Treasures of Hope
"Precious instructions from the Word
for optimistic Christian Living!"
By: Ptr. Rasty C. Montorio
for optimistic Christian Living!"
By: Ptr. Rasty C. Montorio
JUNE 2008
THE ESSENCE OF CHANGE
(Welcoming New Things in Life)
TEXT:LUKE 5:33-39
In our passage, fasting has been mentioned very frequently, but we will not be discussing about that subject at this time. I want us to focus on coping with change. A situation that happens in our lives in a very consistent manner, sometimes it favors us but sometimes it isn’t. But whether we like it or not, we need to and we have to face it.
(Welcoming New Things in Life)
TEXT:LUKE 5:33-39
In our passage, fasting has been mentioned very frequently, but we will not be discussing about that subject at this time. I want us to focus on coping with change. A situation that happens in our lives in a very consistent manner, sometimes it favors us but sometimes it isn’t. But whether we like it or not, we need to and we have to face it.
Read previous articles from Treasures of Hope:
JANUARY 2008 - THE PLAN! (Putting our future in the right path.)
We are all concern of our future. That is the reason why out of curiosity people are resorting to any ways just to find out what lies ahead of them. But for the people of God, we shouldn’t be resorting to any belief or occult thing that this world is offering. We can be sure of our future because it all lies in the hand of the Master Planner.
FEBRUARY 2008 - THE LOVE JOURNEY (Steps to step into the realm of Christian Love Affair.)
One of the well-known topic that most of our young people in church wants to discuss is about Boy-Girl Relationship. Well, we cannot avoid it because almost all of us in some point of our life have experienced to have some crushes and puppy loves.
MARCH 2008 - FAITH AND FEAR (The difference makes the difference.)
The word fear has always been connected or equated in the life of a person. Each one, regardless of status in life, rich or poor, strong or weak has fears. Maybe that’s the reason why the word “phobia” has been invented and connected to almost all kinds of things.
APRIL 2008 - THE HANDS THAT UNSHACKLES - Part 1 (Prayer’s Secret, Revealed)
It has always been said that when we pray, 90% of the task is already done. If that is so, why is it that a lot of Christians are not really serious in the ministry of prayer? As we study the text, let us try to discover some facts about prayer and unveil the truths that will benefit us as Christians.
MAY 2008 - THE HANDS THAT UNSHACKLES - Part 2 (Prayer’s Secret, Revealed)
There are lots of things prayer can do to us as we continue to practice it in our lives. In the last issue we have enumerated some of it. Let us continue to discover to unravel the treasures we can discover regarding this matter…
JANUARY 2008 - THE PLAN! (Putting our future in the right path.)
We are all concern of our future. That is the reason why out of curiosity people are resorting to any ways just to find out what lies ahead of them. But for the people of God, we shouldn’t be resorting to any belief or occult thing that this world is offering. We can be sure of our future because it all lies in the hand of the Master Planner.
FEBRUARY 2008 - THE LOVE JOURNEY (Steps to step into the realm of Christian Love Affair.)
One of the well-known topic that most of our young people in church wants to discuss is about Boy-Girl Relationship. Well, we cannot avoid it because almost all of us in some point of our life have experienced to have some crushes and puppy loves.
MARCH 2008 - FAITH AND FEAR (The difference makes the difference.)
The word fear has always been connected or equated in the life of a person. Each one, regardless of status in life, rich or poor, strong or weak has fears. Maybe that’s the reason why the word “phobia” has been invented and connected to almost all kinds of things.
APRIL 2008 - THE HANDS THAT UNSHACKLES - Part 1 (Prayer’s Secret, Revealed)
It has always been said that when we pray, 90% of the task is already done. If that is so, why is it that a lot of Christians are not really serious in the ministry of prayer? As we study the text, let us try to discover some facts about prayer and unveil the truths that will benefit us as Christians.
MAY 2008 - THE HANDS THAT UNSHACKLES - Part 2 (Prayer’s Secret, Revealed)
There are lots of things prayer can do to us as we continue to practice it in our lives. In the last issue we have enumerated some of it. Let us continue to discover to unravel the treasures we can discover regarding this matter…
I. WHY DO PEOPLE DON’T WANT CHANGE?
A. Fear of the unknown.
Most of the people don’t want change because they do not want to face things that they do not know of because:
1. There’s nothing tangible to hold on.
2. Not sure of possible result.
3. It might have different outcome.
B. Fear of adjustment.
They are afraid that they might not be able to adjust well in the changes that will happen.
