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Bound By Grace, Manila (2025)

11/05/2025

Mas maraming mag-asawa ang naghihiwalay hindi dahil sa adultery, kundi dahil sa lack of communication. 😔
Hindi kasi lahat ng problema ay tungkol sa third party. Minsan, nagsisimula ang lamat sa simpleng “Hindi mo ako naiintindihan.”
Yung mga hindi napag-uusapan, naiipon. Yung mga hinanakit, kinikimkim. Hanggang sa unti-unti, lumalamig, lumalayo, nawawala ang koneksyon.
Communication is the lifeline of a healthy marriage.
Kung hindi kayo marunong makinig sa isa’t isa, kahit gaano niyo pa kamahal ang isa’t isa, mahihirapan kayong manatili sa isa’t isa.
🗣️ Usap kayo, hindi lang kapag may problema, kundi araw-araw.
🤍 Makinig ka, hindi para sumagot, kundi para umintindi.
🙏 At ipanalangin mo ang asawa mo, araw-araw.
Kasi minsan, hindi masama ang puso ng asawa mo—hindi lang kayo nagkakaintindihan.

02/04/2025

**Intimacy with God Through Prayer**
*“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”* — James 4:8

# # # **Expository Devotion**
Imagine a close friendship. The kind where you share your deepest thoughts, joys, and struggles. You don’t just check in occasionally—you talk often, listen, and enjoy each other’s presence. Now, think about your relationship with God. Is it like that, or more like a distant acquaintance you call on only when you need help?

James 4:8 reminds us that intimacy with God requires action: **we** must draw near to Him. Prayer is the key to this closeness. It is not just about presenting our requests; it is about knowing His heart, seeking His presence, and aligning ourselves with His will.

Yet, many struggle with consistent prayer. Life gets busy. Distractions pile up. Sometimes, we don’t feel like praying. But just as a deep friendship requires regular conversation, our relationship with God grows stronger when we spend time in His presence daily.

# # # **Illustration**
Think of a married couple. If they rarely talk, their relationship weakens. But when they make time for heartfelt conversations, their bond grows stronger. Similarly, when we intentionally set aside time to talk to God—whether in the quiet of the morning, while driving, or before bed—we cultivate a deeper connection with Him.

# # # **Questions to Ponder:**
1. How consistent is your prayer life?
2. Do you only come to God in emergencies, or do you seek Him daily?
3. What distractions keep you from spending time in prayer?
4. How can you create a habit of drawing near to God daily?

Building intimacy with God starts with simple, honest prayers. Take a step closer to Him today.

01/04/2025

**The Call to Spiritual Maturity**

**Scripture: Hebrews 5:12-14 (NIV)**
*"In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."*

# # # # **Devotion:**
Imagine a grown adult still drinking only milk and refusing to eat solid food. That would be strange, right? In the same way, the writer of Hebrews rebukes believers who, though they should be spiritually mature, are still dependent on the basics of the faith. Instead of growing deeper in understanding and applying God’s Word, they remain spiritually immature.

Many Christians today face a similar challenge. They have attended church for years, but their spiritual growth remains stagnant. They rely only on sermons or devotionals but do not study the Word deeply themselves. They struggle with the same temptations repeatedly, not because God’s power is lacking but because they have not disciplined themselves to grow in faith.

Just as physical growth requires a healthy diet and exercise, spiritual maturity requires feeding on God’s Word, applying it, and discerning between right and wrong. The more we exercise our faith, the stronger we become.

# # # # **Illustration:**
Think of a child learning to ride a bicycle. At first, they need training wheels, but over time, as they practice, they gain balance and confidence. If an adult still needed training wheels, it would indicate a lack of growth. Similarly, God desires us to grow in wisdom and strength so that we can teach and lead others instead of constantly depending on others for spiritual guidance.

# # # # **Questions to Ponder:**
1. Are you still relying only on spiritual "milk," or are you growing in deeper understanding of God’s Word?
2. What areas of your spiritual life need more discipline and maturity?
3. How can you take intentional steps to move from being a spiritual infant to a mature believer?

