 8-737-0-700 and experience the life that is made alive in Jesus Christ!

4 Safe and Meaningful Ways to Observe Holy Week in the New Normal

How did you spend the Holy Week during the pandemic?

You may have spent the last two years cooped up in your own home—waiting and praying for the pandemic to end so you can observe Holy Week the “normal” way you would.

Like you, many Filipinos missed visiting churches, going to prayer mountains, or simply spending a relaxing vacation with their loved ones.

Things will be a bit different this year.

As travel restrictions ease, churches have resumed religious activities while more and more people are travelling. In fact, the Manila Bulletin has reported that the government is preparing for the biggest Holy Week traffic surge.

If you’re wondering how you can spend a safe and meaningful Holy Week during the new normal, consider these 4 ways:

1. Spend time with God

The world needs your prayers, always.

Whether as an individual or as a family, the new normal is a season to spend more time with God. Close that door, open the Bible, and meditate on God’s Word.

Ask, “What have I learned during the pandemic? How can those experiences lead me closer to God? Jesus, what can I do to be more like You today?”

Apart from praying for protection, provision, and continuous healing of this nation, may your prayer times be as what CBN suggests on their article titled Lent: What Is It Good For? The days of Lent and Holy Week are a time of meditation, fasting and repentance. It’s a time to wage war against desires that may be contrary to God’s Word.

2. Spend time with family

Spending quality time with your family is one of the many things you can do during the Holy Week.

It doesn’t have to be a lavish out-of-town trip. You may simply gather at home and watch shows that foster good family values like forgiveness, or shows that teach what it means to give and share love like Jesus.

It could be a perfect time to express love, restore relationships, and create meaningful conversations with your family members.

3. Be wise and obedient

As you set foot once again onto the busy roads, remember that the threat of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus is still present.

Stay informed about the rules implemented in your community, churches, and the places you plan to visit—and obey them accordingly. Spend a safe and meaningful Holy Week by observing basic rules such as wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.

Show how you value your God-given life and the lives of others. This Holy Week, honor God through your actions wherever you go.

4. Extend help

Aside from spending time with your loved ones, God also calls His people to show compassion to those who are in need.

You might feel as if the pandemic is over. You might think that everything is going back to normal. But truth is, many of your kababayans are still struggling because of the pandemic.

Observe a meaningful Holy Week by sharing hope to families in need. Support them by giving to humanitarian organizations, like Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines. As you experience more of Jesus this Holy Week, let others experience His love through you.

May you have a safe and a meaningful Holy Week!

Do you want to know more about Jesus, and the real meaning and importance of Holy Week in your life?

Know Jesus by visiting this page.

If you need prayers and encouragement, we are here for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send your prayer requests to [email protected].

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What to Pray for this Holy Week?

Now that many communities are back to Enhanced Community Quarantine, a lot of people are left wondering: when will this pandemic end? 

Nobody knows for sure, except God.  

But if there is one thing you can be sure of, it is this: God hears prayers. That’s why this Holy Week, take this perfect opportunity to pause, ponder, and pray.  

As God says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV, “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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”   

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  1. Pray for your family

“Heavenly Father, thank You for everything that You have done and continue to do in the lives of my loved ones. 

I trust that You love them more than I do, and You are willing to take away any fear, any sickness, or anxiety that they feel. Thank You for drawing them close to Your heart, and I pray that You will continue to protect, bless, and meet them in their point of need.” 

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  1. Pray for frontliners and all essential workers 

“Lord, amid the lifesaving work of our frontliners, health experts, and essential workers, we know that they are exhausted. They’re risking their lives in the front lines while barely having the time to look after themselves or their own families. But Lord, we know that their work is not in vain! 

We ask for your mighty hands to sustain and protect them. Thank You for pouring out Your grace, mercy, and provision to their families. I declare that You will restore them physically, mentally, and most importantly, spiritually.” 

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  1. Pray for COVID-19 affected families 

“Heavenly Father, I may not know all their names, but they surely need Your loving grace. May Your healing power surround each and every COVID-19 patient and comfort their families.  

We also remember our kababayans who lost their jobs and those who are struggling or hurting. Father, strengthen and bless them, and allow them to see the hope that is in You! Lord, I pray for the revival of Your people, and I claim that they will encounter Your saving love during this crisis.” 

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  1. Pray for the Philippines and the world

“God, I pray for our country’s leaders – from the highest seat up to the leaders in our barangays. We lift them up to You and pray that they may reflect Your wisdom and compassion to people, and not be swayed by selfish interests. 

At this very moment, Father, may You touch the hearts of all the world leaders so they will work in harmony. Give them the courage to make bold decisions according to Your will, and according to what is good and pleasing to You. May You use this time to turn their eyes upon You.” 

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  1. Pray for God’s family

“Lord, even in trying times, I pray that the gospel will be proclaimed and that Your people will be even more strengthened to do Your work. 

I pray for the body of Christ and trust that You will bless and keep all church leaders, missionaries, and everyone involved in Your ministry. Heavenly Father, I pray that every worker will be salt and light in their respective churches and communities! 

