John 1:16-17
From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace... while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
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Once upon a time, a very strong woodcutter ask for a job in a timber merchant, and he got it. The pay was really good and so were the work conditions. For that reason, the woodcutter was determined to do his best. His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he was supposed to work.
The first day, the woodcutter brought 18 trees "Congratulations," the boss said. "Go on that way!" Very motivated for the boss’ words, the woodcutter try harder the next day, but he only could bring 15 trees. The third day he try even harder, but he only could bring 10 trees. Day after day he was bringing less and less trees. "I must be losing my strength", the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on.
"When was the last time you sharpened your axe?" the boss asked. "Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been very busy trying to cut trees..."
In the coming new year, let’s find a quiet place and start assessing ourselves. Do we need sharpening as we face new challenges in life? Make plans to sharpen our skills, our knowledge and of course, our spirit. God will continue to sharpen us, for we are the swords God has chosen to sharpen others for His great work until the end of time.
Almighty Father, sharpen me. May I continue to grow in You, continually learning Your words, understanding Your will and doing what is right. I submit myself to Your Son, Jesus so we see Him clearly as His kingdom come in our lives and in the world!
Oh Lord, Your word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. We pray for each other today, as we share Your great work with each other through our friendships.
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
MOVING ON
Luke 2:39
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
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When we are just starting to raise a family, my wife and I would be changing address almost every two years. In our first year, we lived with our in-laws in Mandaluyong. After a year, we would transfer further south in Cavite, when Motorola transferred its facility in that location. We would stay there for three years until I joined General Electric so I have to transfer near the Makati area, and rented a townhouse.
Then the opportunity to work in IR-China presented itself, so all of us expatriated to Xi’an, where we stayed for another three years. We came back in 2006. At present, we live in a condominium that me and my wife invested on. For 14 years, we were like nomads going from once place to another. But we did stick together, through thick and thin. As family, “no one will be left behind!”
The Holy Family have traveled farther – going from Jerusalem, to Bethlehem, to Egypt, then back to Israel, where they settled finally in Nazareth, fulfilling what was prophesized about Jesus. There, He would live as a young carpenter, “and (He) grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him”.
Almighty Father, we thank You for the gift of family. We acknowledge that our image and name as family come from you. We believe that within our family lies a homemade holiness. We are Family. We give thanks to You for the many joys and blessings that have come to us through family.
Oh Lord, we pray for the strength to be a light within our family. May we open our hearts, and carry our light to those in need. Help us to continue to appreciate the diversity of persons in our homes and in our world. As members equal in human dignity, may we build a better world and proclaim our willingness to be the holy people You call us to be.
Amen +
A family is holy not because it is perfect, but because God’s grace is at work in it.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
------------------------------------------
When we are just starting to raise a family, my wife and I would be changing address almost every two years. In our first year, we lived with our in-laws in Mandaluyong. After a year, we would transfer further south in Cavite, when Motorola transferred its facility in that location. We would stay there for three years until I joined General Electric so I have to transfer near the Makati area, and rented a townhouse.
Then the opportunity to work in IR-China presented itself, so all of us expatriated to Xi’an, where we stayed for another three years. We came back in 2006. At present, we live in a condominium that me and my wife invested on. For 14 years, we were like nomads going from once place to another. But we did stick together, through thick and thin. As family, “no one will be left behind!”
The Holy Family have traveled farther – going from Jerusalem, to Bethlehem, to Egypt, then back to Israel, where they settled finally in Nazareth, fulfilling what was prophesized about Jesus. There, He would live as a young carpenter, “and (He) grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him”.
Almighty Father, we thank You for the gift of family. We acknowledge that our image and name as family come from you. We believe that within our family lies a homemade holiness. We are Family. We give thanks to You for the many joys and blessings that have come to us through family.
Oh Lord, we pray for the strength to be a light within our family. May we open our hearts, and carry our light to those in need. Help us to continue to appreciate the diversity of persons in our homes and in our world. As members equal in human dignity, may we build a better world and proclaim our willingness to be the holy people You call us to be.
Amen +
A family is holy not because it is perfect, but because God’s grace is at work in it.
Monday, December 29, 2008
REASON FOR LIFE
1 John 2:5-6
This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked.
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God only promises us today. We don't know what is ahead of us. But God knows. He doesn't always show us what is in store for us or even if we will have a tomorrow. So we should live our lives as if each day is the last. How terrible it would be to live your whole life and in the end be full of regret. Live life to the fullest – for the goodness and glory of God!
Be blessed with this beautiful message from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
Oh Lord, as we look at the vastness of the universe that the You have created, we are overwhelmed with Your love. What comfort, what peace and what joy do we constantly feel under Your immense greatness. May the new year brings us more blessings, for in Your name, we put our trust.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
This is the way we may know that we are in union with him: whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked.
----------------------------------------------------------
God only promises us today. We don't know what is ahead of us. But God knows. He doesn't always show us what is in store for us or even if we will have a tomorrow. So we should live our lives as if each day is the last. How terrible it would be to live your whole life and in the end be full of regret. Live life to the fullest – for the goodness and glory of God!
Be blessed with this beautiful message from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
Oh Lord, as we look at the vastness of the universe that the You have created, we are overwhelmed with Your love. What comfort, what peace and what joy do we constantly feel under Your immense greatness. May the new year brings us more blessings, for in Your name, we put our trust.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
BRING BACK INNOCENCE
The HOLY FAMILY
& Feast of the Holy Innocents
Luke 2:40
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
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We can now see it everywhere – the magazines we read, the songs we sing, the music we dance to, the billboards along the busy highways – pictures or themes or messages that promote sex and sexuality. And the bad news is that these same messages are picked-up by our children. Today’s sex-obsessed culture forces children into roles they are not mentally, physically or emotionally ready to handle. Innocence is dying in our children. When will parents act like adults and stand up to say, “enough!”?
Two-thousand years ago, the devil used Herod to execute all innocent male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, in the hope of killing the Child Jesus. Today, the devil is using another tool to take that innocence out of our children – taking their mind out from godly existence, to live a life full of lust and worldly anxieties, in the hope of killing Jesus in their hearts.
Almighty Father, as parents, teach us to share with our children the purity of mind, body, soul and spirit:
1. MIND. Let them know how to control his/her own body in holiness and honour, not in the passion of lust.
2. BODY. Let them be busy in doing good deeds, praying and attending to needs of others. By doing good deeds, they can definitely attain a reasonable level of purity of mind.
3. SOUL & SPIRIT. Let them know that they are loved by “holding them close to our hearts”, so they may understand Your love towards them, generating a sense of serenity and simplicity as their soul connect with You, in oneness with You.
Oh Lord, through our prayers, may we reach purity. Through our prayers, may we be example of purity. Through our prayers, may we teach others purity. Through our prayers, let all things we are become pure.
“If my heart and mind is pure,
God lives in me, I am sure.”
Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways.
& Feast of the Holy Innocents
Luke 2:40
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
--------------------------------------------------
We can now see it everywhere – the magazines we read, the songs we sing, the music we dance to, the billboards along the busy highways – pictures or themes or messages that promote sex and sexuality. And the bad news is that these same messages are picked-up by our children. Today’s sex-obsessed culture forces children into roles they are not mentally, physically or emotionally ready to handle. Innocence is dying in our children. When will parents act like adults and stand up to say, “enough!”?
Two-thousand years ago, the devil used Herod to execute all innocent male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, in the hope of killing the Child Jesus. Today, the devil is using another tool to take that innocence out of our children – taking their mind out from godly existence, to live a life full of lust and worldly anxieties, in the hope of killing Jesus in their hearts.
Almighty Father, as parents, teach us to share with our children the purity of mind, body, soul and spirit:
1. MIND. Let them know how to control his/her own body in holiness and honour, not in the passion of lust.
2. BODY. Let them be busy in doing good deeds, praying and attending to needs of others. By doing good deeds, they can definitely attain a reasonable level of purity of mind.
3. SOUL & SPIRIT. Let them know that they are loved by “holding them close to our hearts”, so they may understand Your love towards them, generating a sense of serenity and simplicity as their soul connect with You, in oneness with You.
Oh Lord, through our prayers, may we reach purity. Through our prayers, may we be example of purity. Through our prayers, may we teach others purity. Through our prayers, let all things we are become pure.
“If my heart and mind is pure,
God lives in me, I am sure.”
Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
FELLOWSHIP
1 John 1:3
...what we have seen and heard, we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
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It rained hard an hour ago. I am standing there, waiting for a jeepney that would take me to the next jeepney stop. I waited for an hour but the jeeps are full. I decide to walk further, hoping that I could catch one. But nothing came. I just realized that I am not the only one walking. So, I decided once and for all, I will walk from EDSA-Quezon Avenue to Welcome Rotonda (a distance of about 15 km). It turned out that it was just the start of a nightmare. When I reached the Espana area, the whole place is flooded up to the knee, then up to the waist. I have to walk, and walk again to reach home, while wading through flood, evading floating debris and open manholes (as if I can see it through the murky water). Luckily, I know the path, and I just followed it.
The whole time I am walking and wading through flood, I just put my self in God’s presence and asked Him to walk with me and bring me home safely. It was a two hour walk, but it’s worth it.
Almighty Father, let me walk with You and grow in my faith. And as I walk with You, teach me more about You and the life You want for me. May I truly appreciate what You have done in my life. I will not mind how far I shall walk with You, Oh Lord. It doesn’t matter if at times, I would stumble, as long as You are there to hold my hands, up to the point of carrying me.
Oh Lord, I trust in You for I love You. Most of the time, You have asked me to walk with You, but I simply ignored Your invitation. But now, You don’t have to invite us. We can only trust in our heart when it is fully surrendered to obey the truth that You are. And we would truly be blessed if we learn to walk daily with You instead of You begging to walk with us.
“Let me walk the path
That You have made for me
So I may follow Your will
And be the person You want me to be.”
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
...what we have seen and heard, we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
------------------------------------------------
It rained hard an hour ago. I am standing there, waiting for a jeepney that would take me to the next jeepney stop. I waited for an hour but the jeeps are full. I decide to walk further, hoping that I could catch one. But nothing came. I just realized that I am not the only one walking. So, I decided once and for all, I will walk from EDSA-Quezon Avenue to Welcome Rotonda (a distance of about 15 km). It turned out that it was just the start of a nightmare. When I reached the Espana area, the whole place is flooded up to the knee, then up to the waist. I have to walk, and walk again to reach home, while wading through flood, evading floating debris and open manholes (as if I can see it through the murky water). Luckily, I know the path, and I just followed it.
The whole time I am walking and wading through flood, I just put my self in God’s presence and asked Him to walk with me and bring me home safely. It was a two hour walk, but it’s worth it.
Almighty Father, let me walk with You and grow in my faith. And as I walk with You, teach me more about You and the life You want for me. May I truly appreciate what You have done in my life. I will not mind how far I shall walk with You, Oh Lord. It doesn’t matter if at times, I would stumble, as long as You are there to hold my hands, up to the point of carrying me.
Oh Lord, I trust in You for I love You. Most of the time, You have asked me to walk with You, but I simply ignored Your invitation. But now, You don’t have to invite us. We can only trust in our heart when it is fully surrendered to obey the truth that You are. And we would truly be blessed if we learn to walk daily with You instead of You begging to walk with us.
“Let me walk the path
That You have made for me
So I may follow Your will
And be the person You want me to be.”
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
Friday, December 26, 2008
LIFE WITH JESUS
Matthew 10:22
You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.
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After all the drinking, eating and merry-making, all that is left would be leftovers. It has always been the case through these years – we would cook and prepare so much food that we cannot really consume them all. So, we share them with others – we invite our neighbors to eat with us, or we send some food to our relatives. In all, it gives us full satisfaction seeing bountiful blessings for the season and the coming new year.
As we anticipate the coming of the new year, we would always yearn for more blessings from Him. There may not be enough leftovers, but having something to sooth our hunger and thirst would be enough. However, having Him in our hearts would be of utmost importance. We can have Him more and more and more, overflowing from our hearts so we can have the chance to share Him with others. In today's gospel, He reminds us that we would be hated because of Him, and yet we must endure everything for His name. He came to the world not to enjoy life, but to suffer and die for our sins. We, too, did not come to the earth to enjoy it, but rather so others may enjoy life with God.
Almighty Father, I have been blessed with material things, as well as the blessing of having the Gospel of salvation. Yet, I still feel little desire to provide those same blessings to others. We are stewards of what You have given us and we have a responsibility to share with others the same thing that You have shared with us.
