The book of Psalms is a songbook of praise and worship. There are many portions that express human emotions, ranging from sorrow and distress, to trust and thanksgiving. Also, there are other passages that are prophetic, concerning the sufferings and glory of Jesus Christ.

In Psalm 84, we see the pilgrim passing through the valley of Baca on the way to Mount Zion. In his journey to God’s dwelling place, he was led to go through the valley of Baca, which means the valley of weeping, and leaves it as springs of living waters.

Many Godly people experience suffering and pain. Yet, in the wilderness, in a dry and barren land, by God’s grace, we can dig a well for others to find rest and refreshing.

The overview of this passage in Isaiah chapter 11, verses 1 to 5 pertains to the advent and revelation of Jesus Christ, both His first and second comings. We see His birth, life, death and resurrection. We also have a glimpse of His glorious rule and reign during the Millennium.

From the cradle to the cross, from the cross to the crown, Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. From the virgin birth of Jesus Christ to His sacrificial death for our sins, to His rule and reign on the throne, Bible prophecy has been, and is being fulfilled.

Hosting Pastor: Carlito Tablero, A Light Shine

A message based on Numbers 13:30 and Isaiah 6:1-8

Hosting Pastor: Rey Delicano, Christ's Ambassadors Fellowship (AG)

“Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Psalm 45:7). Jesus is our joy and delight. Without Him, we are nothing. Some may think that God doesn't hate anything because He is a God of love. But because He is also holy and righteous, He despises and detests wickedness.

We don’t hate people, we hate the evil that they are doing. Evil is deceptive, destructive and deadly. To love righteousness is to forsake and depart from evil. If we love righteousness, and hate wickedness, God will reward us with joy. True righteousness cannot be earned by works. It is not dependent on self-efforts but through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work at the cross. We are to worship Him, not ourselves, and not any other idols. God hates hypocrisy and false worship. There are counterfeit salvation and sanctification, which are abomination to Him. True faith is not following a list of rules and regulations, but it is a way of life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Many of us are quick to judge others for outward sins, such as when they commit sexual immorality, financial fraudulence or other desires and passions of the flesh. Yet, there are other more “secretive” and subtle inward sins of the heart and spirit, such as pride, lying, gossip and slander, that are just as wicked and abominable in the sight of God. We need to cry out to God, to break our hearts for what breaks His. To love what He loves, and hate what He hates. What are the things He hate?

Let us look at Proverbs 6, verses 16 to 19, “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” From this list of sins, we can see the anatomy of the human body being illustrated, especially the first five signified by physical parts: the eyes, tongue, hands, heart, and feet. These members of the body, and really, our entire being, are to be set apart for the Lord, to love Him and live for Him. To hide God’s Word as treasure in our hearts.

God hates sin, but He loves us enough to warn us to repent from sinful lifestyles and practices. Let us love what God loves, and hate what He hates.

Hosting Pastor: Bishop Mike Berdin, Charismatic Revival Center Fellowship

“Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Psalm 45:7). Jesus is our joy and delight. Without Him, we are nothing. Some may think that God doesn't hate anything because He is a God of love. But because He is also holy and righteous, He despises and detests wickedness.

We don’t hate people, we hate the evil that they are doing. Evil is deceptive, destructive and deadly. To love righteousness is to forsake and depart from evil. If we love righteousness, and hate wickedness, God will reward us with joy. True righteousness cannot be earned by works. It is not dependent on self-efforts but through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work at the cross. We are to worship Him, not ourselves, and not any other idols. God hates hypocrisy and false worship. There are counterfeit salvation and sanctification, which are abomination to Him. True faith is not following a list of rules and regulations, but it is a way of life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Many of us are quick to judge others for outward sins, such as when they commit sexual immorality, financial fraudulence or other desires and passions of the flesh. Yet, there are other more “secretive” and subtle inward sins of the heart and spirit, such as pride, lying, gossip and slander, that are just as wicked and abominable in the sight of God. We need to cry out to God, to break our hearts for what breaks His. To love what He loves, and hate what He hates. What are the things He hate?