30/03/2025

**Christ’s Return & Our Hope**
**Verse: Revelation 22:12** – *“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”*

# # # **Illustration:**
Imagine you’re waiting for a **special guest**—a loved one you haven’t seen in years. You clean the house, prepare their favorite meal, and check the time every few minutes. You want everything to be perfect because their arrival is important to you.

Now, think about this: **Jesus is coming back.** But are we preparing for His return with the same excitement and urgency?

# # # **Exposition:**
Jesus promised He would return, not as a baby in a manger but as the **King of Kings.** His return will be sudden, and He will bring **rewards** for those who have remained faithful.

However, many of us live as if this life is all there is. We get caught up in daily struggles, chasing temporary success, and sometimes **forget that our real home is in eternity.** But when we keep Christ’s return in mind, it changes the way we live:
✔ **We prioritize what truly matters** – Our relationship with God and loving others.
✔ **We live with purpose** – Knowing our time on earth is preparation for eternity.
✔ **We hold on to hope** – No matter how hard life gets, Jesus’ return means victory!

# # # **Application:**
- **Evaluate your priorities** – Are you living for **temporary things** or for **eternity?**
- **Stay spiritually prepared** – Like the wise virgins in Matthew 25, keep your lamp burning!
- **Encourage others** – Remind fellow believers that our hope is in Christ’s return.

27/03/2025

**Persevering Until the End**
**Verse: 2 Timothy 4:7** – *“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”*

# # # **Illustration:**
Imagine running a marathon. At the starting line, everyone is excited, full of energy, and eager to run. But as the race progresses, some runners slow down, others drop out, and only a few push through to the finish line. The ones who endure don’t necessarily run the fastest—they simply **refuse to quit.**

Life as a Christian is like a marathon. It’s not just about **starting well** but **finishing strong.** There will be **challenges—temptations, doubts, setbacks—but God calls us to keep running.** Paul, in his final letter to Timothy, looked back on his life and said with confidence, *“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”*

# # # **Exposition:**
Paul’s words remind us that **faith is not a sprint** but a **lifelong journey**. The Christian race requires:
- **Fight** – Staying strong against sin and discouragement.
- **Endurance** – Continuing even when it’s hard.
- **Faithfulness** – Remaining true to God until the end.

The key to finishing well? **Fixing our eyes on Jesus** (Hebrews 12:2). Just like marathon runners keep their eyes on the finish line, we must stay focused on **Christ, our ultimate prize.**

# # # **Application:**
- When you feel tired in your faith, **lean on God’s strength** (*Isaiah 40:31*).
- Surround yourself with **encouraging believers** to help you run the race (*Hebrews 10:24-25*).
- Remember that **God is with you until the end** (*Philippians 1:6*).

26/03/2025

# # # **Title: The Joy of Giving**
**Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7** – *“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”*

# # # **Illustration:**
Imagine it’s your best friend's birthday. You excitedly pick out the perfect gift, wrap it beautifully, and eagerly wait to see their reaction. When they open it and smile with joy, you feel an overwhelming sense of happiness. Their joy **becomes your joy**.

Now, imagine the opposite—you’re forced to give a gift, but you do it grudgingly. Instead of excitement, you feel annoyed. The experience is no longer about love, but obligation.

This is the difference between **giving cheerfully** and **giving reluctantly**.

# # # **Exposition:**
God wants us to give **not out of pressure** but from a **joyful heart**. Giving—whether it’s money, time, or kindness—should be done **willingly and with love**. It’s not about the amount but the **attitude**.

In **Luke 21:1-4**, Jesus praised the **widow who gave two small coins** because she gave out of love and trust in God. Her generosity wasn’t about the **size of her gift** but the **sincerity of her heart**.

When we give cheerfully, we reflect God’s own generous heart. **After all, He gave us the greatest gift—Jesus Christ.**

# # # **Application:**
- Look for ways to give—whether financially, through acts of kindness, or by sharing your time.
- Give **without expecting anything in return**.
- Pray that God cultivates a **joyful and generous heart** in you.

