As we continue our series on "Wisdom to Live By," let's take a deeper reflection as  Pastor Joel de Vera will expound the importance and value of "Listening To Godly Advice" and the role it plays in gaining wisdom for our lives.

Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."

Speech is a powerful gift from God. Through words, we communicate, build relationships, and express ourselves. Words can bring peace, offer wisdom, and give encouragement. However, they also have the potential to cause incredible harm. Gossip, lies, and angry outbursts can damage relationships, reputations, and emotions.

Recognizing the influence our words hold is crucial. Here's how we can use our speech for good:
* Seek Peace: Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." A soft tone and a desire for peace can calm a tense situation.
* Offer Instruction: Share wisdom, especially the truths found in God's Word. Teach others and guide them into understanding, building one another up.
* Provide Encouragement: Use kind and uplifting words to bring hope and support. Proverbs 12:25 says, "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad."

The key to speaking wisely lies within us. Luke 6:45 tells us, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Our words reflect our deepest thoughts and feelings. To transform our speech, we must allow God to transform our hearts.

Here are practical steps to harness the power of your words:
* Be Filled with God's Word: Read and meditate on the Bible daily. It will shape your heart and your thoughts, leading to wiser speech.
* Think Before You Speak: Don't rush. Consider the impact your words might have.
* Be Kind: Let your speech be gentle and encouraging.
* Speak Truthfully: Honesty is vital. Don't let lies poison your relationships or your heart.

We all struggle with our speech at times. But with God's help, let us commit to using our words to build others up, share God's love, and bring life wherever we go. Let our words be a reflection of the transformative power of God's love within us.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, please forgive us for the times we have used our words carelessly. Help us to fill our hearts with Your Word and Your love, so our speech may bring life and honor to You. Amen.

As we continue with our theme on “Wisdom to Live By,” let us listen and understand as Pastor Joel de Vera will expound the importance of “Guarding our Mouth” and highlighting the profound impact our speech can have on our lives and the lives of those around us.

Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."

In today's fast-paced world, where knowledge is just a click away, it's crucial to remember the foundational principle of true wisdom. This wisdom begins with "the fear of the Lord," as emphasized in Proverbs 1:7. But this fear is not about being terrified of God, but it's about having a deep reverence and respect for Him. Because a person who fears the Lord is a person whose aim in life is to please the Lord.

So, how do we live out this principle to our lives today? It starts with seeking God in prayer, asking Him for guidance in every aspect of our lives —from the seemingly small decisions to the significant ones, immersing ourselves in His Word, and obeying His teachings.

Moreover, the wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord has practical implications for our daily lives. It can guide us in our interactions with others, in our career choices, and in our personal growth — helping us to make choices that align with God's will thus keeping us away from evil, as highlighted in Proverbs 16:6: "By the fear of the Lord one departs from evil."

Living in the fear of the Lord is not about restricting our freedom; it's about finding true freedom in submission to God's will. It's about recognizing that the Creator of the universe loves us and desires the best for us.

Let us be encouraged to read and reflect on the wisdom book of Proverbs, letting its wisdom sink in our hearts and minds. As we do, we'll find that the principles contained within its passages are not just ancient sayings but practical truths that can transform our lives today.

Remember, to live wisely is to begin and remain in the fear of the Lord that produces humble submission to our loving God.

As we begin a new series on “Wisdom to Live By”, let us find out and listen as Pastor Joel de Vera will expound on "Knowing the Fear of the Lord," and understand why the pursuit of wisdom is the ultimate foundation for a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Matthew 28:5-7 - “The angel said to the women, Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead;”

In this story of resurrection, an angel tells the women at Jesus' tomb, "Do not be afraid," because Jesus, who was crucified, has risen. This simple yet profound encounter holds deep truths for us today.

First, "Do not be afraid." In a world filled with uncertainty and fear, this message rings loud. Fear can paralyze us, but God invites us to trust in Him. Like David in Psalm 23:4, even when we walk through the darkest valley, we need not fear, for God is with us.

Second, "He is not here." Jesus' resurrection means that death is not the end. We have hope beyond this life, a hope that brings joy and purpose. Romans 6:4-5 reminds us that just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too can live a new life.

Third, "Come and see." God doesn’t want us to blindly believe. He invites us to come and see, to explore the evidence and experience His presence for ourselves. Just as the Psalmist declares in Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good."