Let us look at Proverbs 6, verses 16 to 19, “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” From this list of sins, we can see the anatomy of the human body being illustrated, especially the first five signified by physical parts: the eyes, tongue, hands, heart, and feet. These members of the body, and really, our entire being, are to be set apart for the Lord, to love Him and live for Him. To hide God’s Word as treasure in our hearts.

God hates sin, but He loves us enough to warn us to repent from sinful lifestyles and practices. Let us love what God loves, and hate what He hates.

Hosting Pastor: Ernesto Teodoro Jr., Calvary Temple Harvest International

In Matthew 25:1, we see that “ ...the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” If we will notice, there are ten virgins but only one Bridegroom. “Virgins” represents those who belong to the Lord. The Church, with many members, are the Body of Christ. We are also the Bride of Christ. We wait in anticipation for the day when we will be united with our Bridegroom. We are “virgins” watching and waiting for the rapture, or resurrection, to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Of all the ten virgins, five of the them were wise, while the other five were foolish. Outwardly, all of them look the same by carrying lamps. Yet, fifty percent of them were smart and the remaining half were silly. Could this be said of believers in the Church today?

Are we experiencing spiritual fruitfulness or barrenness? Are we ignited and on fire for the Lord, or lukewarm? If we are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, the Lord will spue or vomit us out of His mouth.

Who then, are the wise virgins? They are those who being filled and re-filled with the Holy Spirit. Those who are being refreshed and replenished in God’s presence.

While all virgins trimmed their lamps, there is indication that the foolish virgins neither trimmed the wick, nor carried extra oil. Spiritually-speaking, many Christians do not trim the wick. We fail to lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us. We give out more smoke than light to others around us.

When the foolish virgins ran out of oil, they ask the wise virgins for it. The wise replied, Not so. Every one must have his own oil of the Spirit, and not think that he can live off someone else’s anointing. Sadly, in many churches, we depend on the spirituality of others, and become lazy and lethargic in our own walk with the Lord. Do not misunderstand. There are gifts and callings of God that are being used to bless and edify others in the Body of Christ. We thank God for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, who provides leadership and oversight over the flock of God and perfect the saints. But each of us must still depend on God’s grace to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Our faithfulness and consecration must come from our hunger for the Lord. We are to rest and remain in Christ the vine, to grow in the knowledge of the Word, His truth, righteousness and holiness.

As the foolish virgins went to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Today, there are many who profess to know the Lord. They have an outward show of godliness but no inward spiritual life and energy. They boast of their past Christian experience but lacks a fresh touch from the Lord right now. They run out of the oil of the Holy Spirit.

Salvation is a gift through faith, not by works or keeping the laws. At the same time, we have a responsibility to believe and obey all of His Word, not just some parts. We will experience failures in our Christian life, but as long as we keep our faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial work on the cross, we will not lose our way.

We do not know the day nor the hour when the Jesus will come, but we are to watch and live our lives as if He is coming today. Let us watch and pray, occupy and always abounding in the work of the Lord until He comes. Are we ready?

Hiligaynon / Ilonggo Interpretation by Kim Porras

Hosting Pastor: Carlito Tablero, A Light Shine

In the Old Testament, King Solomon, who was a type of Christ as the Prince of Peace, was chosen to build the temple. The temple portrayed God’s grace and glory. It was a picture of the coming kingdom of God. The various furnishings in the temple have their significance. Whether it is the pillars, table of shewbread, candlestick, altar of incense, or any other vessels, they reflect the presence and worship of God. Then, the Israelites would travel to the temple to meet and commune with God. No priest could enter the Holy of holies without first being cleansed.

Today, we are the temple, the residence, the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Thank God, we can now enter into the inner sanctuary, the throne of grace through the blood of Christ. We are living epistle of Christ, the salt of the earth, the light of the world and a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

As the temple of the Holy Spirit:

·    We are being built together for a habitation of God

·    We are to be a pure maiden to Christ

·    We are stamped with His seal

·    We have this treasure in earthen vessels

·    We are to cultivate the fear of the Lord

·    We are to defeat the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life

·    We are not to quench or grieve Him

·    We are a living sacrifice

Do we hunger for God’s Word? How much time do we spend in seeking Him in prayer? Or have our careers and even hobbies draw our time and hearts away from God?

