Friday, June 30, 2023
Proverbs 22:13 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!” (Proverbs 22:13 NKJV)
He shows us an example of preposterous excuses of the indolent for not doing anything good and productive. He creates imaginary threats around his area of activity. He refuses the work to thrive. A lion's presence around the neighborhood is his ridiculous excuse. Only a feeble mind would think of such a lame pretext not to get out and do the work. Everybody knows that lions are only in the jungle. They are nowhere in the streets outside nobody's house. Those who have many hindrances to do their part in this world of interdependence are the people that waste the lion's share of the world’s valuable resources.
In places where idles are many, cheaters are rampant and corruption is widespread. The demands for handouts grow, while the resources to meet them deplete. Stealing rises both in main street, in Wall street and in the alleys of bureaucracy. Like what's happening in our country now. Laziness is a tool of the devil to destroy the moral fabric of a home, a community and a nation. The sloths whose hearts are far from God are the devils minions. They cheat on their own lives, which ruins them, both body and soul. The lion they pretended to fear out in the streets is actually cuddling with them in their beds. Wake up sloth and get out of bed, quick!
As believers in Jesus, we must not behave like them. We must remain the best, the diligent and the honest worker ever, where we are by resting in His grace by faith. To those who are lazy, God is giving a wake-up call with this passage: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol (the place of the dead), where you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 AMP)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Proverbs 22:12 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the faithless.” (Proverbs 22:12 NKJV)
He affirms the assurance of His omniscience to guard our knowledge of His Words, His love and His promises unto salvation. When we have His Words written in our hearts, He preserves the knowledge we gain by faith in Jesus, forever. No one can ever take it away from us. But, for those who have no faith in God and Lord Jesus Christ their words of prayer and praise are futile in the eyes of God. Their faithless calls are ousted before His presence. Their utterances are putrid and vapid. Without belief in the One who created us and in our Lord Jesus who saved us, there can be no way for anyone's utterance to find its way before the altar of the Great I Am.
Yes, in our belief and full knowledge by faith in His Word who became flesh in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:14), He preserves us in the awareness that we will be with Him forever. As it is written, Lord Jesus comforts us with these words: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4 ESV)
And He further reminds by this declaration to Thomas the Apostle: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Proverbs 22:11 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“He who loves purity of heart And has grace on his lips, The king will be his friend.” (Proverbs 22:11 NKJV)
This reminds us of Daniel who with a pure heart honored God regardless of the circumstances he was in, even in the brink of his physical death. He was the only administrator with high integrity in the empire of Babylon. His fellow officials were jealous of his successes, trustworthiness and close relationship with the king. So, when the king was about to promote Daniel to the 2nd highest position in the Empire, these corrupt officials ganged up against Daniel. Finding no fault in him, they targeted his faith in God and his habitual daily prayers to God by making it illegal. Sounds like present day political climate where people in power are calling good evil and evil good - advocating the killing of innocent unborn children as healthcare issue. So, his dishonest rivals tricked the king to issue a decree which he signed not knowing that it was aimed for Daniel’s execution to cast him into the lion's den (Daniel 6:10-16). Throwing Daniel to the hungry lions, King Darius was so grief-stricken, as reflected in his words of prayer. "The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” (Daniel 6:16b ESV) And true to God's promises, Daniel was saved from the mouth of the lions.
Yes, God saves us, as He did to Daniel, in whatever schemes of the enemy of our soul. We just have to rest in God’s grace giving Him glory in Christ Jesus. And, Daniel with grace in his lips gave glory to God. He won the king to worship The Lord - the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He boldly declared God's reign over his empire. The scriptures tell us - "Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.” (Daniel 6:25-27 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Proverbs 22:10 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.” (Proverbs 22:10 NKJV)
He gives us a serious command that we must not neglect to follow through. Contention, strife and reproach are not the kind of environment for us to be in. It steals our joy and our peace. This kind of atmosphere creates dark storms of anxiety and unrest that create havoc in our life. This is the kind of ambience you get when scorners and scoffers are around. At the first sign of its presence, these must be cast out and must not be allowed to linger.