Lastly, "Go quickly and tell." This is our mission. Having encountered the risen Christ, we are to share this good news. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything He has commanded us.

In our busy lives, it's easy to forget the power of the resurrection. But imagine how our lives could change if we truly lived out these messages. What fear do you need to let go of today? How can you embrace the hope of the resurrection in your daily life? Who can you invite to "come and see" the goodness of God? And who needs to hear the good news from you?

This week, let's challenge ourselves to live out the message of the resurrection. Choose one fear to surrender to God, share your hope with someone struggling, invite a friend to explore faith with you, and share the good news of Jesus with someone who has not heard it. Let us be the bearers of hope, living out the truth that because He lives, we can face tomorrow without fear.

As we conclude our theme on "Passing the Torch," let us listen and delve into God's word as Pastor Joel de Vera will expound the meaning and significance of the phrase "On the Third Day" concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

As we go on with our series on "Passing the Torch," let us find out on how we can remain steadfast and "Continue in Faith" through adherence and listening to God's word in the exposition of 2 Timothy 3 by Pastor Joel de Vera. 

Today, we are going to reflect on 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it says: ”All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

In these verses, the phrase "breathed out by God" captures the image of God speaking the universe into existence. It signifies that the Bible is not merely a collection of human writings but is inspired by God Himself. This divine inspiration makes Scripture an invaluable resource for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

In a world overwhelmed with information, these verses anchor us to a profound truth: the Bible stands apart. It's not just another book on our shelves but a living, breathing guide, shaped by the very breath of God. I've found, in my own life, that turning to God’s Word isn't just about seeking answers or guidance. It's about finding comfort and strength in God's promises.

We live in a time characterized by moral uncertainty. Many seems lost, seeking guidance and truth in various places, from social media to self-help books. However, Paul's words to Timothy remind us that Scripture contains the wisdom we need to navigate life's challenges. It's not merely historical or theoretical; it's profoundly practical. For teaching, it offers foundational truths about who we are and who God is. For reproof and correction, it provides the moral standards we often find ourselves searching for. For training in righteousness, it guides us in living lives that reflect God's love and justice.

Psalm 119:105 illuminates this truth: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." In times of uncertainty and darkness, Scripture provides the light we need to navigate our way through life, guiding our steps and decisions.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 challenges us to view the Bible not just as a religious text but as the living word of God, integral to our daily lives. So whenever we read the Scriptures, let us ask ourselves: What basic truth that God wants me to know and teach from this passage? What does this passage present or prepare me for some future spiritual challenge? As we reflect on these questions, let us then approach the Bible with reverence and openness, allowing it to shape us, guide us, and equip us for every good work God has prepared for us.

Isaiah 40:31 - “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." 

Welcome to today’s reflection. Isaiah 40:31 is a beautiful reminder of the enduring strength and support that comes from placing our trust and hope in the Lord. It says “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

In our present world, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the challenges and pressures we face daily. Whether it's the stress of work, relationships, or health issues, we can quickly find ourselves feeling weary and burdened. However, Isaiah 40:31 offers a divine solution: hope in the Lord.

To "hope" in the Lord means more than just wishing things will get better. It involves a deep trust in God's plan and timing, believing that He is sovereign over our lives and that His promises are true.

When we place our hope in the Lord, the promise of Isaiah 40:31 is that our strength will be renewed. This doesn't necessarily mean that our external circumstances will change immediately, but it does mean that we will receive the internal strength to face whatever comes our way. Like eagles soaring above the storms, we too can rise above our challenges, not by our power, but by the strength that comes from God.

This divine strength enables us to "run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint." In a practical sense, this can look like persevering through difficult situations, maintaining faith in the face of adversity, and continuing to serve and love others even when we feel like we have nothing left to give.

The application of Isaiah 40:31 in our lives today is a call to shift our focus from our circumstances to God. When we feel overwhelmed, we are to remember that our hope and strength comes from the Lord. 

Philippians 4:13 echoes this truth, reminding us that "I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." As we reflect on Isaiah 40:31, let us commit to placing our hope in the Lord — through prayer, reading Scripture, and serving our church and community with other believers, for it is He who will renew our strength, allowing us to soar like eagles, run without growing weary, and walk without fainting.