Oh Lord, feed us with Your words and love. You will provide for us, forever. Our job is to have faith that You will; to trust in You; and to pray without ceasing so we may live in Your love.
“Another year, another Christmas
May the memories still linger in our mind
As constant reminders of how the Lord loves us
As yesterday, today and for years to come.”
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.
----------------------------------------------------------
After all the drinking, eating and merry-making, all that is left would be leftovers. It has always been the case through these years – we would cook and prepare so much food that we cannot really consume them all. So, we share them with others – we invite our neighbors to eat with us, or we send some food to our relatives. In all, it gives us full satisfaction seeing bountiful blessings for the season and the coming new year.
As we anticipate the coming of the new year, we would always yearn for more blessings from Him. There may not be enough leftovers, but having something to sooth our hunger and thirst would be enough. However, having Him in our hearts would be of utmost importance. We can have Him more and more and more, overflowing from our hearts so we can have the chance to share Him with others. In today's gospel, He reminds us that we would be hated because of Him, and yet we must endure everything for His name. He came to the world not to enjoy life, but to suffer and die for our sins. We, too, did not come to the earth to enjoy it, but rather so others may enjoy life with God.
Almighty Father, I have been blessed with material things, as well as the blessing of having the Gospel of salvation. Yet, I still feel little desire to provide those same blessings to others. We are stewards of what You have given us and we have a responsibility to share with others the same thing that You have shared with us.
Oh Lord, feed us with Your words and love. You will provide for us, forever. Our job is to have faith that You will; to trust in You; and to pray without ceasing so we may live in Your love.
“Another year, another Christmas
May the memories still linger in our mind
As constant reminders of how the Lord loves us
As yesterday, today and for years to come.”
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
GOOD NEWS, GREAT JOY
Christmas Day
Luke 2:11
For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE AND ALL!!!
Amidst the giving of gifts, the excitement of children and the cooking of traditional dinners, it is easy to miss “the reason for the season”, the birth of God's son, Jesus Christ. There are several ways of bring Jesus back into our family celebrations of Christmas, including masses and church services. Let me share with you this moving Christmas prayer as we celebrate this very wonderful and important day in the History of Christianity.
A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson
Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen+
Speak from your heart. Thank Him. Praise Him. Glorify Him. I encourage you to think about what Jesus means to you and your family.
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to earth. We not only celebrate His birth in the manger, but also the reason for His coming – His death on the cross. We thank You for providing eternal life for each person who will accept His free gift of salvation. Father, I thank you for my family. Life is not always easy for us, but we know that You are always with us. As Your Word says, You will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you for the love that holds us together and for always meeting our needs. Draw us closer together through this coming year. We love You and want our time of celebration to be memorable today.
Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE AND ALL!!!
Amidst the giving of gifts, the excitement of children and the cooking of traditional dinners, it is easy to miss “the reason for the season”, the birth of God's son, Jesus Christ. There are several ways of bring Jesus back into our family celebrations of Christmas, including masses and church services. Let me share with you this moving Christmas prayer as we celebrate this very wonderful and important day in the History of Christianity.
A Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson
Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen+
Speak from your heart. Thank Him. Praise Him. Glorify Him. I encourage you to think about what Jesus means to you and your family.
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to earth. We not only celebrate His birth in the manger, but also the reason for His coming – His death on the cross. We thank You for providing eternal life for each person who will accept His free gift of salvation. Father, I thank you for my family. Life is not always easy for us, but we know that You are always with us. As Your Word says, You will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you for the love that holds us together and for always meeting our needs. Draw us closer together through this coming year. We love You and want our time of celebration to be memorable today.
Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
CHRISTMAS IN OUR HEARTS
Tonight Is Christmas Eve
Luke 1:68-69
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of His servant David.
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Two men sat in a pew at church. One prayed to the Lord, “God, give us a white Christmas this year. The beauty of the snow You send always reminds me of the glory of Your son who came to save us from our sins.”
The other man prayed, “O merciful Lord, do not let it snow this Christmas. So many of Your people are homeless this year, and I do not want them to freeze or suffer. The mercy You show to the poor always reminds me of the glory of Your son who came to save us from our sins.”
On Christmas there was snow. Not because the Lord cared more for the first man’s prayers, nor because He did not want to show mercy to the poor and homeless. The Lord allowed it to snow because the snow would bring out the best in both men: For if the snow did not come, the first man would not feel close to God, and the second man would stay home forgetting about the poor. But because it did snow, the first man felt the sense of peace and holiness he desired, and the poor were shown mercy when the second man went out in the cold to care for the homeless.
Oh Lord Jesus, it's Your birthday! Let's praise You, the king we adore. We raise our hands, loudly sing, praise and honor to the King of Kings who is born today to be our light, our life, our way!!! Let us rejoice in Your love with the joyous heart of a child. And then, like a jolly laughing Santa, we go out and share it with the whole world.
And as we await Your second coming, may we live our lives in total surrender to Your love, mercy and compassion.
“As Mary and Joseph search for a place
Where the Lord Jesus would be born
We prepare our hearts, straighten our ways
As we receive Jesus as our King, our Lord.”
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Luke 1:68-69
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of His servant David.
--------------------------------------------
Two men sat in a pew at church. One prayed to the Lord, “God, give us a white Christmas this year. The beauty of the snow You send always reminds me of the glory of Your son who came to save us from our sins.”
The other man prayed, “O merciful Lord, do not let it snow this Christmas. So many of Your people are homeless this year, and I do not want them to freeze or suffer. The mercy You show to the poor always reminds me of the glory of Your son who came to save us from our sins.”
On Christmas there was snow. Not because the Lord cared more for the first man’s prayers, nor because He did not want to show mercy to the poor and homeless. The Lord allowed it to snow because the snow would bring out the best in both men: For if the snow did not come, the first man would not feel close to God, and the second man would stay home forgetting about the poor. But because it did snow, the first man felt the sense of peace and holiness he desired, and the poor were shown mercy when the second man went out in the cold to care for the homeless.
Oh Lord Jesus, it's Your birthday! Let's praise You, the king we adore. We raise our hands, loudly sing, praise and honor to the King of Kings who is born today to be our light, our life, our way!!! Let us rejoice in Your love with the joyous heart of a child. And then, like a jolly laughing Santa, we go out and share it with the whole world.
And as we await Your second coming, may we live our lives in total surrender to Your love, mercy and compassion.
“As Mary and Joseph search for a place
Where the Lord Jesus would be born
We prepare our hearts, straighten our ways
As we receive Jesus as our King, our Lord.”
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
REFINEMENT
Malachi 3:3
Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
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In refining silver, the silversmith needs to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. He had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. And not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
Maybe, you would then ask the silversmith, “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?” His answer would be, “Oh, that’s easy— when I see my image in it.”
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Almighty Father, keep my heart pure for You. You have created me in Your likeness and image. You are the absolute example of purity, and to be with You, I must also be pure. And yet, You still love and take care of me, in spite of being impure and disgusting. Always keep me under the warmth of Your love – molding me, turning me around, heating me up – under Your watchful and caring eyes, until You see clearly Your own image in me.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, search our heart and cleanse us of all that would keep You from being our “first love” always and in all things. For You are everything to us, for You alone can fulfill our deepest needs. We seek Your mercy, we seek Your compassion as we glorify and praise You forever and ever.
Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
------------------------------------------------------
In refining silver, the silversmith needs to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. He had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. And not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
Maybe, you would then ask the silversmith, “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?” His answer would be, “Oh, that’s easy— when I see my image in it.”
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Almighty Father, keep my heart pure for You. You have created me in Your likeness and image. You are the absolute example of purity, and to be with You, I must also be pure. And yet, You still love and take care of me, in spite of being impure and disgusting. Always keep me under the warmth of Your love – molding me, turning me around, heating me up – under Your watchful and caring eyes, until You see clearly Your own image in me.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, search our heart and cleanse us of all that would keep You from being our “first love” always and in all things. For You are everything to us, for You alone can fulfill our deepest needs. We seek Your mercy, we seek Your compassion as we glorify and praise You forever and ever.
Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
Monday, December 22, 2008
CONTENTMENT
Luke 1:35
…the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name.
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As a child, I was taller than the average Filipino kid. At Grade 5, I am already at 5’4”. No wonder they tapped me to join the basketball league in my school. They thought that I can play really good. They were excited to see me play. In my first game, I was caught doing nothing inside “the paint” for three seconds (3-second rule) during our first ball possession. And I did it two more times before I understood what the rule is. After the first game, my score is zero together with zero rebounds and four fouls. In the next game, I was just used sparingly, if not at all. They have high expectations… and they felt that I have failed them, for I have not done the great things they expect from me.
In our life, we tend to expect more from someone or something good based on first impressions. We would befriend fair-complexioned person because he would be rich. Men would be better managers than ladies. Choose Pizza Hut than Shakey’s, “dahil mas class ang dating” (because it exudes more class). Marry a handsome guy or a lovely woman. In the end, when our choice fails to meet our expectations, we become disappointed, disgusted, with that person or thing. But in reality, we become frustrated with ourselves.
Almighty Father, teach me to be contented. Teach me to appreciate everything and everyone that You have given and provided me. Moreover, if anything does not go well – based on how I look at it, and not based on what You want – teach me to trust in You, for You are a faithful God.
You have done so much great things for us, Oh Lord. May we always recognize that as we await the celebration of the birth of Your Son.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, our trust is in You, forever. Grant us the patience and the ability to accept the consequences of our choices. May we forever be grateful for all the blessings that You have given us. May we see true beauty in everything we have and everyone we love, for they are part of the plan You have laid out for each of us.
My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
…the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name.
-----------------------------------------------
As a child, I was taller than the average Filipino kid. At Grade 5, I am already at 5’4”. No wonder they tapped me to join the basketball league in my school. They thought that I can play really good. They were excited to see me play. In my first game, I was caught doing nothing inside “the paint” for three seconds (3-second rule) during our first ball possession. And I did it two more times before I understood what the rule is. After the first game, my score is zero together with zero rebounds and four fouls. In the next game, I was just used sparingly, if not at all. They have high expectations… and they felt that I have failed them, for I have not done the great things they expect from me.
In our life, we tend to expect more from someone or something good based on first impressions. We would befriend fair-complexioned person because he would be rich. Men would be better managers than ladies. Choose Pizza Hut than Shakey’s, “dahil mas class ang dating” (because it exudes more class). Marry a handsome guy or a lovely woman. In the end, when our choice fails to meet our expectations, we become disappointed, disgusted, with that person or thing. But in reality, we become frustrated with ourselves.
Almighty Father, teach me to be contented. Teach me to appreciate everything and everyone that You have given and provided me. Moreover, if anything does not go well – based on how I look at it, and not based on what You want – teach me to trust in You, for You are a faithful God.
You have done so much great things for us, Oh Lord. May we always recognize that as we await the celebration of the birth of Your Son.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, our trust is in You, forever. Grant us the patience and the ability to accept the consequences of our choices. May we forever be grateful for all the blessings that You have given us. May we see true beauty in everything we have and everyone we love, for they are part of the plan You have laid out for each of us.
My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
EMMANUEL!
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Luke 1:35
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
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In elementary and high school days, my classmates would call me Roberto, my real name. But in college, I changed it to how my parents call me since birth, that is Jun. And I would also be called various names and aliases like Manacsa (military training), Love (by my wife), Papa (by my kids). But all of these refer to one person, and that is me.
There is no one in history that has been given more names or titles than Jesus Christ. Throughout the pages of Holy Writ over 100 names and titles are given to Jesus. However, there is no name more significant than “Emmanuel”. This name, which Matthew refers to in his Gospel (Matthew 1:23), was first given to Jesus by the prophet Isaiah 700 years before His birth (Isaiah 7:14). And this very special Christmas name, as Matthew tells us, means "God with us." Jesus Christ is Emmanuel, “God with us”.
And God has send Him to be with us because only He can undo what we have done. Only the One who created us in the first place can restore us again. Only our Creator can break down the wall of sin that separates His creatures from Him. Only He can give their lives the meaning and completeness they were supposed to have. Only "God with us" can rescue us from the oblivion that we are heading toward.