We are not designed to have those critters around us, as children of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We are designed to dwell in a peaceful habitat where we can have an intimate prayerful fellowship in the Spirit with our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ. We must enter to dwell in a place where the transcending shalom (peace) of God pervades. And, that place is in our regular appointment of solitude in spirit with our Lord Jesus Christ. As it is written, here’s what we do resting in His grace. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6, 7 NIV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Monday, June 26, 2023
Proverbs 22:9 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9 NKJV)
He is challenging us to establish the habit of having our eyes watchful for opportunities to bless and share our bread, especially the bread from heaven, with the spiritually hungry. That's the secret catalyst of prosperity and success in the Kingdom of God's economy, sharing our Lord Jesus Christ - the holy Word from heaven (John 1:14). Doing so with ardor ensures continuous flow of resources and wealth to those who are disadvantaged and in need. That's how God's economic system works. God blesses us to bless others. Keeping in mind that Lord Jesus said: 'it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35)'. Blessing others is the engine of progress provided by God for our overarching prosperity as His children in Christ Jesus.
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Proverbs 22:8 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, And the rod of his anger will fail.” (Proverbs 22:8 NKJV)
Using the analogy of gardening, this is another reminder about reaping what you sow. Several days ago, we harvest pounds of sweet potatoes, as we have been doing these few days and will still do. We harvest what we sow 8 months before when we buried in the ground seeding vines of sweet potatoes. Now, we are reaping what we planted! Sweet potatoes! Not tomatoes! Not tares and thistles!
That is the core of this passage - to put us in awareness that those who sow iniquity will reap sorrow and trouble. And, the oppressive tool of hate they employ will fail. Without Godly guidance and direction, by trusting in one's own way - specially possessed with wicked intent, a person's planting is sure to bear unpleasant harvests.
But, on the other hand, as children of God by faith in Christ Jesus with total dependence on Him, the Holy Spirit guides us to sow in the way of righteousness by His grace. Yes, the Holy Spirit will teach us all things (John 14:26). And God's holy and written Word reminds and warns: “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you. You have plowed iniquity; you have reaped injustice; you have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your own way...” (Hosea 10:12-13a ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Proverbs 22:7 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God says...
“The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7 NKJV)Here's the way it is! Sad, but the reality is, in this world the haves enslave the have nots! Not right. Not fair. Not moral. And, not of God! And, it is all about choices. And, some people choose not to abide in a godly standard of morals. They choose not to live under God's sovereignty.
When people choose to reject God, that's when the wickedness in the world breaks loose. Subjugation of the weak by the powerful, cheating, corruption, scams and all kinds of stealthy activities to get an edge and exploit unsuspecting innocent people doing their living within the bounds of the law and God's words.
But, here's the good news! We have a choice. Even in the midst of this corrupt world, we have the choice to be blessed. As we choose to come to Jesus and receive His Lordship we can abide in His grace. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”(2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV)
As children of God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, we have this promise of His holy and written Word. “But there will be no poor among you; for the Lord will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess— if only you will strictly obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all this commandment that I command you today. For the Lord your God will bless you, as he promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow, and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.” (Deuteronomy 15:4-6 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Friday, June 23, 2023
Proverbs 22:6 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“Train up a child in the way he should go: And when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 KJV)
This passage calls upon every parent to guide their children as best they can to be who they should be, as God designed them to be. And, that they walk in the way of the Lord. Children are heritage from God and they are treasures of them who are entrusted to nurture them. Passing on to them the legacy of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is every loving parent's highest appointment and honor. And, we have the assurance of His Word, ‘he [they] will not depart from it.’
Many would ask: why my child walks not in the way he[/she] should go, as he[/she] has been trained up? Well, God says he[/she] will NOT DEPART from it, if he[/she] was trained up the way he[/she] should go by God's holy and written Word. Just believe in His promise! You did your part by His Word, with prayers and in faith. The process is still in progress. The journey is on. God is with them, as He promised too: "I will be with you always even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20)."