As temple of the Holy Spirit, we need His manifest Presence. We desire to be filled with the Spirit, walking and living in the Spirit, having the fruit and gifts of the Spirit.

Hiligaynon / Ilonggo Interpretation by Kim Porras

Hosting Pastor: Trefena Yagao Blasco, Full Gospel Charismatic Voice of Truth Ministries

In Matthew 25:1, we see that “ ...the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” If we will notice, there are ten virgins but only one Bridegroom. “Virgins” represents those who belong to the Lord. The Church, with many members, are the Body of Christ. We are also the Bride of Christ. We wait in anticipation for the day when we will be united with our Bridegroom. We are “virgins” watching and waiting for the rapture, or resurrection, to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Of all the ten virgins, five of the them were wise, while the other five were foolish. Outwardly, all of them look the same by carrying lamps. Yet, fifty percent of them were smart and the remaining half were silly. Could this be said of believers in the Church today?

Are we experiencing spiritual fruitfulness or barrenness? Are we ignited and on fire for the Lord, or lukewarm? If we are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, the Lord will spue or vomit us out of His mouth.

Who then, are the wise virgins? They are those who being filled and re-filled with the Holy Spirit. Those who are being refreshed and replenished in God’s presence.

While all virgins trimmed their lamps, there is indication that the foolish virgins neither trimmed the wick, nor carried extra oil. Spiritually-speaking, many Christians do not trim the wick. We fail to lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us. We give out more smoke than light to others around us.

When the foolish virgins ran out of oil, they ask the wise virgins for it. The wise replied, Not so. Every one must have his own oil of the Spirit, and not think that he can live off someone else’s anointing. Sadly, in many churches, we depend on the spirituality of others, and become lazy and lethargic in our own walk with the Lord. Do not misunderstand. There are gifts and callings of God that are being used to bless and edify others in the Body of Christ. We thank God for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, who provides leadership and oversight over the flock of God and perfect the saints. But each of us must still depend on God’s grace to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Our faithfulness and consecration must come from our hunger for the Lord. We are to rest and remain in Christ the vine, to grow in the knowledge of the Word, His truth, righteousness and holiness.

As the foolish virgins went to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Today, there are many who profess to know the Lord. They have an outward show of godliness but no inward spiritual life and energy. They boast of their past Christian experience but lacks a fresh touch from the Lord right now. They run out of the oil of the Holy Spirit.

Salvation is a gift through faith, not by works or keeping the laws. At the same time, we have a responsibility to believe and obey all of His Word, not just some parts. We will experience failures in our Christian life, but as long as we keep our faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial work on the cross, we will not lose our way.

We do not know the day nor the hour when the Jesus will come, but we are to watch and live our lives as if He is coming today. Let us watch and pray, occupy and always abounding in the work of the Lord until He comes. Are we ready?

We are the temple, the house, the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies are bought with a price, which is the precious shed blood of Christ. We are to glorify God in our body and spirit. Not just the spirit, but the body and spirit.

As Christians, we face temptations and there are times we fall into sin. We need to ask the Lord to forgive and cleanse us. Sin must never be taken lightly. Those who continue to practise sin, habitually and repeatedly, are bound for eternal separation from God.

Christianity is not a religion. We do not follow a list of rules and regulations, or a system of dos and don’ts. Rather, it is relationship with Jesus Christ who transforms our heart and life. His grace does not give us a licence to sin, but liberty to live a holy life. Christ has won the victory and we are more than conquerors through Him. We are overcomers through faith in Him, according to first John, chapter 5, verse 4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)

Do we realize that there is no greater joy and honor than to have the Holy Spirit dwelling and residing within us?

On the other hand, do we tremble at the solemn warning on the destructive power of the sins of the flesh?