Emmanuel. In this one name, everything humankind needs and the entire plan of God's salvation is subsumed. How blessed we are that Jesus Christ became Emmanuel, GOD WITH US.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, so great was Your love for us, Your fallen creation, that You let Your glory to come here. And through His perfect life and death on the cross He broke down the wall of separation that our sin had built and reconciled us to Himself. Through Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, our sins are forgiven and we have fellowship with You, our Creator again. Amen +
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Luke 1:35
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
-----------------------------------------------------
In elementary and high school days, my classmates would call me Roberto, my real name. But in college, I changed it to how my parents call me since birth, that is Jun. And I would also be called various names and aliases like Manacsa (military training), Love (by my wife), Papa (by my kids). But all of these refer to one person, and that is me.
There is no one in history that has been given more names or titles than Jesus Christ. Throughout the pages of Holy Writ over 100 names and titles are given to Jesus. However, there is no name more significant than “Emmanuel”. This name, which Matthew refers to in his Gospel (Matthew 1:23), was first given to Jesus by the prophet Isaiah 700 years before His birth (Isaiah 7:14). And this very special Christmas name, as Matthew tells us, means "God with us." Jesus Christ is Emmanuel, “God with us”.
And God has send Him to be with us because only He can undo what we have done. Only the One who created us in the first place can restore us again. Only our Creator can break down the wall of sin that separates His creatures from Him. Only He can give their lives the meaning and completeness they were supposed to have. Only "God with us" can rescue us from the oblivion that we are heading toward.
Emmanuel. In this one name, everything humankind needs and the entire plan of God's salvation is subsumed. How blessed we are that Jesus Christ became Emmanuel, GOD WITH US.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, so great was Your love for us, Your fallen creation, that You let Your glory to come here. And through His perfect life and death on the cross He broke down the wall of separation that our sin had built and reconciled us to Himself. Through Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, our sins are forgiven and we have fellowship with You, our Creator again. Amen +
For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
LET IT BE DONE
Luke 1:38
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word.”
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THE LORD IS WITH YOU.
Many times in the Old Testament the words “the Lord is with you” signaled that someone was being called to a daunting task. In fact, these words often accompanied an invitation from God to play a crucial role in his plan of salvation. Such a divine calling generally entailed great sacrifices and challenged people to step out of their comfort zones and put their trust in God like never before. At the same time, these words offered assurance that they would not face these challenges alone. Some of Israel’s greatest leaders—men like Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon and David—were told that God would be with them when they were commissioned to serve his people.
FAVOR WITH GOD
We learn more of Mary’s mission in Luke 1:30, as the angel says, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Like the phrase “The Lord is with you,” the notion of finding “favor with God” also would bring to mind Old Testament covenant mediators in God’s salvation plan. Noah was the first person in the Bible described as finding favor with God (see Genesis 6:8). God saved him and his family from the flood and gave him a covenant to be the head of a renewed human family. The next person to find favor with God was Abraham (see Genesis 18:2-3). God made a covenant with him, calling on his family to be the instrument through which he would bring blessing to all the nations of the world.
Like these great covenant mediators of the Old Testament, Mary has found favor with God for God is with her. Walking in the footsteps of Noah, Abraham, Moses and David, Mary now is called to serve as an important cooperator in the divine plan to bring salvation to all the nations. And we are called in the same token. Are you willing to be His “handmaid”?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You have revealed the beauty of your power by exalting the lowly virgin of Nazareth and making her the mother of our Savior. Her total obedience brought Jesus to the waiting world and filled the void of incompletion with the presence of her child, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen +
Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to Your word.”
---------------------------------------------------
THE LORD IS WITH YOU.
Many times in the Old Testament the words “the Lord is with you” signaled that someone was being called to a daunting task. In fact, these words often accompanied an invitation from God to play a crucial role in his plan of salvation. Such a divine calling generally entailed great sacrifices and challenged people to step out of their comfort zones and put their trust in God like never before. At the same time, these words offered assurance that they would not face these challenges alone. Some of Israel’s greatest leaders—men like Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon and David—were told that God would be with them when they were commissioned to serve his people.
FAVOR WITH GOD
We learn more of Mary’s mission in Luke 1:30, as the angel says, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Like the phrase “The Lord is with you,” the notion of finding “favor with God” also would bring to mind Old Testament covenant mediators in God’s salvation plan. Noah was the first person in the Bible described as finding favor with God (see Genesis 6:8). God saved him and his family from the flood and gave him a covenant to be the head of a renewed human family. The next person to find favor with God was Abraham (see Genesis 18:2-3). God made a covenant with him, calling on his family to be the instrument through which he would bring blessing to all the nations of the world.
Like these great covenant mediators of the Old Testament, Mary has found favor with God for God is with her. Walking in the footsteps of Noah, Abraham, Moses and David, Mary now is called to serve as an important cooperator in the divine plan to bring salvation to all the nations. And we are called in the same token. Are you willing to be His “handmaid”?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You have revealed the beauty of your power by exalting the lowly virgin of Nazareth and making her the mother of our Savior. Her total obedience brought Jesus to the waiting world and filled the void of incompletion with the presence of her child, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen +
Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
ST. ELIZABETH
Luke 1:13-14
Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth…
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In a patriarchal honor-and-shame culture, the ultimate blessing for a woman was to have a son, and the ultimate disgrace was not having one. This is why in Luke, Elizabeth stresses that God has now taken away her disgrace among the people. In those days, people assumed that the woman was sterile and at fault, perhaps through some sin in her life. They never really considered the possibility that the man might be sterile.
Elizabeth, not her son John, is portrayed as the first prophetic figure of the new era, the first to announce the blessing and the blessedness of Mary. When Mary visited her, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and in a loud voice speaks her beatitude on Mary and on her child, Jesus. Her words are true and from God. Indeed, she even is the first in the Gospel to identify Mary's son as Lord, for she calls Mary “the mother of my Lord”.
In the story of Elizabeth and Mary, even women in a very patriarchal culture become vehicles of grace, conveyors of the truth, and bearers of the two most crucial figures who announce and bring in the new era of salvation. At the heart of it all were women who said yes to God despite all odds. In any era, that is no small miracle.
Do you love? Do you obey? Friends, we do not need an angel coming to us in a dream to challenge us to follow God. Instead, we have God’s greatest messenger, His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ to follow, to serve, to depend upon, and to love.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, let me enjoy the miracle of waking, when it comes to me; and the miracle of being aware that I am alive—a breathing, walking, thinking proof of Your love and mercy. It is a miracle that You made us, Lord. It is a greater miracle that You tolerate us. We thank you, Lord, with a full heart, for everything. Give us the gift of appreciating You, and all You do.
Amen +
My mouth shall be filled with Your praise, and I will sing Your glory!
Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth…
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In a patriarchal honor-and-shame culture, the ultimate blessing for a woman was to have a son, and the ultimate disgrace was not having one. This is why in Luke, Elizabeth stresses that God has now taken away her disgrace among the people. In those days, people assumed that the woman was sterile and at fault, perhaps through some sin in her life. They never really considered the possibility that the man might be sterile.
Elizabeth, not her son John, is portrayed as the first prophetic figure of the new era, the first to announce the blessing and the blessedness of Mary. When Mary visited her, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and in a loud voice speaks her beatitude on Mary and on her child, Jesus. Her words are true and from God. Indeed, she even is the first in the Gospel to identify Mary's son as Lord, for she calls Mary “the mother of my Lord”.
In the story of Elizabeth and Mary, even women in a very patriarchal culture become vehicles of grace, conveyors of the truth, and bearers of the two most crucial figures who announce and bring in the new era of salvation. At the heart of it all were women who said yes to God despite all odds. In any era, that is no small miracle.
Do you love? Do you obey? Friends, we do not need an angel coming to us in a dream to challenge us to follow God. Instead, we have God’s greatest messenger, His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ to follow, to serve, to depend upon, and to love.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, let me enjoy the miracle of waking, when it comes to me; and the miracle of being aware that I am alive—a breathing, walking, thinking proof of Your love and mercy. It is a miracle that You made us, Lord. It is a greater miracle that You tolerate us. We thank you, Lord, with a full heart, for everything. Give us the gift of appreciating You, and all You do.
Amen +
My mouth shall be filled with Your praise, and I will sing Your glory!
YES!
Matthew 1:20
Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.
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When was the last time you said “no” to someone asking for help or a favor? Maybe, when your wife asking you to help in cooking breakfast; or when your daughter asking you to help her in her homework; or your mother requesting you to come over for a dinner; or maybe, God whispering in your ears asking you to repent and stop your addictions.
Or, maybe, when an angel came to you, telling you that you will bear the Son of God. Imagine the very dire consequence if Mary had not accepted the proposal from God. Or Joseph running away after knowing that his fiancée is pregnant and the father is not him!
Most people agree that if someone says no and they have a good reason, that makes the “no” more acceptable. So, if you explain your reasons, people will often accept that you need to say no. But for Mary and Joseph, there is really no point in saying “No”. And God, being all-knowing, knows that they will say “Yes”. This is one of the reasons why Mary and Joseph are regarded with great respect by many people. They showed what the ultimate obedience was. And the rest, as they say, was history.
Jesus was born, suffered, died, resurrected, ascended to Heaven – all for our salvation; as we await for His second coming. And this all because Mary anf Joseph DID NOT SAY “NO” TO GOD!
Let us pray, as Advent draws to a close for the faith that opens our lives to the spirit of God +
Almighty Father, all-powerful God, Your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of Your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces His glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit Who prepares us for His coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen +
And blessed forever be His glorious name…
Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.
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When was the last time you said “no” to someone asking for help or a favor? Maybe, when your wife asking you to help in cooking breakfast; or when your daughter asking you to help her in her homework; or your mother requesting you to come over for a dinner; or maybe, God whispering in your ears asking you to repent and stop your addictions.
Or, maybe, when an angel came to you, telling you that you will bear the Son of God. Imagine the very dire consequence if Mary had not accepted the proposal from God. Or Joseph running away after knowing that his fiancée is pregnant and the father is not him!
Most people agree that if someone says no and they have a good reason, that makes the “no” more acceptable. So, if you explain your reasons, people will often accept that you need to say no. But for Mary and Joseph, there is really no point in saying “No”. And God, being all-knowing, knows that they will say “Yes”. This is one of the reasons why Mary and Joseph are regarded with great respect by many people. They showed what the ultimate obedience was. And the rest, as they say, was history.
Jesus was born, suffered, died, resurrected, ascended to Heaven – all for our salvation; as we await for His second coming. And this all because Mary anf Joseph DID NOT SAY “NO” TO GOD!
Let us pray, as Advent draws to a close for the faith that opens our lives to the spirit of God +
Almighty Father, all-powerful God, Your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of Your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces His glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit Who prepares us for His coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen +
And blessed forever be His glorious name…
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
JOSEPH AND MARY
Matthew 1:16
Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
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God had promised long before Abraham that a Redeemer would come. When Abraham was called, he was given the promise that “through his seed” all of the world would be blessed. Later on, one of Abraham's descendants, David, was given the same promise, Messiah would come through his loins, and would also reign as King.
Had Christ not redeemed us from the power of the devil, the work of redemption would not be perfect. But what does Scripture say? It says that just for this purpose Christ came into the world, to destroy the works of the devil. And in doing so, God had used two obedient individual – Joseph and Mary.
Imagine the gossip, the rumors, the pointing fingers, the whispers behind the back, the judgment and rejection that faced this young couple, on the verge of beginning their life together. The Scriptures tell us that Joseph was a righteous man. He was a man of character, integrity, and the highest of moral standards. The love and faith was also for Mary. Joseph loved Mary enough to stay with her despite her being pregnant. He loved her enough to raise God’s Son as his very own. He had faith in her and in God that what the angel had predicted would indeed come true.
The devil has no more claim upon us; he is no longer our master, but the Lord Jesus is our kind and merciful King, who has established His throne in our hearts. And in our dear Lord and Savior we have everything to make our happiness complete. The devil can no longer accuse us, and we can victoriously withstand his temptations.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Who loved us so much that You sent Your Son, born of a virgin who was engaged to a righteous man, we are so grateful for Your unselfish act of creation. We offer to You our lives, our beings, our obedience, and we ask that You would help us to live as You call us to live. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen +
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
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God had promised long before Abraham that a Redeemer would come. When Abraham was called, he was given the promise that “through his seed” all of the world would be blessed. Later on, one of Abraham's descendants, David, was given the same promise, Messiah would come through his loins, and would also reign as King.
Had Christ not redeemed us from the power of the devil, the work of redemption would not be perfect. But what does Scripture say? It says that just for this purpose Christ came into the world, to destroy the works of the devil. And in doing so, God had used two obedient individual – Joseph and Mary.