We just have to do our part as best we can dependent on the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Lord God Almighty has this command to every parent redeemed by the blood of Christ Jesus in His grace by faith: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-9 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Thursday, June 22, 2023
Proverbs 22:5 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them.” (Proverbs 22:5 NKJV)
He is warning us that thistles, thorns and snares are what an obstinate person harvests. His fields are full of them. He is one who hears the Word of God but neglects to walk by and with the Word. He is him who allows the worries of life to crowd over the power of God's Word from bearing fruits in his life. Lord Jesus describes these about him: "As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the Word, but the cares of the world and the pleasure and delight and glamour and deceitfulness of riches choke and suffocate the Word, and it yields no fruit.” (Matthew 13:22 AMP)
But the one who cares for his life and soul takes God's Word diligently. He writes God's holy Word in his heart. He lives by it that he shall have no glimpse of thorns and snares. He rests in grace by faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The soil of his heart is good. He bears much fruits, as Lord Jesus proclaims when He said: "As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” (Matthew 13:23 ESV)
Yes, this person, by grace in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, manifests the fruit of God's Word from within. Not by religious self-effort by observance of the law, as it is written: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Proverbs 22:4 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4 NKJV)
He gives a very powerful revelation: "The rewards for meekness and reverent Fear of God are abundance and dignity and satisfying life.” It is no wonder why God's Words give so many reminders to be humble. Humility, as an expression of reverent worship before the Almighty Creator, unlocks abundant favors from heaven. We ought to know, all that we need in this life comes from heaven - where our Provider reigns. Lord Jesus assures us with these words: "Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!” (Matthew 5:3 AMP) This is such a very reassuring declaration of our Lord Jesus Christ at the Sermon on the Mount.
In Christ, we are able to enjoy True riches that are never left behind but saved in the bank of heaven. Lord Jesus said: “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21 NIV)
The Lord also gives us this promise of heavenly honor: “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”(John 12:26 NIV)
And, we have this assurance of life, which He declared to Martha: “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”” (John 11:25-26 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Proverbs 22:3 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished.” (Proverbs 22:3 NKJV)
This passage gives us a cue to mimic the prudent way in the conduct of living, that we should manage life's affairs sensibly with wisdom and shrewdness. We are not to be gullible, but perceptive and always ready to duck when the enemy of our soul is coming. Prayerfully think through every decision we make. And remember always to acknowledge God in all our ways and He will direct our path (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The world is a treacherous ground to just glide through in naivety. We need true wisdom to wade between traps and snares that the world is filled with. The consequence of stepping and be caught into one of those evil devices is costly. Heartaches and disappointments may not be fully avoided in this life, but it can be minimized and be overcome by welcoming good counsel. And, good lessons can be learned out of it though, if in case we experience some. But, we have to stop behaving like a simpleton. We better learn from the experiences of those who have already covered acreage of treacherous grounds in their journey. It is vital to spend time in God's Word. Here, we can avoid mistakes of eternal ramification.
As a prudent person who hides from danger, we have a secret place to seek refuge abiding in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1-2). The Word of Truth is reminding that as we receive the Lordship of Jesus by faith, we die out of naivety and have a new being hidden in Christ. It is written: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Monday, June 19, 2023
Proverbs 22:2 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them all.” (Proverbs 22:2 NKJV)
He gives us notice: no one is licensed to look down on anyone. We are all equals in the eyes of God. We are made of the same dirt. By the same hand we are created (Genesis 2:7). When we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, He transforms us. We are His workmanship. In Christ, scriptures declare - "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
So, no more arrogance and hypocrisy! The Ruler of the universe loves us all the same. Whatever material edge anyone owns in this world, has no bearing in heaven. Unless, it is dispensed with love to bless the needy and saved in the Bank of Heaven. The more so, if we allow our lives to be driven by the pursuit and dependence on money and material possessions, which blind our sight from God's high call. Focusing on material things to seek relief for our needs, instead of God, puts our soul in jeopardy. That way, even as you struggle (in the wrong way) and deprived of riches in worldly measure, because of greed, you run the risk of continued sufferings in life, hereafter. Or, maybe you are swimming in luxury of this world’s offerings, but separated from God, you are destined for eternal torment in a reversal of fortunes.
Hence for those who receive the saving grace of Jesus, though they may at times look deprived of material things, they are rich of heavenly comforts. He gave us a heads up about it in His message: “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.” (Luke 16:19-25 ESV)
So, if change is needed, the time is now! Let's come to Jesus and accept Him our personal Lord and Savior. Let's depend upon His grace by faith. Not religion, nor our businesses, nor our jobs, nor our material resources. In Him we are provided now and forever, as it is written: "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4:19, 20 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Proverbs 22:1 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God says...
