A Disciple's Pursuit

The Disciples’ Pursuit of Greatness in God’s Kingdom

When we look at the disciples of Jesus, one striking observation emerges: their ambition was not directed toward worldly success, wealth, or recognition, but toward greatness in the kingdom of God. They could've asked Jesus other questions most folks inquired of God, like material things and mundane success, but they zeroed in on only one---who was the greatest in the kingdom? 

This focus was shaped by what they saw in Jesus---their close observation of his life, his teachings, standards and his priorities. Though they had not yet received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and had instances when their immaturity got the better of them, their understanding of what truly mattered was already profound.

1. The Disciples’ Value System

The disciples lived in a world where success was often measured by power, possessions, and prestige. Yet, when they followed Jesus, they saw a radically different value system. Jesus Himself had no earthly wealth, no political power, and no social standing. Instead, he embodied humility, service, and obedience to the Father.

• Jesus’ example: He washed the feet of His disciples, healed the marginalized, and spent time with the poor and rejected.
• Jesus’ teaching: He consistently emphasized that the greatest in the kingdom is the one who serves (Matthew 23:11).

The disciples absorbed this. Their debates about who would be greatest in the kingdom (Luke 22:24) were not about who would be richest or most powerful in society, but about who would be closest to God’s favor.

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2. Rejecting Worldly Success

It is remarkable that the disciples did not concern themselves with worldly greatness. They did not ask Jesus how to gain influence in the Roman Empire, how to accumulate wealth, or how to secure positions of honor in society. Instead, their questions revolved around eternal matters.

This shows that they understood—even before Pentecost—that everything in this world is temporary. As Paul would later write, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). The disciples already lived with this perspective: worldly success was garbage compared to eternal greatness.

3. Depth of Their Understanding

Though they were still growing in faith and had not yet received the fullness of the Spirit, their priorities revealed a deep grasp of Jesus’ message. They recognized:

• The kingdom of God is eternal. Earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but God’s reign endures forever.
• True greatness is spiritual. It is measured not by status but by humility, obedience, and love that often only God can see. Good traits that are readily visible in the world are often nothing in the kingdom.
• Jesus Himself modeled this. His life was a living sermon that greatness comes through sacrifice and emptying the self, not self-promotion.

Their focus on kingdom greatness showed that they were beginning to see life through God’s lens, even if imperfectly.

4. Inspiration for Us Today

This perspective should profoundly inspire how we live today. In a world obsessed with success, fame, and material gain (even in ministry), the disciples remind us that these pursuits are ultimately empty.

• Redefining success: Success is not climbing the corporate ladder or gaining social media followers. True success is living faithfully before God.
• Living with eternal priorities: Just as the disciples sought greatness in the kingdom, we too should prioritize prayer, service, humility, and obedience over worldly recognition.
• Rejecting distractions: The disciples’ single-minded pursuit of kingdom greatness challenges us to let go of pursuits that do not align with God’s eternal purposes.

5. Practical Applications

How can we live inspired by the disciples’ example?

• Choose service over status. Look for ways to serve others, even in small acts of kindness, and keep it private.
• Value eternal rewards. Invest time in prayer, Scripture, and building others up spiritually.
• Resist worldly pressures. When society pushes us to chase wealth or fame, remember that these are fleeting. Even the lure to be recognized for greatness in church circles.
• Follow Jesus’ model. Just as the disciples watched Jesus closely, we too must keep our eyes fixed on Him.

6. Conclusion

The disciples remind us that greatness in God’s kingdom is the only pursuit worth our lives. They were not distracted by worldly ambitions, because they had seen in Jesus a life that redefined greatness. Their example calls us to live with eternal priorities, to reject the lure of worldly success, and to embrace the humble, servant-hearted path that leads to true greatness.

In the end, everything else is garbage compared to the surpassing worth of being counted great in the kingdom of God. Their focus should inspire us to live today with the same clarity: to seek first the kingdom, knowing that all else fades away.

1 John 2.17: "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever"

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Childhood in La Loma and Ocho

Part 1

Today is June 05, 2026. It's 9.50am and am starting to write the first part of chapter of my life story as reference for posterity if and when my two sons and grandkids become curious about who I really am. It includes my wife since we became related.

Image by Dmitriy from Pixabay.

According to my dad, I was born at the Philipine General Hospital (PGH), by cesarian birth, and was the only boy in the nursery. I was a little bit heavier than 7 pounds, the biggest baby then at PGH. Much later, when I was courting my wife, Linda, I'd learn that she, too was born at PGH, but 5 years after in 1965. My dad named me after San Juan (St John the Baptist), the patron saint of his twon in San Juan, La Union. And since Juancho Guttierez was among the popular actors then, they decided to name me Juancho.