Imagine the gossip, the rumors, the pointing fingers, the whispers behind the back, the judgment and rejection that faced this young couple, on the verge of beginning their life together. The Scriptures tell us that Joseph was a righteous man. He was a man of character, integrity, and the highest of moral standards. The love and faith was also for Mary. Joseph loved Mary enough to stay with her despite her being pregnant. He loved her enough to raise God’s Son as his very own. He had faith in her and in God that what the angel had predicted would indeed come true.
The devil has no more claim upon us; he is no longer our master, but the Lord Jesus is our kind and merciful King, who has established His throne in our hearts. And in our dear Lord and Savior we have everything to make our happiness complete. The devil can no longer accuse us, and we can victoriously withstand his temptations.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Who loved us so much that You sent Your Son, born of a virgin who was engaged to a righteous man, we are so grateful for Your unselfish act of creation. We offer to You our lives, our beings, our obedience, and we ask that You would help us to live as You call us to live. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen +
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
KNOW HIM FULLY
Matthew 21:31
Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.
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I have this daily devotions. I go to Sunday mass service every Sunday. I try, as much as possible, not to fall into temptations. I pray in the morning, before meals and before retiring at night. I thought this would make me enter heaven. But in today’s gospel, Jesus is very clear: “tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you”. I would say this is unfair. But God is NEVER unfair. He is a justly God… He is the god of Justice!
Entering heaven is not just those things I mentioned above. It is opening our hearts to Him and responding to His every words and following His every will. The tax collectors and prostitutes during His time may have lived a life disobedient to God in the past but when they heard the preaching of Jesus they converted. It is because the tax collectors and sinners had reached rock bottom and realized that the lives they were living were empty and meaningless. In Jesus they found life as it was meant to be. Jesus offered hope to the tax collectors and sinners, hope they never before had.
But for me, I may have heard the preaching of Jesus and knew the Scriptures even before them, but my heart may have remained closed and is not responding to God. I must now open my heart FULLY to God. And then share this joy with others so they may also fully understand the gift of salvation, the gift of heaven. Only then would I be entitled to it, joining the sinners, like me, who came to know Jesus fully in my life.
Do you only know about Jesus or do you know Jesus in your heart? Have you met Him? If not, tell him you want to meet Him – before it’s too late!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, please be patient with me as your Spirit seeks to do his work of transformation in my life. I do want to live to honor you and more closely reflect the character and grace of Jesus. Please give me wisdom to know your will, courage to stay away from sin, and a willing heart to seek after you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen +
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.
-------------------------------------------------------
I have this daily devotions. I go to Sunday mass service every Sunday. I try, as much as possible, not to fall into temptations. I pray in the morning, before meals and before retiring at night. I thought this would make me enter heaven. But in today’s gospel, Jesus is very clear: “tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you”. I would say this is unfair. But God is NEVER unfair. He is a justly God… He is the god of Justice!
Entering heaven is not just those things I mentioned above. It is opening our hearts to Him and responding to His every words and following His every will. The tax collectors and prostitutes during His time may have lived a life disobedient to God in the past but when they heard the preaching of Jesus they converted. It is because the tax collectors and sinners had reached rock bottom and realized that the lives they were living were empty and meaningless. In Jesus they found life as it was meant to be. Jesus offered hope to the tax collectors and sinners, hope they never before had.
But for me, I may have heard the preaching of Jesus and knew the Scriptures even before them, but my heart may have remained closed and is not responding to God. I must now open my heart FULLY to God. And then share this joy with others so they may also fully understand the gift of salvation, the gift of heaven. Only then would I be entitled to it, joining the sinners, like me, who came to know Jesus fully in my life.
Do you only know about Jesus or do you know Jesus in your heart? Have you met Him? If not, tell him you want to meet Him – before it’s too late!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, please be patient with me as your Spirit seeks to do his work of transformation in my life. I do want to live to honor you and more closely reflect the character and grace of Jesus. Please give me wisdom to know your will, courage to stay away from sin, and a willing heart to seek after you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen +
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY
Psalms 25:9
He guides the humble to justice, He teaches the humble His way.
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I am thinking, if Jesus is born in our time, let us say just today, would he be born, or rather, still choose to be born in a manger, grow up as a carpenter’s son, live together with fishermen, tax collectors and prostitutes, ride on a donkey, wash the feet of his friends before he dies? I was thinking - and I know the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Our God is God of all seasons, of all times. And yes, he is a humble God. And His whole life on earth was a living example of humility.
Lord Jesus has taught and loved us through examples and parables. So it is only proper that we must deal with other Christians out of humility rather than pride, for we have no excuse for responding to fellow believers in a spirit of arrogance, haughtiness, or superiority. To be humble means to depend on God, on His grace, to keep ourselves under His guidance, like Jesus, without leaning on ourselves but uniquely on His all-powerful and merciful might. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, we must learn to beless proud, less greedy, less envious, less anger, less lust… to clean out our soul, in order to fill us with Jesus, with his humility, love, joy and peace.
The Lord Jesus Christ was no religious hypocrite. He always practiced what He preached and preached what He practiced. He was totally consistent in all of His ways. No legitimate fault could ever be found in Him. May we, His servants today, become more and more like Him!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, may we forever embodies humility – make the esteem effort to listen, accept others - no matter what their race, their religion, their education – or lack of it, or their station in life. And we can only show this through service, with great love, to others. May You see the humbleness in our hearts from this day forward.
Amen +
Teach me Your ways, O Lord.
He guides the humble to justice, He teaches the humble His way.
--------------------------------------------------
I am thinking, if Jesus is born in our time, let us say just today, would he be born, or rather, still choose to be born in a manger, grow up as a carpenter’s son, live together with fishermen, tax collectors and prostitutes, ride on a donkey, wash the feet of his friends before he dies? I was thinking - and I know the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Our God is God of all seasons, of all times. And yes, he is a humble God. And His whole life on earth was a living example of humility.
Lord Jesus has taught and loved us through examples and parables. So it is only proper that we must deal with other Christians out of humility rather than pride, for we have no excuse for responding to fellow believers in a spirit of arrogance, haughtiness, or superiority. To be humble means to depend on God, on His grace, to keep ourselves under His guidance, like Jesus, without leaning on ourselves but uniquely on His all-powerful and merciful might. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, we must learn to beless proud, less greedy, less envious, less anger, less lust… to clean out our soul, in order to fill us with Jesus, with his humility, love, joy and peace.
The Lord Jesus Christ was no religious hypocrite. He always practiced what He preached and preached what He practiced. He was totally consistent in all of His ways. No legitimate fault could ever be found in Him. May we, His servants today, become more and more like Him!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, may we forever embodies humility – make the esteem effort to listen, accept others - no matter what their race, their religion, their education – or lack of it, or their station in life. And we can only show this through service, with great love, to others. May You see the humbleness in our hearts from this day forward.
Amen +
Teach me Your ways, O Lord.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
REJOICE!
Third Sunday of Advent
for Sunday, December 14
Matthew 17:12
A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light…
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I was a barangay (village) secretary before, while my father is a councilor. Before every meetings, he would ask me to go early to the barangay hall to arrange everything – blackboard, chalks, PA system, microphones, etc. If there are already people present, I shall discuss with them the agenda for that day and give them a glimpse of what is happening in our barangay. When the barangay captain (leader) arrives, all will be ready and the people already have an idea about the meeting and could prepare and ask questions intelligently.
St. John the Baptist is the greatest messenger of all times, for he heralded and prepared the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. He went through all the places around the Jordan river, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Crowds of people came confessing their sins and he baptized them in the Jordan River. John always spoke the truth, even when people didn't want to hear it. He fearlessly confronted King Herod with the evil things he had done. Eventually, this stand for the truth cost John his life.
John's purpose was to prepare the people to accept Jesus. Could you help someone to accept Jesus as they see His love living in You?
The Lord Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. As the celebration of His nativity draws near, may we continuously prepare our hearts to fully accept Him as our Lord and our King. And as we wait for His glorious second coming, may we continuously prepare ourselves, through His mercy and grace, to join Him in eternal life.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we are Your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which You prepared beforehand. This Christmas, may we rejoice in Your name and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave us. Amen +
My soul rejoices in my God.
for Sunday, December 14
Matthew 17:12
A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light…
----------------------------------------------------
I was a barangay (village) secretary before, while my father is a councilor. Before every meetings, he would ask me to go early to the barangay hall to arrange everything – blackboard, chalks, PA system, microphones, etc. If there are already people present, I shall discuss with them the agenda for that day and give them a glimpse of what is happening in our barangay. When the barangay captain (leader) arrives, all will be ready and the people already have an idea about the meeting and could prepare and ask questions intelligently.
St. John the Baptist is the greatest messenger of all times, for he heralded and prepared the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. He went through all the places around the Jordan river, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Crowds of people came confessing their sins and he baptized them in the Jordan River. John always spoke the truth, even when people didn't want to hear it. He fearlessly confronted King Herod with the evil things he had done. Eventually, this stand for the truth cost John his life.
John's purpose was to prepare the people to accept Jesus. Could you help someone to accept Jesus as they see His love living in You?
The Lord Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. As the celebration of His nativity draws near, may we continuously prepare our hearts to fully accept Him as our Lord and our King. And as we wait for His glorious second coming, may we continuously prepare ourselves, through His mercy and grace, to join Him in eternal life.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we are Your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which You prepared beforehand. This Christmas, may we rejoice in Your name and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave us. Amen +
My soul rejoices in my God.
CONNECT WITH HIM
Psalms 80:19
Then we will no more withdraw from You; give us new life, and we will call upon Your name.
---------------------------------------------------------
In my childhood days, I remember watching Jesus of Nazareth on TV. Then, as I grew up, I watched other movies, read some books and saw some plays (like the Cenaculo during the Holy Week) about Jesus. The last one I saw was the “The Passion of the Christ”. No figure in history has been so widely portrayed in film, in drama, in story, in books, in narrative as Jesus. But hearing about him is not enough. There must be an inner opening of the eyes and the ears of the soul, so that we begin to understand the implications of his life. That is what our Lord is talking about. We need to have our ears opened so that the full meaning of what he did and said becomes evident to us, and we personally see that it involves us.
He gave us a new life, by sacrificing His life on the cross. May we think about the greatness, the glory, and the wonder of God. True worship is the desire to merge with God, for him to possess us and we to possess him, calling out to His name constantly and without ceasing. That is what Jesus says happens when we eat and drink his life. When we come and believe in Him, and keep coming and keep believing in Him, we grow into an intimate relationship with God. And when that happens, we would never let go, for withdrawing away from Him would be unthinkable.
Learn how to share your work, your family life, your personal life with Jesus, to operate in dependence upon his wisdom, grace and forgiveness of failure. Learn to bring all of your life constantly back into connection with Him.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You give us all the gift of faith. You give us all the gift of life. Enable and empower us to see you in all we touch, hear, say, and do. May we not take the obvious for granted but, through you, see all of our lives as sacred and a gift from you. Through our Savior, in the Holy Spirit, we pray, one God, forever and ever.
Amen +
Lord, make us turn to You; let us see Your face and we shall be saved.
Then we will no more withdraw from You; give us new life, and we will call upon Your name.
---------------------------------------------------------
In my childhood days, I remember watching Jesus of Nazareth on TV. Then, as I grew up, I watched other movies, read some books and saw some plays (like the Cenaculo during the Holy Week) about Jesus. The last one I saw was the “The Passion of the Christ”. No figure in history has been so widely portrayed in film, in drama, in story, in books, in narrative as Jesus. But hearing about him is not enough. There must be an inner opening of the eyes and the ears of the soul, so that we begin to understand the implications of his life. That is what our Lord is talking about. We need to have our ears opened so that the full meaning of what he did and said becomes evident to us, and we personally see that it involves us.
He gave us a new life, by sacrificing His life on the cross. May we think about the greatness, the glory, and the wonder of God. True worship is the desire to merge with God, for him to possess us and we to possess him, calling out to His name constantly and without ceasing. That is what Jesus says happens when we eat and drink his life. When we come and believe in Him, and keep coming and keep believing in Him, we grow into an intimate relationship with God. And when that happens, we would never let go, for withdrawing away from Him would be unthinkable.
Learn how to share your work, your family life, your personal life with Jesus, to operate in dependence upon his wisdom, grace and forgiveness of failure. Learn to bring all of your life constantly back into connection with Him.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You give us all the gift of faith. You give us all the gift of life. Enable and empower us to see you in all we touch, hear, say, and do. May we not take the obvious for granted but, through you, see all of our lives as sacred and a gift from you. Through our Savior, in the Holy Spirit, we pray, one God, forever and ever.