Idolatry, adultery and fornication are physical acts, but they start from the heart. We cannot live a victorious and holy life by our own strength or willpower, but only by surrendering and yielding to the Holy Spirit. This is the source of spiritual power and grace.

Sexual relationships between a husband and a wife are meant to reflect the intimate love between Christ and the church. Hence, whether married or unmarried, any sexual intercourse other than with one’s spouse is sin. Marriage is a covenant, a commitment of faithfulness. Sexual expression is not just physical, but holy and spiritual. When a man and a woman is united in holy matrimony and consummate the marriage, they become one flesh. They can procreate and bring forth children, who can be a blessing in the home.

Spiritually-speaking, when a person confess and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, he or she experiences the new birth, and is one spirit in union with Christ. This Christian is to be fruitful and make disciples for the Lord. In essence, he or she produces spiritual children in the family of God.

As our bodies are His temple, we are to keep it pure by His grace. We humans have three distinct parts – spirit, soul and body. We are to yield each part to our Lord Jesus Christ. Not one part, not two parts, but all of our being. First Thessalonians, chapter 5, verse 23 says, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

In Mark 9:2, Jesus took his disciples “Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.” Until now, these disciples have seen Jesus perform miracles. They know the power of Christ. However, what they are experiencing now is not just about what Jesus can do, but an encounter and revelation of His glory – of who He is! They see the transfiguration and transformation of Jesus who is not just someone in human body, but also a powerful manifestation of His divine nature, holiness and purity! Jesus is not just a reflection of light, but He is the very source and epitome of light!

Here, the disciples see Elijah and Moses talking with Jesus. We know that through Moses, God gave humankind the laws, which includes the Ten Commandments. As for Prophet Elijah, even though He lived during the time of the Old Testament, He represents grace and the new covenant. At the transfiguration of Christ, where He appeared with Moses and Elijah, it demonstrates a pivotal point in time in the mission of Jesus, where He came to fulfil the law and the prophets, and to establish the covenant of grace. Jesus was to fulfil the law by meeting all the demands and satisfying the curse of the law through His precious shed blood on the cross!

Here, Peter probably had good intentions to make three tabernacles – one for Jesus, one for Moses and one for Elijah. However, while Moses and Elijah were great men of God, Jesus alone was both God and Man. Jesus was fully divine and fully human. True, we need to honour and esteem those who are called and anointed of God. Yet, only Jesus Christ and Him alone deserves our worship! All others must fade into the background! No one has, is, and will ever be equal with Christ! We must never exalt any individual to be on par with Jesus – the King of kings and the Lord of lords!

In the awesome holy and righteous presence of God, these three disciples cannot but feel unworthy and undone. Not only did they stand in cloud of God’s Skekinah glory, which rested on the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle, the disciples heard the voice of God the Father declaring Jesus as the Beloved Son and the Messiah! It is a declaration of the deity and mission of Christ! This is not just an ordinary dream or even a vision, but a supernatural revelation that Jesus is preeminent and supreme! Jesus is not just a great teacher and prophet, but the very and only begotten Son of God! Here, even though these three disciples had witness the transfiguration, Jesus charged them to tell no one, until after the resurrection!

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When we have a real encounter with God, we will be transformed. When we seek His face and behold His glory, we will never be the same again! Our hearts and spirits will be filled with awesome wonder and holy fear of God! We will not speak lightly of what we have experienced. Any spiritual and supernatural experience must not contradict what the Bible says. Otherwise, it must be rejected and renounced. We must not elevate spiritual experience above God’s Word. We are not to boast or be proud about such encounters within themselves, but rather to glory in the Lord and His finished work on the cross!

It is easy to be part of the crowd who admire Jesus for His miracles and what He can do. But for Peter, James and John, who witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, they experienced Jesus for who He is! You and I may never have exactly the same encounter with Jesus as these disciples, but let’s press in, draw near to God, seek His face and let Him transform us! As Christians, it is wonderful to have mountaintop experiences. Let us behold the glory and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we are filled with His Spirit in His presence, let us also go down to the valley, where we can minister to the lost and hurting!