25/03/2025

**Faith in Action**
**Verse:** *“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”* – James 2:17

# # # **Illustration:**
Imagine a person who **buys a gym membership**, reads fitness books, and watches workout videos—but **never actually exercises**. He tells everyone he believes in a healthy lifestyle, but his actions don’t match his words. No matter how much he studies fitness, if he never works out, he won’t get stronger.

In the same way, **faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live.** James 2:17 reminds us that **faith without action is dead.** It’s not enough to say we trust God; we must show it through our choices, obedience, and love for others.

# # # **Exposition:**
Real faith is active. It’s **Abraham** trusting God by leaving his homeland (Genesis 12:1). It’s **Noah** building the ark even when there was no sign of rain (Hebrews 11:7). It’s the **Good Samaritan** stopping to help a wounded stranger (Luke 10:25-37). **They didn’t just believe—they acted on their faith.**

Jesus calls us to a faith that moves—**loving the unlovable, forgiving the unforgivable, serving without expecting in return.** It’s faith that sees a need and responds, not just with words but with **compassion in action** (1 John 3:18).

# # # **Application:**
- **Start small:** Help a friend in need, encourage someone, or pray for a struggling neighbor.
- **Live out what you read in the Bible:** If Jesus says, "Love your enemies," how can you apply that today?
- **Be intentional:** Ask, “How can I put my faith into action this week?”

24/03/2025

**Trusting God’s Timing**
**Verse:** *“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”* – Ecclesiastes 3:1

# # # **Illustration:**
Imagine you’re stuck in traffic, running late for an important meeting. You’re frustrated, checking your watch every few seconds, wondering why the road isn’t clearing up. But what if you later found out that the delay **saved you from an accident ahead**?

Life often feels like that traffic jam. We pray, we plan, we expect things to happen quickly—but sometimes, **God’s answer is ‘wait’**. When doors don’t open as fast as we want, it’s easy to doubt and ask, **"Lord, why the delay?"**

# # # **Exposition:**
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that God has **a perfect season** for everything. **His delays are not denials**—they are preparations. Just like a **farmer waits for the right season to plant and harvest**, God is working behind the scenes, ensuring that when the blessing comes, we’re ready to receive it.

Think about **Joseph in the Bible**. He had dreams of greatness, but instead of instant success, he faced betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. **For 13 years, he waited**—but in God’s perfect time, he became second-in-command of Egypt. **If Joseph had rushed ahead, he wouldn’t have been prepared for the responsibility.**

# # # **Application:**
- **Instead of stressing, start trusting.** God sees the full picture while we only see a small piece.
- **Use the waiting season for growth.** While waiting, **pray, prepare, and seek God** instead of just complaining.
- **Remember past faithfulness.** Look back on times God made you wait—and how it was worth it.

23/03/2025

Sharing the Good News
**Verse: Matthew 28:19-20** – *“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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”*

# # # **Illustration:**
Imagine you discovered a **miracle cure**—a simple pill that heals any sickness instantly. Would you keep it to yourself, or would you share it with others who are suffering? Of course, you’d want to tell everyone!

Yet, as believers, we have something even greater than a miracle pill—we have **the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ!** It’s the message that saves souls and transforms lives for eternity. But sometimes, we hesitate to share it, fearing rejection, awkwardness, or not knowing what to say.

# # # **Exposition:**
Jesus gave us **the Great Commission**—a command, not a suggestion. He told us to **“go”** and share His message with the world. It’s not just the job of pastors or missionaries—it’s for **every believer.** Sharing the Gospel isn’t about having perfect words; it’s about pointing people to Jesus.

Think about the Samaritan woman in **John 4.** She wasn’t a Bible expert, but after meeting Jesus, she ran back to her town and said, **“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did!”** Her simple testimony led many to believe in Christ.

God doesn’t expect us to **convince** people—**He simply calls us to share.** The results are in His hands.

# # # **Application:**
- Start small—share your testimony with a friend or family member.
- Pray for boldness and opportunities to share Jesus.
- Remember, you’re not alone—Jesus promised, **“I am with you always.”**

Bound By Grace

11/05/2025

02/04/2025

01/04/2025

30/03/2025

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26/03/2025

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