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1 NKJV)Our name is the reflection of our state of being. Who and what we are called becomes who we are. A good name is who we are in the eyes of God. And, that's what matters in life - having God's loving favor. A good name or state of being in God's eyes is only when we are hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3). And, that is by believing in Him. As we come to Him and receive Him into our life like little children, we belong to the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 19:14).
The counsel of this passage is to choose that which relate to eternal life-our good name and God's loving favor. And, not focus on storing temporal riches and wealth in this material world. God's word warns-““Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
(Matthew 6:19 NIV)
So, our focus is to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the things that we need shall be given to us, as giveaway. In His Sermon on the Mount, Lord Jesus enjoins us with these words: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Proverbs 21:31 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:31 NKJV)
This passage reminds that no matter the perceived magnitude of our prepared resources of self-effort for the battles in life, it won’t help by itself. Our safety, success and victory come from the Lord. Hence, we are tacitly advised not to have confidence in it. But, rather put our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. Trust in our self-efforts negates God's blessings for us. It is a contemptuous display of arrogance against God.
Using the analogy of a horse-the best resource for warfare during this time-period, this passage tells us that our reliance must not be on it or our present time whatever hi-tech resources we have, but in God. Yes, we are to prepare the horse and the gears for battle. In daily skirmishes of life, big or small, our readiness is through our faith in the Lord. As we do that, He uses us, and the horses, and the chariots, as well as, all the modern machineries of warfare or simple implements of living, in His ways. With total dependence in our Lord, these traditional resources become efficient and powerful tools for success and victory.
Like David when he faced Goliath with a slingshot, his trust in the Lord transformed it into the lethal weapon that killed the so-called champion of the Philistines. David's dependence in the Lord is revealed in his declaration, which must be our declaration too. It is written: “Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.”” (1 Samuel 17:45-47 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Friday, June 16, 2023
Proverbs 21:30 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:30 NKJV)
There maybe claims of myriads of 'wisdoms' other than God's, but nothing in all creation, in the past or in the present or in the future, ever, that can stand before God Almighty who is the One and Only Source and Giver of true wisdom! There is so-called wisdom of the world, which is absurdity with God (1 Corinthians 3:19). It will not prevail. The only legitimate wisdom, the understanding and counsel of the Lord are hidden in Christ Jesus, who is in us, as we receive His Lordship in our life by grace through faith. Yes, true wisdom is a gift from God (Proverbs 2:6).
It is plain foolhardiness for the creation to think he could match wits with his Creator. Foolish display at its worst, is as he claims he evolved from something which also something that God Himself created. What a shallow thinking! There is no understanding against the Lord. His is infinite (Psalms 147:5).
There is no counsel against the Lord! He, who is declaring the end from the beginning,... His purpose stand (Isaiah 46:10).
So, let it be known then that: “The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!” (Psalm 33:10-12 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Proverbs 21:29 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.” (Proverbs 21:29 NKJV)
He reminds us with the contrasting attributes between the wicked and the upright. No one can change the opinion of the wicked. He is headstrong in his wrong ways. He goes against the direction set by God's commands. The sad thing is he thinks he is right in his own set of standard which makes him difficult to redirect and reroute in his ways. He is obstinate. He keeps what suits him without regard for others or the truth or the Lord. As all wicked people are, he is destined for destruction, as it is written: "But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.” (Psalm 37:38 ESV)
That is not how we ought to be. We have been made upright by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Making sure we accepted Him our Savior, in Him we are put right in His eyes that we may set our ways by His words and by the promptings of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Truly when we surrender our hearts to Him, He will lead us in the path to life. His words soften our hearts to His will as He ushers us to proceed with integrity in our walk. He promised to position us in the way of being upright, as it is written: "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:23, 24 ESV)
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Proverbs 21:28 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.” (Proverbs 21:28 NKJV)
He gives another warning, which the Amplified Bible states: "A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears attentively will endure and go unchallenged.”
This passage continues to give lessons between two contrasting characters, a lying witness and a person hearing the lies. On one scenario, this gives an optic of a court proceeding - a false witness and a wise judge listening. As the liar perjures, the judge shuts him up by locking him in jail. The lying witness and his testimonies perish! It all failed during the cross examination.