In my childhood in Project 8, QC, my friends started calling me Choy.

Anyway, after my birth, we went back home to Hernani St in La Loma, QC where we lived for a number of years. I have lots of fond childhood memories there and still remember today how our apartment (number 8) and neighborhood looked like. We are 5 children in the family, 2 boys and 3 girls. But during the La Loma days, we were yet 4 and I was the youngest. I grew up always with my 2 sisters and their girl playmates since my older brother was out of the house often, hanging out with his friends.

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Each morning I would hang out on the narrow ledge of the front window of our second floor (where mom's and dad's bedroom was) and drank the coffee that remained in my dad's cup while he read the newspaper. He was then the editor-in-chief of  The Philippines Herald, a major and respected daily in those days. I was about 3 or 4 when I drank the few drops of coffee in his cup and imagined myself a cowboy drinking coffee, as I often saw on TV commercials. Then I would watch people below walking in the streets and wondering about them.

I would also climb up the steel window grills and strain my eyes to see afar in the distance where I saw big trees lined up on the horizon under puffy clouds that looked like the "dirty ice cream" on sweet cones that we bought in the afternoon from the vendor who pushed his wooden ice cream cart and shook his bell. We called it dirt ice cream though we didn't think it was really dirty. 

When I was 7, I attended school at the Lourdes School in QC. I started at kindergarten level and was accompanied to school by my dad and fetched later before lunch by my mom when I was in kinder and grade 1. Later, in grade 2, mom got me a daily school bus schedule for taking me to and from school. I still remeber the faces and names of my school bus mates, boys from Lourdes and girls from St. Theresa's. I also remember many of my classmates in Lourdes, and some of them are my FB friends now. 

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When my younger sister was born (our youngest), we transferred to GSIS Village, Project 8 in QC and that was around 1968. I think that was when I was in grade 2 or 3. Project 8 then still had a lot of patches of forests here and there and only a few residents were around, with majority of the houses still unoccupied. The air was fresh and different wild birds sang almost through the day. You'd feel the rustic atmosphere in the place. My first cat then was named Jim, and I had so many pet cats. I still remember the songs that were popular in those days. 

Grades 2 to 4, I attended Lourdes School while living in Project 8. But in grade 5, I transferred to a nearby school, St. Patrick School on General Avenue, a walking distance from our place. It was a new adventure and I was excited to meet new classmates and friends. Because I was a transferee from a popular, quality, private grade school, I was like the star of the class as a new comer. The new kid in town, as it were. But that didn't last. In grades 6 and 7, I had some problems with my grades, alhtough I was considered the "scientist of the class" in grade 5. I guess the trauma of martial law in September 1972 (I was in grade 5), when my dad lost his job because the newspaper company closed, had a lot to do with it. My performace in class slowly dwindled as grade 5 was ending.

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Mind Over Matter: The Secret to Lasting Perseverance

🧠 Patience, Perseverance, and the Power of Mind Over Body

You want intellectual and emotional maturity? Deal with your patience and tenacity. Patience and perseverance are virtues that allow us to endure challenges, resist discouragement, and keep moving forward despite obstacles. These qualities become even more powerful when the mind is able to command the body—when mental discipline directs physical action. 

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.

Often, self-control and self discipline depend on how powerful your mind can command your body. The mind is designed to analyze, decide and command. I discovered the mind-body relationship when I was in grade school while training in karate. I found that I could make my body withstand pain and perform feats by mental commands. 

My mind also directed my fears to either calm down or get out of my tendencies. The mind, especially when used well and properly, is a wonderful gift from God.

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🌿 The Mind’s Command Over the Body

Our bodies often seek comfort, ease, and immediate gratification. But your mind has the capacity to override these impulses, guiding your body toward long-term goals. When the mind commands the body, patience is strengthened because we can resist the urge for instant results. Perseverance is fortified because we can endure discomfort and keep striving toward what truly matters.

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📚 Evidence from Research

1. The Marshmallow Test (Stanford University, 1972)
Walter Mischel’s famous study on delayed gratification showed that children who resisted eating one marshmallow immediately in order to receive two later had better life outcomes decades later. This demonstrates how mental control over bodily impulses fosters patience and long-term perseverance.