Amen +
Lord, make us turn to You; let us see Your face and we shall be saved.
Friday, December 12, 2008
MAGNIFICAT!
Luke 1:46-47
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
------------------------------------------------
Mary's "yes" becomes joy to all who were in darkness and the shadow of death. Indeed, through her the Lord of life came into the world. The words of the Magnificat are as it were the spiritual testament of the Virgin Mother. Therefore they quite rightly constitute the heritage of all who, recognizing themselves as her children, decide to welcome her into their homes.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
He has looked with favour on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed;
the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is His name.
He has mercy on those who fear Him,
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm
and has scattered the proud in their conceit,
Casting down the mighty from their thrones
and lifting up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good thing
and sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
to remember His promise of mercy,
The promise made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
O Mother Mary, help me to keep to my purpose of living as a faithful disciple of Jesus, for the building up of the Christian society and the joy of the holy Catholic Church. I greet you, Mother, morning and evening; from you I hope for the inspiration and encouragement that will enable me to fulfill the sacred promises of my earthly vocation, give glory to God, and win eternal salvation. O Mary! Like you in Bethlehem and on Golgotha, I too wish to stay always close to Jesus. He is the eternal King of all ages and all peoples. Amen +
Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God.
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
------------------------------------------------
Mary's "yes" becomes joy to all who were in darkness and the shadow of death. Indeed, through her the Lord of life came into the world. The words of the Magnificat are as it were the spiritual testament of the Virgin Mother. Therefore they quite rightly constitute the heritage of all who, recognizing themselves as her children, decide to welcome her into their homes.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
He has looked with favour on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed;
the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is His name.
He has mercy on those who fear Him,
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm
and has scattered the proud in their conceit,
Casting down the mighty from their thrones
and lifting up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good thing
and sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
to remember His promise of mercy,
The promise made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children for ever.
O Mother Mary, help me to keep to my purpose of living as a faithful disciple of Jesus, for the building up of the Christian society and the joy of the holy Catholic Church. I greet you, Mother, morning and evening; from you I hope for the inspiration and encouragement that will enable me to fulfill the sacred promises of my earthly vocation, give glory to God, and win eternal salvation. O Mary! Like you in Bethlehem and on Golgotha, I too wish to stay always close to Jesus. He is the eternal King of all ages and all peoples. Amen +
Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
FEAR NOT
Isaiah 41:13
I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you.”
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It was a sight that is fun to watch. Glittering lights, towering rides, games and street foods. It was my first time to be in that place. Filipinos call it “karnabal o peryahan” (loosely translated as carnival, but it is far from the real one). The first ride that caught my fancy was the ferris wheel. I immediately asked my father to accompany me, and he readily said yes.
But the fun quickly vanished, and immediately replaced by fear. It was my first time to ride on it, and the first stop saw us hanging at the highest point of the wheel. I was trembling and crying. My father hugged me and told me not to look down, but rather look up to the sky and adore the stars. I was looking up and adoring them in the duration of the ride. The fear was not completely gone, but the crying and the trembling was. With my father at my side, I can do anything… but with the sky and stars to watch and behold, I can dispel fear and anything that goes with it.
As I go through life, I sometimes feel being afraid. The spirit of fear overcomes me. Now, I know the Lord gives me the strength to overcome this spirit of fear. He has given us the spirit and the power of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). Although the world has every right to fear, the children of God must be fearless in these days. When we have a relationship with God, we can rely on His promises. We can be strong and of good courage. We can fear nothing because God is with us, He will not fail us, nor forsake us. This is His promise. And as a faithful God, we need to have faith in Him.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help me overcome fear of man and of the unknown. May I look up to you and seek Your mighty name so I may not be afraid of being alone, not to be afraid of being too weak, not to be afraid of not being heard, and not to be afraid for our physical necessities. I know I can, because I have put my total trust in You. For there is nothing to fear but You alone.
Amen +
The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.
I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you.”
---------------------------------------------------------
It was a sight that is fun to watch. Glittering lights, towering rides, games and street foods. It was my first time to be in that place. Filipinos call it “karnabal o peryahan” (loosely translated as carnival, but it is far from the real one). The first ride that caught my fancy was the ferris wheel. I immediately asked my father to accompany me, and he readily said yes.
But the fun quickly vanished, and immediately replaced by fear. It was my first time to ride on it, and the first stop saw us hanging at the highest point of the wheel. I was trembling and crying. My father hugged me and told me not to look down, but rather look up to the sky and adore the stars. I was looking up and adoring them in the duration of the ride. The fear was not completely gone, but the crying and the trembling was. With my father at my side, I can do anything… but with the sky and stars to watch and behold, I can dispel fear and anything that goes with it.
As I go through life, I sometimes feel being afraid. The spirit of fear overcomes me. Now, I know the Lord gives me the strength to overcome this spirit of fear. He has given us the spirit and the power of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). Although the world has every right to fear, the children of God must be fearless in these days. When we have a relationship with God, we can rely on His promises. We can be strong and of good courage. We can fear nothing because God is with us, He will not fail us, nor forsake us. This is His promise. And as a faithful God, we need to have faith in Him.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help me overcome fear of man and of the unknown. May I look up to you and seek Your mighty name so I may not be afraid of being alone, not to be afraid of being too weak, not to be afraid of not being heard, and not to be afraid for our physical necessities. I know I can, because I have put my total trust in You. For there is nothing to fear but You alone.
Amen +
The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
REST!
Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
-------------------------------------------------
The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear." The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear it's weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then open another door and pick any cross you wish." The man was filled with relief. "Thank you, Lord," he sighed. As he looked around the room he saw many different crosses; some so large the tops were not visible. Then he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.
And the Lord replied, "My son, that's the cross you brought in."
A burden is the heaviness of the heart, soul and spirit. It's something that you might have done or it could be a natural thing that has happened. Therefore, we must not focus on the burden we have. We must focus on how God has blessed us. We must let God handle our burdens.
May we learn to share each other's burdens, and in this way, we obey the law of Christ. The rest that we receive, we know we don't deserve it. But we believe that the Lord will give us the ability to have peace and confidence of mind. We may not remove the whole burden, because He wants us to see how great are You. But we must still come to Him with trust in our hearts; we lay it all out to Him, for we trust in Him forever and our lives to Him we surrender.
What task of yours is too great to bear? Christ wants you to come to him for rest. He will give you peace and ease and comfort.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, teach me to be a burden-bearer, not a burden-passer. And as I help lift other people’s burden – I know You will lift mine, for You are a merciful God. I shall never think I am too important to help someone, for if that is what I believe, then I am only fooling myself.
Amen +
O bless the Lord, my soul!
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
-------------------------------------------------
The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear." The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear it's weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then open another door and pick any cross you wish." The man was filled with relief. "Thank you, Lord," he sighed. As he looked around the room he saw many different crosses; some so large the tops were not visible. Then he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.
And the Lord replied, "My son, that's the cross you brought in."
A burden is the heaviness of the heart, soul and spirit. It's something that you might have done or it could be a natural thing that has happened. Therefore, we must not focus on the burden we have. We must focus on how God has blessed us. We must let God handle our burdens.
May we learn to share each other's burdens, and in this way, we obey the law of Christ. The rest that we receive, we know we don't deserve it. But we believe that the Lord will give us the ability to have peace and confidence of mind. We may not remove the whole burden, because He wants us to see how great are You. But we must still come to Him with trust in our hearts; we lay it all out to Him, for we trust in Him forever and our lives to Him we surrender.
What task of yours is too great to bear? Christ wants you to come to him for rest. He will give you peace and ease and comfort.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, teach me to be a burden-bearer, not a burden-passer. And as I help lift other people’s burden – I know You will lift mine, for You are a merciful God. I shall never think I am too important to help someone, for if that is what I believe, then I am only fooling myself.
Amen +
O bless the Lord, my soul!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
POWER OF GOD
Isaiah 40:9
Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord GOD…
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I used to play Starcraft or Warcraft. These are PC games under the category of “strategy games”. In this type of game, I am in control of my own “country”. I may be only given some gold, lumbers and workers from which I start to build a community, then an army, and so on. I have to protect the community from invaders or else, my country will crumble, and I lost the game. Decisions must also be made - like whether to build an army barrack or a hospital; whether to train “knights” or “archers” - knights maybe tougher, but they are “expensive (more gold and lumber)”.
But, when I feel I am losing, I activate what are called “cheats”. These are codes being entered to get more gold, or get more power without “sweating it out.” My most favorite cheat is the “god mode”. When you invoke this cheat, your country becomes invincible and your army becomes immortal.
Almighty Father, today, I am playing a different “game”. The end in mind is also the same, to win in the end – but this time, against evil and temptations. And I am not anymore the master, but You are. I have to follow whatever You asked of me. And when I feel I am losing, I believe that You will immediately enter the “cheats” to make me stronger against the enemies.
Oh Lord, You have not yet used the most powerful code on me. And it is really up to me if I would be worthy of that code. But I know that time will come when my soul will be rewarded with it - the reward of eternal life in heaven. So, I have to commit myself today in serving You, so I may be worthy of that reward. Reserve me a place in heaven, Oh Lord, when I finally be made worthy of the “God mode”.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You have not yet used the most powerful code on me. And it is really up to me if I would be worthy of that code. But I know that time will come when my soul will be rewarded with it - the reward of eternal life in heaven. So, I have to commit myself today in serving You, so I may be worthy of that reward. Reserve me a place in heaven, Oh Lord, when I finally be made worthy of the “God mode”. Amen +
The Lord our God comes with power.
Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord GOD…
---------------------------------------------------
I used to play Starcraft or Warcraft. These are PC games under the category of “strategy games”. In this type of game, I am in control of my own “country”. I may be only given some gold, lumbers and workers from which I start to build a community, then an army, and so on. I have to protect the community from invaders or else, my country will crumble, and I lost the game. Decisions must also be made - like whether to build an army barrack or a hospital; whether to train “knights” or “archers” - knights maybe tougher, but they are “expensive (more gold and lumber)”.
But, when I feel I am losing, I activate what are called “cheats”. These are codes being entered to get more gold, or get more power without “sweating it out.” My most favorite cheat is the “god mode”. When you invoke this cheat, your country becomes invincible and your army becomes immortal.
Almighty Father, today, I am playing a different “game”. The end in mind is also the same, to win in the end – but this time, against evil and temptations. And I am not anymore the master, but You are. I have to follow whatever You asked of me. And when I feel I am losing, I believe that You will immediately enter the “cheats” to make me stronger against the enemies.
Oh Lord, You have not yet used the most powerful code on me. And it is really up to me if I would be worthy of that code. But I know that time will come when my soul will be rewarded with it - the reward of eternal life in heaven. So, I have to commit myself today in serving You, so I may be worthy of that reward. Reserve me a place in heaven, Oh Lord, when I finally be made worthy of the “God mode”.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You have not yet used the most powerful code on me. And it is really up to me if I would be worthy of that code. But I know that time will come when my soul will be rewarded with it - the reward of eternal life in heaven. So, I have to commit myself today in serving You, so I may be worthy of that reward. Reserve me a place in heaven, Oh Lord, when I finally be made worthy of the “God mode”. Amen +
The Lord our God comes with power.
FULL OF GRACE
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Luke 1:38
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
---------------------------------------------
The Immaculate Conception is a doctrine of the Catholic Church in regards to the Blessed Virgin Mary. An official statement of the doctrine reads, “…the blessed Virgin Mary to have been, from the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in view of the merits of Christ Jesus the Savior of Mankind, preserved free from all stain of original sin.” Essentially, the Immaculate Conception is the belief that Mary was protected from original sin.
Mary was indeed favored and full of grace. The Lord of heaven and earth had prepared and chosen her as a fertile ground into which he planted the seed of His Word. Angels still visit those who believe that grace is real and available, the favor and blessing of God. They come, bearing God’s message to men and women are humble enough to open themselves to its dynamic, sanctifying and transforming action.
Each of us is now called to become full of grace. The Lord desires to be with us, to live within us in a world that hungers for His love—a love which can be borne in us and offered through us to others. Mary shows us the way. She heard the promise, believed, was filled with grace, and conceived the Lord who is Love incarnate. We can do likewise if we learn to pray, to listen, to hear, to respond, to say “Yes”. In doing so we, like Mary, will discover that “nothing is impossible with God.”
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end.