On another scenario, a wise witness hears the lies but considers it and continues to speak his truth. He prevails. He and his testimonies withstand the challenge of bellicose cross-examination. His words survive victorious to the end. He stands firm on truth and in wisdom. He testifies for victory to be recorded forever.
That's the kind of person we are expected to be being children of God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. We are to stand on truth, and not be coerced by the bullying tactics of the enemy and the falsity of the world. The testimony of the world shifts left and right, constantly. It can't stand the test of time. It will perish. But, the testimony of the truth and the Words of Jesus stand forever. That's the truth we are to testify and stand on! It is written, Lord Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Proverbs 21:27 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!” (Proverbs 21:27 NKJV)
He gives us a stern notice that religious performance stinks, the worse so by the wicked who comes with ulterior motives. Even if it is done in line with the word of God, with lips giving praise and knees knelling but not from the heart, such sacrifice and offering are repulsive in God's eyes. Just like Cain he knew his offering was not the best of his produce and is not acceptable before God. His gift was earthly, not heavenly. But he offered it anyway not from a pure heart but out of hate and jealousy of his brother Abel. His offering led him to perpetrate the first act of murder and banishment from the presence of God (Genesis 4:16).
Yes, God hates the sacrifice of the wicked, the more so of course from a malicious heart. Hence, when we the children of God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus bring our offering before the altar of God let it be from a clean heart. Lord Jesus gave this command: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23, 24 NIV)
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Monday, June 12, 2023
Proverbs 21:25-26 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare.” (Proverbs 21:25-26 NKJV)
Here's a crucial pop-up alert - the sluggard is filled with desires and covetous cravings for a lot of things. But, he never follows through to act on it! Yep. He is a dreamer that never wakes! He is definitely a star-gazer, but sadly a sluggard, too. Hence, he covets the fruit of those who labor - who understand God's system of seed time and harvest. This passage warns - the cravings of the sloth kill him to rot.
In contrast, the righteous in God's eyes, they are those who trust in the finished work of Jesus on the cross and receive Him their Lord and Savior, are workers and givers all the way. Yes, the righteous is a person that does not hold back his diligence and generosity. He has a lot to give. He does not sit all day coveting and dreaming. He is a person of action. He sows and scatters seeds. He reaps. He lives in the system that God sets in motion in Genesis 8:22. He blesses those who are in need. He touches lives in his service. He never tires doing what is good, by faith not by sight, being a child of the Most High God in Christ Jesus.
That's what this passage is stirring us to be like. Not to be a sloth. Rather, be like him who is righteous by grace in Christ Jesus. Be fruitful! Be productive! And, be a blessing! Be planted in God's Word! The psalmist declares: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:3 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Proverbs 21:24 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
Scoffer, it is! That's the moniker for one who is condescending and obnoxious, to say the least. He is one who swaggers with bloated ego. He is bursting to the brim with putrid gas of contempt. This is that presumptuous person with a nauseating stench of attitude. That's who he is in the eyes of God, which we must not be.
A wise man recognizes and rejects these filthy traits. When it creeps in his life, he opts to humble himself before God to do a refining work in his being. In Christ Jesus by faith, he realizes and receives His finished work on the cross. He surrenders to Him and accepts His Lordship in his life. Yes, as we do that, in Christ's death and resurrection, we become the righteousness of God when we accept His saving grace by faith (Romans 1:17). Humbling before Him, He lifts us up (Matthew 23:12)!
And this exhortation gives a reassuring reminder: “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:6-10 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Proverbs 21:23 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.” (Proverbs 21:23 NKJV)
This passage sets a warning paradigm, as God reminds that the unguarded mouth and the untamed tongue in tandem can have one's soul grilled in hell.
Words spoken by our mouth and tongue carry the power of self-acquittal or self-condemnation (Mathew 12:37).