1. Used to the things they had at present.
2. Might not be able to do right.
3. Afraid of new experiences.
C. Fear of failure.
Most of us are filled with questions that we are afraid of answering. Questions that would cause us to become afraid of the future results.
1. What if it won’t work?
2. What if the people won’t like it?
3. What if it won’t even equal the present one?
II. WHAT CHANGE DOES?
God is teaching us to see beyond what we can see. He is always on the move, not stagnant. Always doing new things, He performs things in variety. Change is God’s favorite move! As He moves, He teaches us something.
A. It provides an avenue for growth.
Every change in our lives if seen in a very positive outlook will cause us to grow and makes us a better person.
· To stretch us and our faith.
· In this process, transition is taking place in our life which causes the growth.
B. It deepens our understanding and broadens our minds.
Change enables us to become wiser. A lot of learning is acquired as we experience change in our lives.
· Positive outlook to change is liberating. It destroys our legalism and dogmatism.
· New systems at times are ways of God.
· If you’ll keep your mind narrow, you’ll burst!
C. It enables us to experience freshness. (Revival)
Change enables us to experience new things and gets us into a higher level of experience.
· New opportunities - it kills boredom.
· Experiencing the new things of God.
· Experiencing more of the Lord. (More of life)
III. HOW DO WE RESPOND TO IT?
A. Be factual.
Everything in this world changes except for change itself. It is inevitable.
· Allow it in your life - accept it!
· Be optimistic and not pessimistic.
B. Be open.
Allow your faith to grow and become better, not bitter.
C. Be willing.
Allow God to teach you.
IV. QUESTIONS TO PONDER.
A. In what areas of my life I have a hard time coping regarding change?
B. What are the tangible things that I need to do to cope with it?
There are three things we should remember to cope with change:
· Learn -- New Things (Receive)
· Re-learn -- Important Things (Recall)
· Un-learn -- Unnecessary Things (Reject)
There is hope for you… Be blessed!
A. Fear of the unknown.
Most of the people don’t want change because they do not want to face things that they do not know of because:
1. There’s nothing tangible to hold on.
2. Not sure of possible result.
3. It might have different outcome.
B. Fear of adjustment.
They are afraid that they might not be able to adjust well in the changes that will happen.
1. Used to the things they had at present.
2. Might not be able to do right.
3. Afraid of new experiences.
C. Fear of failure.
Most of us are filled with questions that we are afraid of answering. Questions that would cause us to become afraid of the future results.
1. What if it won’t work?
2. What if the people won’t like it?
3. What if it won’t even equal the present one?
II. WHAT CHANGE DOES?
God is teaching us to see beyond what we can see. He is always on the move, not stagnant. Always doing new things, He performs things in variety. Change is God’s favorite move! As He moves, He teaches us something.
A. It provides an avenue for growth.
Every change in our lives if seen in a very positive outlook will cause us to grow and makes us a better person.
· To stretch us and our faith.
· In this process, transition is taking place in our life which causes the growth.
B. It deepens our understanding and broadens our minds.
Change enables us to become wiser. A lot of learning is acquired as we experience change in our lives.
· Positive outlook to change is liberating. It destroys our legalism and dogmatism.
· New systems at times are ways of God.
· If you’ll keep your mind narrow, you’ll burst!
C. It enables us to experience freshness. (Revival)
Change enables us to experience new things and gets us into a higher level of experience.
· New opportunities - it kills boredom.
· Experiencing the new things of God.
· Experiencing more of the Lord. (More of life)
III. HOW DO WE RESPOND TO IT?
A. Be factual.
Everything in this world changes except for change itself. It is inevitable.
· Allow it in your life - accept it!
· Be optimistic and not pessimistic.
B. Be open.
Allow your faith to grow and become better, not bitter.
C. Be willing.
Allow God to teach you.
IV. QUESTIONS TO PONDER.
A. In what areas of my life I have a hard time coping regarding change?
B. What are the tangible things that I need to do to cope with it?
There are three things we should remember to cope with change:
· Learn -- New Things (Receive)
· Re-learn -- Important Things (Recall)
· Un-learn -- Unnecessary Things (Reject)
There is hope for you… Be blessed!