By Dr. J Hernes M. Abante Philippians 4:6-9: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Anxiety can be a paralyzing condition that affects anyone when it is not properly controlled and managed. It appears and worsens at different levels of severity. When left unaddressed, it can escalate into Severe Anxiety Disorder (SAD), which requires a higher level of intervention from a professional counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist. The Bible, through the Apostle Paul, warns us to be “anxious for nothing but in everything let your requests be made known unto God.” We are cautioned that anything or anyone can trigger anxiety. While we cannot always avoid or prevent triggers, as Christians, we’ve been given the power through Christ to manage it for God’s purpose to be fulfilled in us. Remember, God allows everything for a reason. Let’s consider what the Bible says about what I call “anxious thoughts” because they originate in the mind. The process is clearly explained here: 1. Consider and accept that whatever is happening is intended by God for a good reason. - Instead of worrying and reacting impulsively, respond with prayer and thanksgiving. Trust God’s purpose by submitting to His will. 1. When feeling anxious, identify the cause or trigger. Avoid emotional or impulsive reactions. - Never let emotion control you. Process your anxious thoughts through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. J. Hernes M. Abante Psalm 86:7-11 - “In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. [8] Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. [9] All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. [10] For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. [11] Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.” I first heard this song from my father, Dr. Ben O. Abante. He loved this song so much that he translated it into Tagalog to clearly convey its message to the Filipino audience. It became a staple of the Abante Four Quartet and one of their most-requested songs. I fell in love with this song. As a musician, I appreciate its beautiful melody, which perfectly complements the song's message and spirit. It’s a song of comfort and complete reliance on our caring and loving God. Charles Frederick Weigle wrote “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus” during one of the bleakest moments of his life. Weigle, born on November 20, 1871, in Lafayette, Indiana, was the son of a devout German immigrant baker and his wife. They had a total of 12 children: five boys and seven girls. Charles attended a Lutheran parochial school. Although his family regularly went to church, Charles became rebellious as a young boy. After getting into trouble with the law, the Lord saved him at age twelve in the Methodist Church where his parents attended. His passion for music led him to study at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, which later paved the way for his full-time ministry. He grew into a talented songwriter and an itinerant Baptist evangelist. One day, after returning home from an evangelistic crusade, he found a note left by his wife of many years. She wrote, “I’m leaving, Charlie. I want to go the other way—to the bright lights.” She took their only son with her, leaving Charles feeling desperate.

Dr. J Hernes M Abante February is a month of love. It is fitting to share with you some principles that will make your relationship with each other pleasant. These principles cannot make your marriage perfect, but they will help you manage and overcome your conflicts. Marriage was started by God when He gave Eve to Adam as a helpmeet. It is a divine union. When we do our vows in marriage, we are submitting to God's divine law. Pastors are God’s servant giving their allegiance to God and His Word. Here are some principles we must uphold: 1. “Marriage is a divine institution.” God is the head and He must be in the center of relationship. 1. Marriage is powered and constantly motivated  by the LOVE of God.” God’s love is a gift. It is to be given more than asked. 1. Since God founded the home, He must remain our foundation. 1. Expectation in marriage relationship is not ‘from’ but it is ‘to’ one another.” Expect to be responsible 1. Communication is a two-way Street.” - It is to be given and received. - Always communicate seasoned with grace 1. “There are always three sides.” - the side of the “apparently right.” - The side of the “obviously wrong.” - The “Perfect side, God.” - There is no neutrality with God. - Do not get counsel from someone who will take your side.  Always from someone whose side is with God. 1. “Know and focus on your primary responsibilities.” Not on your spouse's responsibility. - Husband must lead with love and grace - The wife must be a helpmate and submit. 1. “Marriage is an eternal relationship.” - It is an ongoing and progressive process. - The wedding and the union are once, but the commitment is continuous 1. “Marriage is a process.” - it is God who brought you together. - Never allow anyone or anything to break this union - “Whatever God joins, let no man part asunder.” 1. “Your goal is to build a godly home and raise godly children. That will establish a holy and godly generation.”

How does a man obtain salvation? Does he need to be born again to believe, or does he believe first and then become born again? There are no prerequisites or requirements for salvation. It is completely by the grace of God and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible does not instruct us to exercise our natural faith—faith that is inherently powerless to save or to please God. The true faith that leads to salvation is the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ, which comes through hearing the Word of God, as stated in Romans 10:17. When the Word of God is preached (Romans 10:14), faith works within us to quicken our Spirit and help us understand the gospel message. It reveals to us our need for Jesus, especially since we are already under condemnation. This divine faith enables a person to believe in Christ and to receive Him as Savior. Our salvation is entirely and solely the work of God. The force that makes this possible is the faith of the Son of God. However, the natural man still retains his innate faith, which is tainted by sin. Since the faith of Christ empowers genuine thinking, man has the capacity to either listen to Christ’s faith or to rely on his natural, unregenerated faith. At this point, man begins to exercise free will. Those who confess with their mouth and believe in their heart, as Romans 10:9 states, are saved. Conversely, those who cling solely to their natural faith, trust in their own abilities, or rely on good works remain lost. This opportunity to accept salvation is temporary and occurs only in the moment when one hears God’s Word. However, every subsequent hearing of the Gospel presents another chance: the faith of Jesus quickens the Spirit again, enabling man to be saved. When a person truly surrenders through faith in Christ, God’s grace initiates the process of salvation within him. The Holy Spirit works in his heart to justify him through regeneration. He is adopted as a child of God, and the Holy Spirit takes residence within him to secure his eternal salvation, as John 10:28 affirms.

The Grace of God Dr J Hernes M Abante Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.” No one can fully comprehend the boundless and infinite nature of the grace of God. Due to His perfect and immutable nature, we must therefore conclude that His grace is also flawless and unwavering. We consider God’s grace extraordinary not only because He grants complete pardon, unmerited favor, and eternal salvation to the lost and unworthy, but also because His divine justice remains unviolated. He does not compromise His righteousness or moral perfection on the altar of kindness and pity for humans. If our salvation involved human decision and free will, then it would cease to be purely grace. Grace can never be conditioned or earned by anything man does or possesses. It is solely and exclusively an act of God, rooted in His sovereign will and divine authority. His grace entails His exclusive prerogatives to decree, speak, and act according to His perfect understanding and divine purpose. His perfect nature compels God to think, act, and process information with perfect cognition and reason. His perfect nature has not rendered Him an automaton incapable of genuine thought; rather, every decision God makes emanates from His sovereign will and is processed by His infinite, omniscient mind. Because He is omniscient and omnipotent, believers can trust Him completely and find rest in His unchanging character. Since man is entirely depraved—incapable of discerning or knowing God intrinsically—God’s grace, combined with the faith wrought through the Son of God, enables humans to respond appropriately to the gospel message. Without His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) and the faith imparted through Christ (Galatians 2:20), a natural man remains spiritually lost, condemned, and separated from God. Man is not saved by his natural, fallen faith. Our human faith has been tainted and affected by sin; therefore, it has no intrinsic power to please or appease God. It is only through divine grace and the supernatural work of the Spirit that genuine faith is cultivated and empowered to bring eternal salvation.