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  1. Pray for faith and personal guidance from God 

“Heavenly Father, we’re back to ECQ without the end in sight, but I praise You, Lord, for sustaining me through and through! 

I pray that Your loving grace will continue to guide all my decisions, comfort me, and cover me every day as You strengthen my faith. Help me be strong and courageous, and to always wear Your full armor of God.  

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May You open my eyes to the plight of others and grant me opportunities to help those who are in need. Here I am Father, use me as a channel of Your love, grace, and mercy to the people around me! 

Ultimately, I pray that love and compassion will spread like a pandemic and that people will seek Your presence in times of crisis. I declare that in Your perfect time, the world will conquer COVID-19. I declare and believe that You – Jesus Christ, the living God – is greater than any crisis! 

Thank you, Father! All these we ask in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!” 

Rediscover and celebrate the risen God’s victory this Holy Week! Download CBN Asia’s Holy Week Devotional, The Hope for RedemptionVisit this page and complete the form to receive your FREE copy! 

If you need prayers and encouragement right now, you may send your prayer requests to CBN Asia Prayer Center or call 8-737-0-700 and we would love to pray for you. 

3 Keys to Effective Prayer, According to Tanikala Actress Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz

What are you praying for today? 

Whatever you may be praying for — healing, restoration of relationships, or provision — you can be assured that God acts on your behalf. But do you know that the condition of your heart when you pray is such an important factor to bring God’s response? 

This Holy Week, unlock the 3 keys to effective prayer according to Tanikala presents Isa Pang Hiling actress Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz: 

Key #1: Simply pray

Prayers are powerful – there’s no single ounce of doubt about that.  

Prayers are powerful because the God who hears them is all-powerful. Likewise, the effectiveness of your prayer does not rely on rituals, length, or big words. Prayers don’t have to be complicated. 

So, what does it take for your prayers to be effective? 

Simply pray. Do not heap up empty phrases (Matthew 6:7) and simply present your honest self to your Heavenly Father. That said, there is no limit as to when and where you can pray!  

Key #2: Pray with faith

Do you pray confidently? Do you pray in faith? 

Prayer and faith go hand-in-hand because, without faith, it is impossible to please God! (Hebrews 11:6). That’s why when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all (James 1:6).  

If you pray about something yet you still worry about it, isn’t it defeating the purpose of praying? Let go of your worries and doubts.  

Have faith that there is a loving God who hears your prayers. Have faith that He will answer. Have faith that whatever you are praying for right now, know that it is safe in God’s hands. 

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24 ESV) 

Key #3: Pray with thanksgiving 

Through prayers, bodies are healed, relationships are restored, lives are transformed. 

That’s how good God is. And praying is not just about presenting your requests to God; it is also an opportunity to worship God and reflect on His goodness.  

Saying “thank you, God,” covers a lot of things. First, it is a powerful act of acknowledging that God is in control. Second, it pleases Him when you pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). 

So if you’re praying for something and it’s a yes, a not yet, or even a loving no from God, pray with thanksgiving. After all, whatever the outcome is, God is worthy of praise and honor. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6 ESV) 

But before you focus on the results of your prayers, know that praying is a blessing itself. Imagine, an opportunity where you can commune with the Creator of heaven and earth!  

And though He wants to bless your prayers, God does not want you to place your faith in the outcome. He wants you to place your faith in Him. 

Do you have prayer requests? 

It is our joy to pray for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0700 or send your prayer requests to our Facebook page. 

This Holy Week, discover the power of prayers in battling the pandemic. Watch Tanikala presents  

Habang May Ngayon on April 1, and Isa Pang Hiling on April 2, at 10:00 AM on GMA. 

If you are looking for a free devotional app as you reflect this Holy Week, download Tanglaw App – the first Filipino devotional mobile application in audio and text format! It will feature devotions especially written for Holy Week, starting Maundy Thursday, April 1, up to Sunday, April 4. 

Download Tanglaw app from Google Play or the App Store for FREE, or stream it on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and all major podcasts worldwide. 

7 Thoughts to Ponder About the 7 Last Words of Jesus

Blood, sweat, and tears.

One afternoon 2,000 years ago, Jesus, the Son of God endured shame, pain, and mockery. Hours before He died on the cross, He uttered 7 statements which proved that He is true to His love and commitment to save mankind.

This Holy Week, ponder on Jesus’ 7 last words and remember the love that saved the world:

1. Jesus spoke to the Heavenly Father

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

 Luke 23:34 gave a glimpse of Jesus’ heart in the midst of suffering. Despite the unimaginable pain, He experienced from the hands of His people, He was still thinking of them as He asked His Heavenly Father to forgive them.

2. Jesus spoke to the criminal

“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

In Luke 23:43, Jesus showed that He is a God of forgiveness and salvation. When one of the criminals crucified beside Jesus acknowledged Him as the Savior, Jesus assured the dying man of forgiveness and a place in heaven.

3. Jesus spoke to Mary

“Dear Woman, here is your son!”

Even while confronted with the impending death before Him, Jesus continued to show concern for others, this time, for His mother, Mary. John 19:26-27 recalls the moment when Jesus entrusted Mary to John, one of His trusted friends.