2. Mental Toughness in Athletes (Clough et al., 2002)
Research on elite athletes revealed that those with higher levels of mental toughness—defined as the ability to control emotions and persist despite fatigue—performed better under pressure. Their minds commanded their bodies to push beyond physical limits, highlighting the role of mental discipline in perseverance.

3. Meditation and Pain Tolerance (Zeidan et al., 2011)
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that mindfulness meditation significantly reduced participants’ perception of pain. By training the mind, individuals were able to command their bodies to endure discomfort, showing how mental focus enhances patience and resilience.

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📖 Biblical Insights

Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Renew the mind to quit conformity and transform yourself. This emphasizes the power of the mind to direct behavior. Renewed thinking allows believers to resist worldly impulses and persevere in faith. Renewing, of course, is the work of grace by the Holy Spirit and the Word.

1 Corinthians 9:27 – “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

Paul illustrates the principle of commanding the body through the mind. Discipline ensures perseverance in spiritual and moral pursuits.

James 1:3-4 – “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Here, patience and perseverance are linked to spiritual maturity. Trials test both mind and body, but endurance leads to growth.

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🔑 How Mind Over Body Builds Patience and Perseverance

1. Resisting Impulses – The mind helps us delay gratification, teaching patience in the face of immediate desires.
2. Enduring Discomfort – Mental focus allows us to push through fatigue, pain, or discouragement, strengthening perseverance.
3. Maintaining Vision – A disciplined mind keeps long-term goals in sight, preventing the body from giving up prematurely.
4. Spiritual Growth – Biblical teaching shows that commanding the body through the mind leads to holiness and maturity.

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🌟 Practical Applications

• Daily Discipline: Set small goals that require consistency, such as exercise or prayer, to train the body under the mind’s command.
• Mindfulness Practices: Meditation and deep breathing enhance self-control, reducing impulsive reactions.
• Faith Anchoring: Scripture and prayer provide mental strength to endure trials and cultivate patience.
• Resilient Habits: Choosing healthier routines—like balanced eating or regular rest—demonstrates perseverance through mind-led decisions.

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✅ Conclusion

Patience and perseverance are not passive traits; they are active powers that grow when the mind commands the body. Scientific studies confirm that mental discipline enhances endurance, while biblical wisdom teaches that self-control and perseverance lead to maturity and spiritual strength. By aligning mental focus with bodily action, we cultivate resilience, resist temptation, and walk faithfully toward our goals.

HEAL YOURSELF WITH YOUR MIND

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GET MY FREE EBOOKS!!! Just email me at choyscut@gmail.com and get an email back in 20 or 30 seconds with a download link to the e-books, "MY SIMPLE SECRETS TO FITNESS" (100 pages) , which is about easy fitness at age 50 and above, and "BEAT JOB INTERVIEWERS 10 WAYS" (50 pages) which reveals what really goes on during interviews and shares 10 powerful keys to winning job interviews. They're both FREE! You also get my GCash details in case you decide to donate P100 (or any amount) for the two e-books to help my house-church ministry (I'm a self-supporting house-church pastor). But with or without donation, the e-books are yours 😄.

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Just email me at jesusstalkeremail@gmail.com and get an email back in 15 seconds with a download link to the 4 self-improvement e-books. You also get my GCash details in case you decide to donate P100 (or any amount) for the e-books to help my house church ministry. But with or without donation, the e-books are yours for free 😄. 

What You Need to Know about Weight Loss Diets

The start of a new year is often a decision phase to opt for a certain diet for the year in keeping with your weight loss or fitness wishes---which, BTW, seldom come true for most folks. But they do it anyway each January, sometimes extending till February.

Photo by Zheng XUE on Unsplash.

My choice? I've always stuck to one diet plan, which is no-diet at all. I call it, "Just eat." No drama, no punishment, no restraint. Just eat. It works for me. I've been fit and athletic since college, doing my sport with lightning speed and graceful form. Well, almost. 

I think it has lots to do with my daily early morning ritual, which is water therapy, drinking 2 to 3 mugs of pure water first thing. Plus my workout routine. But to help you decide on your diet path this 2026, here are some pointers to remember. 

Learn more.

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Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet focuses almost exclusively on animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
Pros:

• High in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in vitamin B12, iron, and zinc—nutrients often harder to obtain from plant-based diets.
• Can lead to rapid satiety, reducing overeating.

Cons:

• Lacks fiber, which is essential for digestive health.
• May increase risk of heart disease due to high saturated fat intake.
• Excludes plant-derived antioxidants and phytonutrients that protect against chronic disease.
• Socially restrictive, making dining out or shared meals challenging.