Amen +
Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous deeds.
Luke 1:38
“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
---------------------------------------------
The Immaculate Conception is a doctrine of the Catholic Church in regards to the Blessed Virgin Mary. An official statement of the doctrine reads, “…the blessed Virgin Mary to have been, from the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in view of the merits of Christ Jesus the Savior of Mankind, preserved free from all stain of original sin.” Essentially, the Immaculate Conception is the belief that Mary was protected from original sin.
Mary was indeed favored and full of grace. The Lord of heaven and earth had prepared and chosen her as a fertile ground into which he planted the seed of His Word. Angels still visit those who believe that grace is real and available, the favor and blessing of God. They come, bearing God’s message to men and women are humble enough to open themselves to its dynamic, sanctifying and transforming action.
Each of us is now called to become full of grace. The Lord desires to be with us, to live within us in a world that hungers for His love—a love which can be borne in us and offered through us to others. Mary shows us the way. She heard the promise, believed, was filled with grace, and conceived the Lord who is Love incarnate. We can do likewise if we learn to pray, to listen, to hear, to respond, to say “Yes”. In doing so we, like Mary, will discover that “nothing is impossible with God.”
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, world without end.
Amen +
Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous deeds.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
PREPARE!
Second Sunday of Advent
for December 7, Sunday
Mark 1:3
A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths…
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We would go to the beach. The night before that, I cannot sleep. My mother would tell me that I am excited. I said no, I am not excited – I just don’t want to be left behind me when the morning comes and it is time to go. So, I have to stay awake.
It was Christmas Eve. I cannot sleep and have to wait for midnight. My mother would tell me to sleep and she will just wake me up in time for the midnight dinner. I said no, I have to stay awake for she might not wake me up and miss everything that I have waited for. So, I have to stay awake.
I can still remember other instances wherein I have to stay awake, prepare and wait for something or someone. In this season of advent, may we be reminded to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Ultimately then, waiting upon God protects us, deepens our trust in Him, forces us to seek His ways and brings Him the most glory. There are times the Lord is testing whether we are really seeking Him and His ways. So, we have to stay awake.
We must prepare a straight path for the Lord, removing all obstacles which stand in the Lord’s way preventing him from coming. All the crooked ways in our life, in the life of our society need to be straightened out. Let the season of Advent be a time when we look forward with great expectation to the coming of the Lord, trusting that he will do a new thing in our life and in the life of the world, preparing ourselves morally and spiritually to receive Him when he comes. Behold our God, He is coming.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people. He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us. He is the Savior of us all. O Lord, we should always be ready for the coming of the Master. The Lord will make the darkest places bright, in Jesus’ name. Amen. +
Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
for December 7, Sunday
Mark 1:3
A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths…
------------------------------------------------------
We would go to the beach. The night before that, I cannot sleep. My mother would tell me that I am excited. I said no, I am not excited – I just don’t want to be left behind me when the morning comes and it is time to go. So, I have to stay awake.
It was Christmas Eve. I cannot sleep and have to wait for midnight. My mother would tell me to sleep and she will just wake me up in time for the midnight dinner. I said no, I have to stay awake for she might not wake me up and miss everything that I have waited for. So, I have to stay awake.
I can still remember other instances wherein I have to stay awake, prepare and wait for something or someone. In this season of advent, may we be reminded to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Ultimately then, waiting upon God protects us, deepens our trust in Him, forces us to seek His ways and brings Him the most glory. There are times the Lord is testing whether we are really seeking Him and His ways. So, we have to stay awake.
We must prepare a straight path for the Lord, removing all obstacles which stand in the Lord’s way preventing him from coming. All the crooked ways in our life, in the life of our society need to be straightened out. Let the season of Advent be a time when we look forward with great expectation to the coming of the Lord, trusting that he will do a new thing in our life and in the life of the world, preparing ourselves morally and spiritually to receive Him when he comes. Behold our God, He is coming.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people. He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us. He is the Savior of us all. O Lord, we should always be ready for the coming of the Master. The Lord will make the darkest places bright, in Jesus’ name. Amen. +
Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
PRICELESS!
Matthew 10:8
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
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Some of you may have seen these ads from Mastercard. It would show you some spending done by the person (like a night in a hotel… $120, a bottle of wine…$150, dinner for two… $200). Then, it would cap it off with what those spending would really mean to him or his loved ones (getting her nod to marry you… PRICELESS!).
The Lord could have done the same during His public ministry. Imagine this:
Healing leprosy… 100 dinari
Making you see again… 200 dinari
Making a dead alive… 1,000 dinari
Multiplication of loaves… 50 dinari
But, salvation and eternal life… PRICELESS!
But this was not the case. This is not what He taught to His disciples. Rather, Jesus gives his apostles a lesson about what is priceless - SERVING: Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. He gives us all and has come to take nothing away from us. Indeed, the Lord gained nothing in redeeming us; but rather spent Himself completely.
So the challenge is to give away what you’ve received. Don’t worry about what it is, or how much you have, or how it stacks up against what anyone else has received. Just give it away! It is really hard to do, for we are all attached to these material things. But always remember that we were born with nothing and that we shall leave this earthly world with nothing. But in giving, we will gain heaven – that is everything! That is, PRICELESS!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, in Your infinite riches, You have given me everything I have. Show me today how and where to give it away. I believe that even as I do, You will fill me with more and more.
Amen +
Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
------------------------------------------------------
Some of you may have seen these ads from Mastercard. It would show you some spending done by the person (like a night in a hotel… $120, a bottle of wine…$150, dinner for two… $200). Then, it would cap it off with what those spending would really mean to him or his loved ones (getting her nod to marry you… PRICELESS!).
The Lord could have done the same during His public ministry. Imagine this:
Healing leprosy… 100 dinari
Making you see again… 200 dinari
Making a dead alive… 1,000 dinari
Multiplication of loaves… 50 dinari
But, salvation and eternal life… PRICELESS!
But this was not the case. This is not what He taught to His disciples. Rather, Jesus gives his apostles a lesson about what is priceless - SERVING: Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. He gives us all and has come to take nothing away from us. Indeed, the Lord gained nothing in redeeming us; but rather spent Himself completely.
So the challenge is to give away what you’ve received. Don’t worry about what it is, or how much you have, or how it stacks up against what anyone else has received. Just give it away! It is really hard to do, for we are all attached to these material things. But always remember that we were born with nothing and that we shall leave this earthly world with nothing. But in giving, we will gain heaven – that is everything! That is, PRICELESS!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, in Your infinite riches, You have given me everything I have. Show me today how and where to give it away. I believe that even as I do, You will fill me with more and more.
Amen +
Blessed are all who wait for the Lord.
Friday, December 5, 2008
FAITHFULLY YOURS
Matthew 9:29
“Let it be done for you according to your faith.”
-------------------------------------------
In my childhood years, my parents would always bring us to the circus and magic shows. I would always be fascinated with hand magic (card tricks, disappearing coins) and mind-boggling tricks (woman being sawn in half). And the trick that would really interest me is when the magician makes a person float in the air, and move him from one place to another then back. It was really captivating, but I know it is just a magic trick and can be explained. I really doubt that the magician can really do that and there might but some contraptions underneath that blanket. But when I started doubting, the fun was gone, the feeling of fascination ended.
The same is true with our faith in God - once we start doubting, then our lives become nothing but mere magical routine.
Lord Jesus, You did explained to us that we can have the ability to move mountains and trees, if we only have the faith the size of a mustard seed. By this simple remark, You have challenged our whole being, that our life must be lived in total faith to You - to follow and say what You believe is right, without doubting! For without faith, it is impossible to please You, Oh Lord, for we must constantly come to You; must always believe that You would reward those who diligently seek You and Your will (Hebrews 11:6).
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I know that faith is more precious than any gold or riches and due to this, that I would be continuously tested for my faith. But even though I can expect difficulties and persecutions in my life of faith, I should expect more blessings as well – gift of salvation (Eph 2:8), and answer to prayers (Matthew 21:22). And through faith, I shall continually obey Your will with an ever-trusting heart, totally repenting my sins and not entertaining temptations. Help me cultivate my faith, Oh Lord, that I may do greater things, and even move mountains, all for the glory of Your mighty name.
Amen +
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
“Let it be done for you according to your faith.”
-------------------------------------------
In my childhood years, my parents would always bring us to the circus and magic shows. I would always be fascinated with hand magic (card tricks, disappearing coins) and mind-boggling tricks (woman being sawn in half). And the trick that would really interest me is when the magician makes a person float in the air, and move him from one place to another then back. It was really captivating, but I know it is just a magic trick and can be explained. I really doubt that the magician can really do that and there might but some contraptions underneath that blanket. But when I started doubting, the fun was gone, the feeling of fascination ended.
The same is true with our faith in God - once we start doubting, then our lives become nothing but mere magical routine.
Lord Jesus, You did explained to us that we can have the ability to move mountains and trees, if we only have the faith the size of a mustard seed. By this simple remark, You have challenged our whole being, that our life must be lived in total faith to You - to follow and say what You believe is right, without doubting! For without faith, it is impossible to please You, Oh Lord, for we must constantly come to You; must always believe that You would reward those who diligently seek You and Your will (Hebrews 11:6).
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I know that faith is more precious than any gold or riches and due to this, that I would be continuously tested for my faith. But even though I can expect difficulties and persecutions in my life of faith, I should expect more blessings as well – gift of salvation (Eph 2:8), and answer to prayers (Matthew 21:22). And through faith, I shall continually obey Your will with an ever-trusting heart, totally repenting my sins and not entertaining temptations. Help me cultivate my faith, Oh Lord, that I may do greater things, and even move mountains, all for the glory of Your mighty name.
Amen +
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
TRUST IN HIM FOREVER
Isaiah 26:4-5
Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock. He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down…
--------------------------------------------------------
My wife and I attended a seminar on parenting. It was a two-hour talk, but very straight to the point. In the last 30-minutes, Bro. Ed shared his own life experience in raising up his only daughter, April. The talk is an eye-opener, not that it opened my eyes that we are doing wrong in raising up our own children, but rather, it helps us understand that we are not alone. In this age of technology, parent-teen bonding and communication becomes all the more important.
Jesus have come to this world by choosing to be part of a family. He could have come clothed in shiny clothes, riding in a chariot of fires with His army of angels, so that people will believe that He is the King. But no! He chose to be born in a manger and be raised up by Mary and Joseph, knowing exactly well that the family is important in providing the very proper spiritual and moral upbringing to each and every child. He wants to show us that He came to serve and not to be served. But, we must make sure that we trust Him in everything that we do. He is our King, and to Him we must trust forever.
This is the very reason why we should believe and put our faith in You, Oh God. We have been demanding a lot from You lately, of things that we may not need. And instead of waiting, we show doubt and more disappointment. This has got to stop. From now on, I shall take the time to appreciate everything that you have already done and given us. And I will start with my own family. For giving them to me, I thank You fully.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I place myself in Your loving arms. Please ease my doubts, deepen my trust, calm my fears, touch my aches and pains, hang onto me and restore my insight. Help us to love You with a pure and contrite heart, and to humble ourselves beneath Your cross. And when Jesus comes, I hope that He would see the faith in me, and be worthy to join Him in Heaven.
Amen +
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Trust in the LORD forever! For the LORD is an eternal Rock. He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down…
--------------------------------------------------------
My wife and I attended a seminar on parenting. It was a two-hour talk, but very straight to the point. In the last 30-minutes, Bro. Ed shared his own life experience in raising up his only daughter, April. The talk is an eye-opener, not that it opened my eyes that we are doing wrong in raising up our own children, but rather, it helps us understand that we are not alone. In this age of technology, parent-teen bonding and communication becomes all the more important.
Jesus have come to this world by choosing to be part of a family. He could have come clothed in shiny clothes, riding in a chariot of fires with His army of angels, so that people will believe that He is the King. But no! He chose to be born in a manger and be raised up by Mary and Joseph, knowing exactly well that the family is important in providing the very proper spiritual and moral upbringing to each and every child. He wants to show us that He came to serve and not to be served. But, we must make sure that we trust Him in everything that we do. He is our King, and to Him we must trust forever.
This is the very reason why we should believe and put our faith in You, Oh God. We have been demanding a lot from You lately, of things that we may not need. And instead of waiting, we show doubt and more disappointment. This has got to stop. From now on, I shall take the time to appreciate everything that you have already done and given us. And I will start with my own family. For giving them to me, I thank You fully.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I place myself in Your loving arms. Please ease my doubts, deepen my trust, calm my fears, touch my aches and pains, hang onto me and restore my insight. Help us to love You with a pure and contrite heart, and to humble ourselves beneath Your cross. And when Jesus comes, I hope that He would see the faith in me, and be worthy to join Him in Heaven.