4. Jesus spoke again to the Father and cried out

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

In Matthew 27:46, Jesus’ agony and extreme suffering were noticeable as He neared His death. But, why? Didn’t He already know His fate?

John Piper of Desiring God explained that Jesus bore the judgment and wrath that was meant for mankind – and it necessarily involves a kind of abandonment. God the Father gave Jesus up to suffer the weight of all sins, and Jesus faced the forsakenness that was meant for His people.

Jesus knew it was coming – and He wasn’t seeking for an answer, rather, He was expressing desolation and fulfillment of the Scripture. All of which can only be understood through the lens of faith.

5. Jesus thirsted

“I am thirsty.”

Hanged on the cross and badly wounded, John 19:28 shows that Jesus lived and suffered in a human body. He felt the thirst brought by the physical effect of crucifixion. And as He knew that everything was finished at this point, He fulfilled the prophecy in Psalm 69:21 by drinking the vinegar offered to Him.

6. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy

“It is finished!”

John 19:30 records the fulfillment of the prophecy. Jesus was sent to this world to live and die for the redemption of mankind from sin. He performed every prophecy that was said in the Scriptures. The Savior’s task was completed. Mankind was saved. It is finished.

7. Jesus spoke His last words

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”

In Luke 23:46, Jesus knew that He already won the victory over sins, Satan, and eternal death. Putting His life to the Heavenly Father’s hands, He cried out these words and breathed His last.

The 7 last words of Jesus showed His undying love for mankind. At the cost of His own life, Jesus bought salvation. As Romans 5:8 says, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Everyone who accepts Him has to fear neither physical nor eternal death. There is now no condemnation for those whose freedom from sin has been given.

Jesus’ finished work is the beginning of life for every man.

Are you willing to accept the salvation God freely gives you? Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center today at 8-737-0-700 and experience the life that is made alive in Jesus Christ!

Lent in Time of COVID-19: How to Spend Meaningful Holy Week on Quarantine

Are you wondering how you can spend a meaningful Holy Week during this time of pandemic?

Over the years, most Filipinos observe Holy Week through various outdoor activities such as visiting a church, going to prayer mountains, or enjoying a relaxing vacation with loved ones. However, doing such things may seem out of the question now, as most are on quarantine to stay safe from COVID-19. 

Worry not, here are some ways to make your Lenten season still meaningful even when you’re stuck inside your household: 

1. Spend time with God.

The world needs your prayers, now more than ever.

Whether as an individual or as a family, this quarantine provides an opportunity to spend more time with God. Close that door, open the Bible and meditate on God’s Word.

Ask, “What is this crisis telling me? How can this pandemic lead me closer to God?”

Apart from praying for protection, provision, and healing of this nation, may your prayer times be aHannah Goodwyn puts it in her CBN article entitled Lent: What Is It Good For? The days of Lent are a time of meditation, fasting and repentance, and a time to wage war against desires that may be contrary to God’s Word. 

2. Spend time with family.

Spending quality time with your family is one of the many things you can do during the quarantine.

You may gather and watch shows that foster good family values, help find your identity in Christ, and help you strengthen your faith and believe in miracles again. You may also dig into child-friendly resources online so the youngsters can enjoy them, too! 

Now that everybody’s at home, it could be a perfect time for expressing love, restoring relationships, and creating meaningful conversations with your family members.

Extend help.

Aside from taking care of the family, God also calls His people to show compassion to their neighborsBut, how can you perform acts of charity in a time of social distancing? 

Good news! You can help protect the frontliners and help families who are severely affected by COVID-19 by donating to organizations, like Operation Blessing, which distributes much-needed protective gear and food packs to hospitals and communities. Also, avoiding hoarding suppliecould help lessen the plight of others. 

As the saying goes, every crisis is an opportunity. Being on a quarantine this Holy Week could be a good opportunity to spend time with God, spend time with your family, and extend help to your kababayans in need. May you have a safe and meaningful Holy Week. 

Do you need prayers and encouragementSend your prayer requests to CBN Asia Prayer Center or call 8-737-0700. We would love to pray for you!

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Celebrate Holy Week at Home with Superbook

Are you looking for ways to celebrate Holy Week with the entire family during the enhanced community quarantine?

Good news! Chris, Joy, and Gizmo will help you travel back in time to witness the awesome stories and miracles of Jesus!

Superbook Reimagined will air on ABS-CBN every 6:00 a.m. from April 9 to 11, Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday. It will feature Jesus’ miracles in “Jesus Heals the Blind”; Jesus’ victory over temptation in “Jesus In the Wilderness”; and Jesus’ teaching about prayer in “Teach Us to Pray”.

Superbook will also air back-to-back episodes on Yey!, ABS-CBN’s kid’s channel, from April 6 to 12, every 7:30 a.m.

Superbook is an award-winning Bible-based animation series that teaches children timeless moral truths and life lessons through the adventures of Chris, Joy, and their robot friend, Gizmo!

Celebrate Holy Week at home with Superbook!

For more SuperNews, follow Batang Superbook on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

Devotionals

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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.

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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

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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.

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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