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Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarians avoid meat and fish but consume plant-based foods, often including dairy and eggs depending on the variation.
Pros:

• Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals from fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains.
• Lower risk of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
• Ethically and environmentally sustainable, reducing carbon footprint.

Cons:

• Risk of deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Protein intake may be lower if not carefully planned.
• Reliance on processed vegetarian foods (like mock meats) can undermine health benefits.
• Social challenges in cultures where meat is central to meals.

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Pescatarian Diet

The pescatarian diet is largely vegetarian but includes fish and seafood.
Pros:

• Provides omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support brain and heart health.
• Easier to meet protein needs compared to strict vegetarian diets.
• Still emphasizes plant-based foods, offering fiber and antioxidants.
• Often considered a balanced compromise between vegetarian and carnivore approaches.

Cons:

• Risk of mercury exposure from certain fish (like tuna or swordfish).
• Seafood can be expensive or less accessible depending on location.
• Ethical concerns about overfishing and sustainability.
• May still lack some nutrients if plant diversity is limited.

Learn more.

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Eating What You Want—With Proportion

While each diet has clear strengths and weaknesses, the reality is that no single approach fits everyone. I eat anything and it works for me. It may not work for you. But just try it. Anyway, genetics, lifestyle, cultural context, and personal preference all shape what “healthy” looks like. The most sustainable and beneficial approach is often not strict adherence to one diet, but rather mindful balance. Again, what I call JE diet, or "Just Eat."

Eating what you want—even including occasional junk food—can still be the healthiest strategy if done in moderation and common sense. Junk food, when consumed excessively, contributes to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. But when enjoyed occasionally and balanced with nutrient-dense meals and natural detox supplements, it can satisfy cravings without derailing overall health. The key lies in proportion and awareness:

• Prioritize whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Allow room for indulgences without guilt, but keep them limited.
• Practice portion control—small servings of sweets or fried foods can coexist with a healthy diet.
• Focus on variety to ensure all essential nutrients are covered.

Ultimately, health is not about rigid restriction but about sustainable habits. A person who eats balanced meals most of the time, while occasionally enjoying pizza or ice cream, is likely to be healthier—and happier—than someone who follows a strict diet but struggles with deprivation. Food is not only fuel but also culture, comfort, and joy. By embracing proportion and moderation, we can enjoy the best of all worlds: the nutritional benefits of diverse diets and the psychological satisfaction of eating freely.

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How to Protect Your Eyes from Digital Screen Light

Spending hours glued to a digital screen can take a toll on your eyes, leading to digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. Luckily, Choy's Cut is here to give you practical steps you can take to protect your eyes and keep them in good health while working, studying, or entertaining yourself online..

Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash.

Eat Eggs

Eating enough eggs will prevent eye problems, especially your inability to read small words, mcular degeneration and eye cataracts. The egg yolk is rich in Vitamin A, lutein and zeaxanthin. This is aside from how eggs are good for heart health. Kaya mag boiled or fried egss ka na lagi. 

20-20-20 Rule

The 20-20-20 rule is a simple yet effective technique to reduce eye strain. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This allows your eye muscles to relax and reduces fatigue. Setting a reminder on your phone or computer can help you remember to take these breaks.

Adjust Your Screen Settings

Optimizing your screen settings can make a significant difference. Start by adjusting the brightness of your screen to match the lighting of your surroundings. A screen that's too bright or too dim can strain your eyes. You can also tweak the text size and contrast to make reading more comfortable. Enabling the night mode or blue light filter can reduce blue light emission, which is known to cause eye strain and disrupt sleep patterns.

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Maintain Proper Distance and Posture

The distance between your eyes and the screen is crucial. Position your screen about an arm's length away (around 20-24 inches) and ensure the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. This setup encourages a natural downward gaze and minimizes strain on your neck and shoulders. Keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the ground to maintain good posture.

Reduce Glare and Reflections

Glare and reflections on your screen can contribute to eye strain. To minimize glare, position your screen to avoid direct light from windows or overhead lights. You can also use an anti-glare screen protector or adjust your monitor's angle to reduce reflections. For added protection, consider wearing computer glasses with an anti-reflective coating.

Blink More Often

Staring at a screen can reduce your blink rate, leading to dry and irritated eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. If needed, use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to alleviate dryness.

Take Regular Breaks

In addition to following the 20-20-20 rule, take longer breaks every hour to stand up, stretch, and move around. This not only helps your eyes but also prevents physical strain on your body. Each blog article I finish, I go out to my porch and watch life in the street, or cats and dogs or birds or clouds. I also do some shadow boxing and arnis stick shadow.