Amen +
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
SATISFIED WITH HIM
Matthew 15:37
They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
---------------------------------------------
In the bible, one of the most famous miracle stories is the feeding of five-thousand. It was the end of the day, and people are hungry. It was getting dark, and maybe, children are crying and people are asking for food. Worse, the disciples doesn’t even know what to do. And Jesus, being a good host, “was moved with compassion for them”. “You give them something to eat”, He said. And something to eat, they found – five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus did not panicked – in fact, He never panics! He blessed the bread and the fish, and was able to feed the five-thousand.
And there were even leftovers! Jesus was showing us that not only does He solve our problems, He does it with more abundance than we could ask for or even imagine. Therefore, we must release our resources to Him in trust. Their smallness in our eyes must not be an obstacle. He is teaching us a trust journey, and it must be accompanied by our learning to trust Him by doing what He asks, even if we have no idea where He is going with it.
We have been blessed with material things, as well as the blessing of having the Gospel of salvation. Yet, we still feel deprived and little desire to provide those same blessings to others. We are stewards of what the Lord has given us and we have a responsibility to share with others the same thing that He has shared with us. And we'll be there to pick up the left-over pieces and marvel the weight of his abundance.
“How many loaves do you have? Go, see and share.”
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, feed us with Your words and love. You will provide for us, forever. Here are my small resources. I offer them to you unconditionally. Our job is to have faith that You will; to trust in You; and to pray without ceasing so we may live in Your love.
Amen +
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
---------------------------------------------
In the bible, one of the most famous miracle stories is the feeding of five-thousand. It was the end of the day, and people are hungry. It was getting dark, and maybe, children are crying and people are asking for food. Worse, the disciples doesn’t even know what to do. And Jesus, being a good host, “was moved with compassion for them”. “You give them something to eat”, He said. And something to eat, they found – five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus did not panicked – in fact, He never panics! He blessed the bread and the fish, and was able to feed the five-thousand.
And there were even leftovers! Jesus was showing us that not only does He solve our problems, He does it with more abundance than we could ask for or even imagine. Therefore, we must release our resources to Him in trust. Their smallness in our eyes must not be an obstacle. He is teaching us a trust journey, and it must be accompanied by our learning to trust Him by doing what He asks, even if we have no idea where He is going with it.
We have been blessed with material things, as well as the blessing of having the Gospel of salvation. Yet, we still feel deprived and little desire to provide those same blessings to others. We are stewards of what the Lord has given us and we have a responsibility to share with others the same thing that He has shared with us. And we'll be there to pick up the left-over pieces and marvel the weight of his abundance.
“How many loaves do you have? Go, see and share.”
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, feed us with Your words and love. You will provide for us, forever. Here are my small resources. I offer them to you unconditionally. Our job is to have faith that You will; to trust in You; and to pray without ceasing so we may live in Your love.
Amen +
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
WILL OF THE FATHER
Luke 10:21-22
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
-----------------------------------------------------
My mother’s instruction is clear. Ride the jeep going to Divisoria, pay the driver and then get-off in front of the school, near the Church. Easy. But one day, it became complicated. The jeepney I was riding on made a “wrong” turn. I asked the driver “why?” Then I learned that there are more than one way going to Divisoria. This one is not passing in front of my school.
I was scared when I get off. I was trembling for fear of the unknown. I then looked up in the sky, and saw the cross on top of the church. It then hit me! All I need is to follow the cross, then I will reach the church; and the school is right beside it. Easy. Ten minutes late for school, but I made it.
The Lord has extended His invitation to get on board the jeep with Him. But we didn’t or failed to accept it. Instead, we rode on a different jeep, colorful ones, that promises to take me to a happier place. But it suddenly made a wrong turn until we felt being farther and farther from the Lord. We have to get off and take that path following His cross. Christ taught us that knowing God's will and living in obedience to that will is the key to it all! God is the potter; we are the clay. God keeps us spinning on His potter's wheel, shaping and reshaping us as He bathes our lives in tears to make us more Christ-like so He can use us for His will.
Surrender daily. Keep your clay moist through daily prayer - prayer that's in accordance to His will.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I accept Your invitation. I will ride on Your jeep and take the road the leads to a life of peace, joy and true happiness. I believe and I know that at the end of my trip, You will be there – Your arms outstretched, not because You are still nailed to the cross, but because You want to hug me, You want to cuddle me, You want me to be Your own. And I will hug you in return. This time, I will not be late.
Amen +
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
-----------------------------------------------------
My mother’s instruction is clear. Ride the jeep going to Divisoria, pay the driver and then get-off in front of the school, near the Church. Easy. But one day, it became complicated. The jeepney I was riding on made a “wrong” turn. I asked the driver “why?” Then I learned that there are more than one way going to Divisoria. This one is not passing in front of my school.
I was scared when I get off. I was trembling for fear of the unknown. I then looked up in the sky, and saw the cross on top of the church. It then hit me! All I need is to follow the cross, then I will reach the church; and the school is right beside it. Easy. Ten minutes late for school, but I made it.
The Lord has extended His invitation to get on board the jeep with Him. But we didn’t or failed to accept it. Instead, we rode on a different jeep, colorful ones, that promises to take me to a happier place. But it suddenly made a wrong turn until we felt being farther and farther from the Lord. We have to get off and take that path following His cross. Christ taught us that knowing God's will and living in obedience to that will is the key to it all! God is the potter; we are the clay. God keeps us spinning on His potter's wheel, shaping and reshaping us as He bathes our lives in tears to make us more Christ-like so He can use us for His will.
Surrender daily. Keep your clay moist through daily prayer - prayer that's in accordance to His will.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I accept Your invitation. I will ride on Your jeep and take the road the leads to a life of peace, joy and true happiness. I believe and I know that at the end of my trip, You will be there – Your arms outstretched, not because You are still nailed to the cross, but because You want to hug me, You want to cuddle me, You want me to be Your own. And I will hug you in return. This time, I will not be late.
Amen +
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
CENTURION’S HUMILITY
Mark 13:36-37
Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.
------------------------------------------------------------
In movies, centurions are depicted as strong, tough and ruthless guy. He is fully armored and riding on a chariot as he goes through the street not minding if he would hit a person. In those days, for an army to function there has to be iron discipline, so that each member of the force is so well trained that they each know what to do and who to defer to in the heat of battle. There is little room for sentiment and personal reactions if the army is to function efficiently when it matters.
This is the reason why today’s gospel would really strike one’s heart. The centurion has not just shown one, but two great Christian values, among others. That is, humility and faith in God. He was humble because he even went his way just to ask Jesus to have his servant cured. Slaves at that time does menial task. But for this centurion, the slave may well have been a key part of his family and was very dear to him. So in a few words we have a very sympathetic portrait of a powerful but very humble Roman man.
But his second action was more revealing and unexpected. Although he still remained proud (he still sees himself as a man subject to authority with soldiers reporting to him), his belief in the healing power of Jesus is remarkable. Without hesitation, he still sought his mercy and ask that “only say the word and my servant will be healed”. He did this because he knows that he is not even worthy to allow Jesus enter his house.
The centurion saw himself in relation to God and recognized his own insignificance. In the eyes of the world, we may be important. But we should know what is more important. And that is our own salvation.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, let me follow You. Let me deny myself and take up my cross and follow You. Teache us that self denial is the road to spiritual fulfillment. Let us offer ourselves to You and be willing to wait upon Your will for us.
Amen +
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.
------------------------------------------------------------
In movies, centurions are depicted as strong, tough and ruthless guy. He is fully armored and riding on a chariot as he goes through the street not minding if he would hit a person. In those days, for an army to function there has to be iron discipline, so that each member of the force is so well trained that they each know what to do and who to defer to in the heat of battle. There is little room for sentiment and personal reactions if the army is to function efficiently when it matters.
This is the reason why today’s gospel would really strike one’s heart. The centurion has not just shown one, but two great Christian values, among others. That is, humility and faith in God. He was humble because he even went his way just to ask Jesus to have his servant cured. Slaves at that time does menial task. But for this centurion, the slave may well have been a key part of his family and was very dear to him. So in a few words we have a very sympathetic portrait of a powerful but very humble Roman man.
But his second action was more revealing and unexpected. Although he still remained proud (he still sees himself as a man subject to authority with soldiers reporting to him), his belief in the healing power of Jesus is remarkable. Without hesitation, he still sought his mercy and ask that “only say the word and my servant will be healed”. He did this because he knows that he is not even worthy to allow Jesus enter his house.
The centurion saw himself in relation to God and recognized his own insignificance. In the eyes of the world, we may be important. But we should know what is more important. And that is our own salvation.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, let me follow You. Let me deny myself and take up my cross and follow You. Teache us that self denial is the road to spiritual fulfillment. Let us offer ourselves to You and be willing to wait upon Your will for us.
Amen +
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Friday, November 28, 2008
WATCH!
First Sunday of Advent
for Sunday, November 30
Mark 13:36-37
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: “Watch!”
------------------------------------------
During my elementary years, I would know that Christmas is really near, not only because of the Christmas songs being played frequently in the radio or decorations being put up, but because my teacher would ask us to make an Advent Wreath. As I light up the first candle, I know that the celebration of the birth of our Lord is only four weeks away!
This season of advent, I would be in Mexico, preparing the plant, together with the team, for it’s biggest reengineering project ever. And hey, I would be home in three weeks, in time for the Christmas celebration with my family.
Advent is a season of preparation. If the season of Lent prepares us for what happened on Good Friday (execution) and Easter (resurrection), then during Advent, we thank God for Christ's first coming (Christmas), prepare for his final coming at the end of time, and celebrate Christ's presence among us today through the Spirit. Let us light up the path today for the Lord and prepare His way as He comes to our hearts.
Almighty Father, Your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of Your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces His glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit Who prepares us for His coming. Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which His presence will bestow, for He is Lord forever and ever.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, excite in us a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours. Receive our prayers as part of our service to You, our Lord who enlists us in God's own work for justice. Excite in us a joy responsive to the Father's joy. We fervently seek His will so we can serve with gladness, singing and love.
Amen +
Lord, make us turn to You; let us see Your face and we shall be saved.
for Sunday, November 30
Mark 13:36-37
May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: “Watch!”
------------------------------------------
During my elementary years, I would know that Christmas is really near, not only because of the Christmas songs being played frequently in the radio or decorations being put up, but because my teacher would ask us to make an Advent Wreath. As I light up the first candle, I know that the celebration of the birth of our Lord is only four weeks away!
This season of advent, I would be in Mexico, preparing the plant, together with the team, for it’s biggest reengineering project ever. And hey, I would be home in three weeks, in time for the Christmas celebration with my family.
Advent is a season of preparation. If the season of Lent prepares us for what happened on Good Friday (execution) and Easter (resurrection), then during Advent, we thank God for Christ's first coming (Christmas), prepare for his final coming at the end of time, and celebrate Christ's presence among us today through the Spirit. Let us light up the path today for the Lord and prepare His way as He comes to our hearts.
Almighty Father, Your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of Your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces His glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit Who prepares us for His coming. Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which His presence will bestow, for He is Lord forever and ever.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, excite in us a wonder at the wisdom and power of Your Father and ours. Receive our prayers as part of our service to You, our Lord who enlists us in God's own work for justice. Excite in us a joy responsive to the Father's joy. We fervently seek His will so we can serve with gladness, singing and love.
Amen +
Lord, make us turn to You; let us see Your face and we shall be saved.
GIVE THE LORD GLORY
Psalms 92:6
Come, let us bow down in worship… kneel before the LORD who made us.
-----------------------------------------------
Another great song. Based on Psalm 96. Composed during the composer’s year of service as a Jesuit Volunteer. This song proclaims incessantly that the glory of the Lord is the human being fully alive in love and generosity.
Give the Lord glory and honor!Give the Lord glory and praise!Give the Lord glory and honor, glory and praise!
O sing a new song to the Lord!O sing to the Lord, all the earth!Tell among the nations His gloryAnd His wonders, to all now proclaim.
Give the Lord praise, all you peoples,Unto Him glory and power!Give the Lord the glory of His name.Bring an offering and enter His courts.
Come and let us worship the Lord!Let all the earth tremble before Him!Proclaim to all the nations: God is king!He governs His people with justice!