The tongue, small as it is, yet is a lethal force that needs to be closely guarded. It is written: “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5-6 NIV)
Hence, for us all who are born again in the spirit and are children of God by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, Apostle Peter cautions in his exhortation - “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.” (1 Peter 3:9-10 NLT)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Friday, June 9, 2023
Proverbs 21:22 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.” (Proverbs 21:22 NKJV)
Reflecting this passage brings to remembrance the confrontation with highly fortified Jericho that Joshua and the Israelites supernaturally engaged as they take possession of the promise land. They faced the mighty wall of the city of Jericho. By wisdom they listened and follow God's humanly unbelievable way to scale the wall by merely marching silently around it for 7 days, then shout on the seventh day. They did and the wall crumbled. They effortlessly walked in and annihilated all the inhabitants who trusted in their wall, except Rahab the prostitute and her family. She was wise to put her trust in the Almighty God (Joshua 6:1-23).
Victory is in following and depending on the Spirit of the Lord. He guides us by the wisdom of His Word. It is written: “So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6 NIV)
As children of the Most High God, by grace through faith in CHRIST Jesus, it is wise to stay in His presence, in our rests and/or in our battles. We have His covenant promise. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper,..” Says the Lord.”(Isaiah 54:17a NKJV)
God said to Joshua and to us all, as well, “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5 NIV)
Apostle Paul declared, this truth and promise we must stand on: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Proverbs 21:21 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21 NKJV)
This passage triggers a stirring question: What is your pursuit in this life? And, we beware! Truth be told, what we pursue we will ultimately find and catch. Lord Jesus said: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”(Matthew 7:7 NKJV)
Also, it determines where our talent, time, treasure and touch are invested. And, everyone basically aspires a good life, do it right, and be honored. But, sadly, not everybody attains and gets a grasp of it.
To find it, this passage tells us, one has to follow the way of 'righteousness and mercy.' And, God's Words reveal that there is only One Way. That way is through Christ Jesus our Lord. It is written: “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life....” (John 14:6a NIV).
How do we find life? Lord Jesus said: “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39 NIV)
In Christ Jesus, through grace by faith in Him: We have abundant life (John 10:20), and ...We are the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
And, He said: “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” (John 12:26 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Proverbs 21:20 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.” (Proverbs 21:20 NKJV)
Here's a pop up alert about wise stewardship. In a house where God’s wisdom rules exceeding resources abound. That home shines bright each night, burning light with oil. While, in a dwelling where there is lack, with the conspicuous absence of light in the night, tells of a fool whose resources are squandered. No oil. Hence, there is no lamp burning. The essentials, and of course the treasures of life, are missing.
For those who are wise who rest totally dependent in Christ Jesus by faith, nothing is wasted. Nothing is squandered. They sow as a farmer in their generosity for continuous harvest every season. Cheerful giving is the key which they hold on.
In sowing, by those who rest in grace through faith in Christ Jesus, abundant resources are supplied as seeds for increasing harvest of righteousness. It is written: “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-11 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Proverbs 21:19 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.” (Proverbs 21:19 NKJV)
He is warning again that when contention and anger sneak into our homes, strife reigns. They usually come when the doors of our homes are unguarded. When we allow unhindered traffic flowing in and out our doorways, critters could come in, and some would stay like anger and contention. When that happens, we will see an agitated man or woman dwelling in a home. It transforms a home from a place of comfort to a zone of discomfort and strife, which makes the wilderness a luxurious alternative.
That's not God's plan for our homes. That's the work of the enemy of our soul. He blurs our spiritual sight from God's way of living to make us unwittingly open our doors to his wicked ways. That's why it is vital we keep ourselves stirred and reminded by God's holy and written Words, day by day. His Words keep us from falling to the devil's ploy. His words clear our vision and lead us in the path of righteousness. In grace by faith in Christ Jesus, He takes us to His Shangri-la. When we obey the premise, we will experience the exploits of the promise in our homes, as it is written: "And the effect of righteousness will be peace and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places."(Isaiah 32:17, 18 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Monday, June 5, 2023
Proverbs 21:18 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God says...
“The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright.” (Proverbs 21:18 NKJV)The wicked are those who reject God and are of evil disposition. When they plot and do harm against the righteous, those who trust in Jesus and receive His Lordship by faith, their bad intent will ricochet back to them. God's shield is upon His children. Every projectile they shoot will bounce back and inflect on them the damage they hoped to render on the righteous. This passage reveals the boomerang effect on the ungodly for bad things they hurl on the upright.