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Get Regular Eye Check-ups

Regular eye check-ups are essential to monitor your eye health and catch any issues early. If you experience persistent eye strain, discomfort, or vision problems, consult an eye care professional for personalized advice and solutions.

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can protect your eyes and maintain good vision, even when spending long hours in front of a screen. Your eyes are precious—take care of them! 

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Just email me at choyscut@gmail.com and get an email back in 20 or 30 seconds with a download link to the e-books, "MY SIMPLE SECRETS TO FITNESS" (100 pages) , which is about easy fitness at age 50 and above, and "BEAT JOB INTERVIEWERS 10 WAYS" (50 pages) which reveals what really goes on during interviews and shares 10 powerful keys to winning job interviews. They're both FREE! You also get my GCash details in case you decide to donate P100 (or any amount) for the two e-books to help my house-church ministry (I'm a self-supporting house-church pastor). But with or without donation, the e-books are yours 😄.

Treating a Toxic Person to Lunch? Here's What You Should Order

It seems there are more toxic people today than ever before. They're everywhere. If you happen to eat lunch with one and you get to treat him or her, save yourself a lot of troubles by ordering foods that neutralize toxic behavior. Diet can have a significant impact on mood, behavior, and overall mental health. You'd be surprised what a "coffee diet" can do, for instance. Wait, is there a diet like that?

Photo above by Sander Dalhuisen on Unsplash.

Anyway, while no specific foods can directly reduce toxic behavior, eating a balanced and healthy diet can support better mental health, which may, in turn, positively affect behavior. Remember the following when ordering food for a toxic person during lunch. Try foods rich in:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. These essential fats are known to support brain health and may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can contribute to healthier interactions. So, how about salmon in sour soup (sinigang)?

2. Whole Grains: Foods like quinoa, brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat products can stabilize blood sugar levels, leading to more stable moods and less irritability. With oatmeal, choose rolled oats you need to cook for minutes, not instant ones. But oatmeal may not be a good idea for lunch, so I suggest brown rice to go with the salmon or tuna belly sinigang.

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3. Fruits and Vegetables: A diet rich in a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall brain function and emotional well-being. Avocado would be first in the list, then strawberry and other berries (banana is said to be a berry, so add it). Top everything with unsweetened cream. This is perfect for dessert and melting away toxicity.

4. Probiotics: Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented products contain beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Emerging research suggests a connection between gut health and mental health. Good stomach, less toxicity, not just in the digestive system but in the behavior as well. I'd say sauerkraut is good and kimchi. If you opt for yogurt, choose the unsweetened and unflavored version. Just add in natural strawberry or mango.

5. Lean Proteins: Sources such as chicken, turkey, beans, lentils, and tofu provide essential amino acids that are crucial for neurotransmitter production, supporting better mood regulation. Of course, a nice, juicy and tender beef steak is the best option for calming a toxic behavior, but beans will do if you're on a tight budget. Invest less on toxic people.

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6. Dark Chocolate: You want toxic people to agree than argue with you during dessert? You want to see them trying hard to please you? In moderation, dark chocolate can boost serotonin and endorphin levels, contributing to improved mood. With the fruits you topped with unsweetened cream for dessert, add melted dark chocolate topping with dark chocolate bits. That should tame down any toxic individual.

7. Nuts and Seeds: Toxic people are nuts, so you apply the proverb poison kills poison. Nuts can tame nuts. Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds provide essential nutrients like magnesium and zinc that are linked to brain health. Some try coconuts for their toxic friends but I told them I didn't think that was the kind of nut needed here. 

8. Hydration: If you're on a tight budget, just order anything cheap for the toxic guy and then make him drink lots of water while discussing the health benefits of drinking it. Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being. This is true. I find drinking water calming me down and making me think clearly in the morning. I just add some coffee to it.

Maintaining a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate sleep are key components in supporting mental health and well-being, which can contribute to more positive behavior. So tell your toxic friend to exercise more and sleep early.

GET MY FREE EBOOKS!!! 

Just email me at choyscut@gmail.com and get an email back in 20 or 30 seconds with a download link to the e-books, "MY SIMPLE SECRETS TO FITNESS" (100 pages), which is about easy and simple fitness at age 50 and above, and "BEAT JOB INTERVIEWERS 10 WAYS" (50 pages) which reveals what really goes on during interviews and shares 10 powerful keys to winning job interviews. They're both FREE! You also get my GCash details in case you decide to donate P100 (or any amount) for the two e-books to help my house-church ministry (I'm a self-supporting house-church pastor). But with or without donation, the e-books are yours 😄.

Here's an Ebook I sell. It's about spiritual self-improvement that helps you move in the supernatural.

Pray for the impossible. Ask for the miraculous. 

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None of Them Received What was Promised: They Got Something Better

What better way to begin any new year than to get the right life perspective that leads to success. Normally, we love to start the year right so we can end right, meaning we get the results that our hard work deserves. We equate hard work to success which we usually see as better financial standing among other things. And rightly so. Only question is our idea of success and better financial standing. What's true sucess, really?

Photo by Brett Wharton on Unsplash.

I remember Naomi and Elimelek in the bible. They left Judah to escape the famine and settled in Moab to work hard there. I imagine they did that to be more successful. They started well off ("went away full") and were positive about the prospects of gaining more in Moab. But that wasn't GOD's idea of success for them. HE wanted them to be successful but not on their terms. Later her husband died, and so did their two sons and she was left with just her two daughters-in-law. 

21 I went away full, but the Lord has 

brought me back empty. [Ruth 1]

Being emptied was GOD's idea of success for them. Noami found herself alone with nothing, totally bankrupt, all their hard work down the drain. And yet, Naomi and her husband and sons were chosen by GOD to be part of HIS great move leading to the coming of the Messiah. Chosen but miserable and poor, feeling punished. This was how she felt while talking to her daughters and later the people in Bethlehem:

13 "It is more bitter for me than for you, because the Lord’s hand has turned against me!” 20 “Don’t call me Naomi (pleasant),” she told them. “Call me Mara (bitter), because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. 21 "Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” 

Pray for the impossible. Ask for the miraculous. 

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Perhaps this is how you feel, too--broken, poor, humiliated and punished. You want to start the year blessed but "misfortune" is all the Almighty brings on you. You feel punished, but why? You're puzzled. For what reason has GOD afflicted you? You don't see any reason, but maybe you've been blind to a disobedience in your life? Maybe some hidden sins or an unforgiving spirit? However, even after sincerely repenting of all that, the song stays the same.

Did Naomi and husband start the year wrong? I don't think so. In fact, they started it right. GOD's concept of "right" is different from ours, as HIS concept of "success" is worlds apart from how we see it. Like, success was when Jesus was abandoned by his disciples, rejected by the people he fed and healed, and crucified like a criminal, besides feeling forsaken by the Father. No doubt, if this were to happen to you today, "successful" is the last thing people (even church people) would label you with. Accursed is more likely. 

I don't know, their wrong move may have been leaving Bethlehem during the famine to probably save their wealth for themselves? Didn't they want to share their blessings with needy folks in Bethlehem? Did they go to Moab for selfish reasons and consequently went out of GOD's will and suffered the consequences? But no, they went to Moab "full" because that was GOD's will for them--to leave while blessed. This is what I believe. GOD led them to Moab, lose everything there, take Ruth to Bethlehem to meet Boaz and start a family lineage leading to Jesus' birth. 

Perhaps, being sorely emptied is the only way 

you learn to rely solely on the LORD.

GOD intended them to leave "full" and then lose everything in Moab to suffer the "cross" chosen for them to crush their spirits, humble them, teach them how to have no one and nothing to hang on but GOD alone, and take them back to Bethlehem "empty." Jesus emptied himself, taking the form of a servant. It's powerful when GOD empties you. You're being molded for something big. Perhaps, being sorely emptied is the only way you learn to rely solely on the LORD and see how everything else is useless. This is genuine success.

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." [Psalm 51.17]

Hard Work Doesn't Always Lead to Success

What we need to understand is that not all hard works always lead to success--success as the world understands it. You may even look like a loser to the world, unproductive, resultless and fruitless, a total waste, an unfaithful servant, the servant who hid his talent in the ground. But that's how the world sees it. GOD sees differently. HE chooses the weak, rejected, useless, losers and despised, those the world belittles. Some servants GOD commended in the bible looked like losers from start to end:

There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, [Hebrews 11]

Faithful and yet none of them got what was promised. They looked unsuccessful, defeated and pitiful. The worldly church would never have recognzed their value. Yet, in the heavenlies which the uninitiated barely see and understand, they were "commended for their faith," and received something much better than what the "blessed" on earth got: 

40 "God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."

These were all commended for their faith, 

yet none of them received what had been promised.

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