That's what happened in Egypt. The wicked Pharaohs - that did not know Joseph who saved Egypt during a great famine (Genesis 41:41-57), enslaved Joseph's fellow Israelites for 400 years. As recompense for their enslavement, the Egyptians were made to ransom for the people of God. The descendants of Israel plundered the Egyptians of their wealth when they left Egypt for the promise land. It is written: “The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians.”(Exodus 12:35-36 NIV)
It is wise for us to rest always in the shadow of our Almighty Father by entrusting our lives in His hands through grace by faith in Christ Jesus. We are called and chosen people of God by grace. Let's keep Him first place. Love the Lord our God with all our heart with all our soul and with all our mind (Mark 12:30). As His children, we have this assurance and promise: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Proverbs 21:17 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
When God says...
"He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich." (Proverbs 21:17 NKJV)
He alerts us with the predictable downside of over indulgence and weakness in pleasures and vanities. Yes, those pleasures of the night - the wine, the oil and other tools to keep the fountain of youth, feel good as it quenches the desires of the flesh. But, the sad thing is, these are all temporary. Its superficial joy is only for a moment. It is fleeting.
Then, the devastating truth suddenly comes. You awaken to realize, you have nothing. Life is empty. Your soul is deprived and dried. You lost the best part of life that leads to blessings in eternity. Seeds and resources that would have been sown on spiritual grounds; Treasures that would have been saved in heaven - they're wasted on things that are here-today-and-gone-tomorrow pleasures of wine and oil (vanities of living). But, wait! Stop! There’s still time! Now is the right time. Today is the day for change. Today is the day of God's favor. This is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2-3).
This is the day to turn around and come to Jesus. Take refuge at His throne of grace. Draw near to Him. As you come, He'll meet as you are, where you're at. It is written: "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8 NIV) And, as you proclaim the Word of truth, this assurance stands: “But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Romans 10:8-10 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Proverbs 21:16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.” (Proverbs 21:16 NKJV)
We are warned of the gravest danger to end up in the congregation of the dead, when we mindlessly wander in life. That is straying away from the way of understanding the covenant with God, which is His Word of truth in the finished work of Jesus. The Holy Bible is the instruction to guide us the way to our heavenly community of the living. The Word, which became flesh, is the person of the Lord Jesus (John 1:14). He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Straying from the way of understanding God’s covenant bears the mortal consequence to be settled in the grounds of the dead.
We are to take heed of God's command as it is written: "You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess." (Deuteronomy 5:32, 33 ESV)
“And this is His commandment, that, we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” (1 John 3:23 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Friday, June 2, 2023
Proverbs 21:15 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“It is joy to the just to do judgment: But destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.” (Proverbs 21:15 KJV)
This passage reveals two scenes of events which the Message paraphrase describes as, “Good people celebrate when justice triumphs, but for the workers of evil it’s a bad day.”(Proverbs 21:15 MSG)
We are witnessing two camps of contrasting display of emotions. A noise of celebration is heard from the camp of the just workers of integrity. While a deafening silence of gloom is felt in the campground of agents of iniquity.
And, God's word warns with promises: “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.”(2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 NIV)
So, as the Lord's redeemed and precious possession, saved in His grace by faith, He reminds us: “Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.” (Psalm 37:27-29 ESV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Proverbs 21:14 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!
“A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.” (Proverbs 21:14 NKJV)
Gift giving is good when done in secret for a godly reason. It prevents catastrophic events of conflict and war. Yes, it pacifies anger, deep-seated hatred and strong wrath. It can cement a strong bond of friendship between persons, peoples and nations. Enemies are turned to friends with the custom of gift exchange in the context of mutual respect and love.
However, on the other side of the coin, every good thing can also be used by the forces of darkness in evil ways. There are characters that use gift-giving in secret the wrong way. They transform it into an abhorrent act of bribery. These forces go around the circles of power to corrupt dispensation of justice and public services. They use it to buy freedom for the guilty at the expense of the innocent. Some use it to get ahead in areas of worldly activities and trample on the rights of many-especially the weak and unprivileged.
As children of God by faith in Jesus, we are to keep our intentions pure and ensure, with the 'good' things we do, no one is adversely impacted. Led by the Holy Spirit by faith and total dependence in the Lord, our actions must always be guided by the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ at His Sermon on the Mount: ““You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48 NIV)
He further said: "Your giving should be done in secret. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4 NCV)
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.