Give the Lord glory and honor, glory and praise! Glory and praise!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You are holy and worthy of all our praise and adoration. You are calling us all to a higher standard of integrity and obedience than ever before. You are warning us to walk our walk as You reveal it to us -- and You are calling us to do what we say -- to be doers and encouragers and not just talkers. To You be all the honor and glory!
Amen +
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Come, let us bow down in worship… kneel before the LORD who made us.
-----------------------------------------------
Another great song. Based on Psalm 96. Composed during the composer’s year of service as a Jesuit Volunteer. This song proclaims incessantly that the glory of the Lord is the human being fully alive in love and generosity.
Give the Lord glory and honor!Give the Lord glory and praise!Give the Lord glory and honor, glory and praise!
O sing a new song to the Lord!O sing to the Lord, all the earth!Tell among the nations His gloryAnd His wonders, to all now proclaim.
Give the Lord praise, all you peoples,Unto Him glory and power!Give the Lord the glory of His name.Bring an offering and enter His courts.
Come and let us worship the Lord!Let all the earth tremble before Him!Proclaim to all the nations: God is king!He governs His people with justice!
Give the Lord glory and honor, glory and praise! Glory and praise!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You are holy and worthy of all our praise and adoration. You are calling us all to a higher standard of integrity and obedience than ever before. You are warning us to walk our walk as You reveal it to us -- and You are calling us to do what we say -- to be doers and encouragers and not just talkers. To You be all the honor and glory!
Amen +
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
TIME WITH GOD
Luke 21:33
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
-------------------------------------------------
God is always busy. He is always busy loving us. And yet, we busy ourselves with taking care of earthly things. Some things that are not evil in themselves may have an evil influence if they crowd God out of our lives. Biking and playing badminton is not evil. If it is, then I'm in real trouble, because I love to do those things. Going to malls and amusement parks is not necessarily evil. Having fun is not evil. But these things (and other normal activities in life) will crowd God out of our lives if we let them.
We must make time with the Lord a number one priority. There are lots of choices in life, and those choices will determine the priorities in our lives. So we must be careful or the "busyness" and simple pleasures of life may crowd out our time with the Lord. One day, I will pass away and so do all those things that I have done. But God would continue to exist in the hearts of many in this world. If God will not exist in my heart today, then I would certainly not exist with Him in the afterlife.
Spend a personal time with the Lord. Even Jesus has been very busy. He ministered to the people in His time. He met their needs. He helped them. And so everybody wanted His time. But in spite of the demands on His time, Jesus made it a priority to get away and spend time with the Father.
So then, we must be changed on a daily basis. It may sound overly simplistic, but continuing change in the Christian life comes from spending time with God. He is the beginning and He will be the end. His words and promises will all be fulfilled. He has been a faithful God and has given us immeasurable blessings. Live in Him. Live with Him. He is our God and His words must not pass away from our hearts.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help all who pray to be obedient to Your call when they receive it. Be especially watchful over our church leaders worldwide as their role is key and their obedience vital. Help all of us to learn from our past mistakes so we will not repeat them. Amen +
Here God lives among His people.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
-------------------------------------------------
God is always busy. He is always busy loving us. And yet, we busy ourselves with taking care of earthly things. Some things that are not evil in themselves may have an evil influence if they crowd God out of our lives. Biking and playing badminton is not evil. If it is, then I'm in real trouble, because I love to do those things. Going to malls and amusement parks is not necessarily evil. Having fun is not evil. But these things (and other normal activities in life) will crowd God out of our lives if we let them.
We must make time with the Lord a number one priority. There are lots of choices in life, and those choices will determine the priorities in our lives. So we must be careful or the "busyness" and simple pleasures of life may crowd out our time with the Lord. One day, I will pass away and so do all those things that I have done. But God would continue to exist in the hearts of many in this world. If God will not exist in my heart today, then I would certainly not exist with Him in the afterlife.
Spend a personal time with the Lord. Even Jesus has been very busy. He ministered to the people in His time. He met their needs. He helped them. And so everybody wanted His time. But in spite of the demands on His time, Jesus made it a priority to get away and spend time with the Father.
So then, we must be changed on a daily basis. It may sound overly simplistic, but continuing change in the Christian life comes from spending time with God. He is the beginning and He will be the end. His words and promises will all be fulfilled. He has been a faithful God and has given us immeasurable blessings. Live in Him. Live with Him. He is our God and His words must not pass away from our hearts.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help all who pray to be obedient to Your call when they receive it. Be especially watchful over our church leaders worldwide as their role is key and their obedience vital. Help all of us to learn from our past mistakes so we will not repeat them. Amen +
Here God lives among His people.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
LOVING KINDNESS
Psalms 100:4-5
For He is good: the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and His faithfulness, to all generations.
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I still remember that my class section in Grade 3 was “Kindness”. But I tell you, that section is not really kind to others. Not that we bully other kids in school, but we are really a rowdy bunch – teasing each other, running around after school, shouting on top of our voices. It was children having pure fun. And those days were really fun as we do what we really want to do.
Kindness in scripture is more often equated with love. The word for kindness in Hebrew and Greek is interchangeable with mercy, goodness, loyalty, faithfulness, but most of all steadfast love. Kindness is the visible action of love directed toward others. Similarly, God is praised for being kind – for showing His steadfast love in so many ways. But, sadly, it is really hard for us to show the same kindness that God is showing us. Why?
This is because our culture tolerates rude, angry, unkind, and violent behavior. No one really likes this, but they have become so commonplace that we have just accepted it. Even after going to mass or service, most of us would start saying bad things about others once we get out of the church. This has got to stop. We should not be kind in names only (like my section in grade school). We should live it everyday, as the Lord is good, whose kindness endures forever. How can we be kind to Him, and yet be very unkind to others.
Cultivating kindness will overcome so many of the problems we suffer. It is that simple. If David could demonstrate the kindness of God then I believe we can too with the help of the Holy Spirit. We hope that we, the people of our ages and the generations to come will truly be called Christians or the Kind Ones. Let us strive to live up to both names.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You are the source of true kindness. You are our only hope. We trust in You for all the promises of forgiveness and help and life that Your Son bought when He died. We belong freely to You forever and ever.
Amen +
Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
For He is good: the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and His faithfulness, to all generations.
------------------------------------------------------
I still remember that my class section in Grade 3 was “Kindness”. But I tell you, that section is not really kind to others. Not that we bully other kids in school, but we are really a rowdy bunch – teasing each other, running around after school, shouting on top of our voices. It was children having pure fun. And those days were really fun as we do what we really want to do.
Kindness in scripture is more often equated with love. The word for kindness in Hebrew and Greek is interchangeable with mercy, goodness, loyalty, faithfulness, but most of all steadfast love. Kindness is the visible action of love directed toward others. Similarly, God is praised for being kind – for showing His steadfast love in so many ways. But, sadly, it is really hard for us to show the same kindness that God is showing us. Why?
This is because our culture tolerates rude, angry, unkind, and violent behavior. No one really likes this, but they have become so commonplace that we have just accepted it. Even after going to mass or service, most of us would start saying bad things about others once we get out of the church. This has got to stop. We should not be kind in names only (like my section in grade school). We should live it everyday, as the Lord is good, whose kindness endures forever. How can we be kind to Him, and yet be very unkind to others.
Cultivating kindness will overcome so many of the problems we suffer. It is that simple. If David could demonstrate the kindness of God then I believe we can too with the help of the Holy Spirit. We hope that we, the people of our ages and the generations to come will truly be called Christians or the Kind Ones. Let us strive to live up to both names.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You are the source of true kindness. You are our only hope. We trust in You for all the promises of forgiveness and help and life that Your Son bought when He died. We belong freely to You forever and ever.
Amen +
Blessed are they who are called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
WE ARE LOVED
Luke 21:17-19
You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
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Just a mere mention of his name, I would really get very angry. He has written my name on the board for being rowdy in class when our teacher was away. I was scolded and told to stay back. It was really demeaning and shameful. At least for me. And looking back at that time, I would just imagine how hard it was for me to live – hating that classmate every single day of the week. It was pure insanity on my part.
Today, millions, if not billions of people are being persecuted because of their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. And it started even thousand of years ago, when the early Christians have suffered and endured persecutions because of their faith. They were killed and fed to the lions simply because they love and serve You, Oh Lord. For that, it is already comforting to know that this has not happened to me, to us. At least, not yet. But if it does happen, and the “opportunity” comes to present itself, I only ask one thing from You – that You may grant me the strength – mind, body and spirit, to accept whatever You what me to do. You have done that two-thousand years ago, and you have become our hope that does not disappoint.
In this very dangerous world, we must put our trust totally in Him as He promised that nothing, even the strands of our hair, will be destroyed if we just believe in and follow Him. Let us persevere in our faith, always praising and glorifying His name. Ask for forgiveness through our prayers so we may become the true blessings to others. Do not be afraid, for He is our Lord.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, there is nothing too hard for You! And you being our Master, should put all our faith on this fact. And every evil, disabilities, sufferings, and disasters of this world would be nothing but mere instances in a likewise ordinary day.
Amen +
Great and wonderful are all Your works, Lord, mighty God!
You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.
------------------------------------------
Just a mere mention of his name, I would really get very angry. He has written my name on the board for being rowdy in class when our teacher was away. I was scolded and told to stay back. It was really demeaning and shameful. At least for me. And looking back at that time, I would just imagine how hard it was for me to live – hating that classmate every single day of the week. It was pure insanity on my part.
Today, millions, if not billions of people are being persecuted because of their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. And it started even thousand of years ago, when the early Christians have suffered and endured persecutions because of their faith. They were killed and fed to the lions simply because they love and serve You, Oh Lord. For that, it is already comforting to know that this has not happened to me, to us. At least, not yet. But if it does happen, and the “opportunity” comes to present itself, I only ask one thing from You – that You may grant me the strength – mind, body and spirit, to accept whatever You what me to do. You have done that two-thousand years ago, and you have become our hope that does not disappoint.
In this very dangerous world, we must put our trust totally in Him as He promised that nothing, even the strands of our hair, will be destroyed if we just believe in and follow Him. Let us persevere in our faith, always praising and glorifying His name. Ask for forgiveness through our prayers so we may become the true blessings to others. Do not be afraid, for He is our Lord.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, there is nothing too hard for You! And you being our Master, should put all our faith on this fact. And every evil, disabilities, sufferings, and disasters of this world would be nothing but mere instances in a likewise ordinary day.
Amen +
Great and wonderful are all Your works, Lord, mighty God!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
GOD OF JUSTICE
Psalms 96:13
…before the LORD who comes, who comes to govern the earth, to govern the world with justice and the peoples with faithfulness.
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I have always thought life is unfair.
I have been faithful to my wife for 13 years, yet, here is an actor who has a wife and a number of mistresses and children out of marriage. But he is by far, richer than me with all those big houses, money and cars. I have been working for 15 years now, and I can say I have been generally honest in my dealings with my company and suppliers. Yet, here is a politician known to have amassed great fortune from graft and corruption, but he is still free, rich and well-loved. As a child, I would complain because my mother would always ask me to run errands, and point to my brother saying, “It’s supposed to be his turn!”
So many cases and situations in life, I shout “NOT FAIR!” Until I realize that isn’t this the same thinking that Cain has? He thought that God always favor Abel, and out of envy, he allowed sin to enter his door and be his master. He thought God is unfair so he killed his brother. From this, we shall realize further the basic truth. We are not the true judge of what is fair and what is unfair, because our concept of fairness is tainted by envy and selfishness – it centers on ourselves and what we believe ought to be. But God has His plans and purposes. And believe you me, those are fair and for the goodness of all.
Almighty Father, You are a just and faithful God. Gently look at our hearts, for You are the only One who can really judge the hearts of men. I may perceive others to be worthy of Your wrath or even hell, but You are the only one who knows what should be done. Life may never really look fair to us, but Your grace is much bigger than we’ve sometimes allowed ourselves to believe.
Let us pray +
Lord God, Your work is perfect, Your ways are justice, You are God of truth and without iniquity. And in all of these, we only trust in You.
Amen +
The Lord comes to judge the earth.
…before the LORD who comes, who comes to govern the earth, to govern the world with justice and the peoples with faithfulness.
------------------------------------------
I have always thought life is unfair.
I have been faithful to my wife for 13 years, yet, here is an actor who has a wife and a number of mistresses and children out of marriage. But he is by far, richer than me with all those big houses, money and cars. I have been working for 15 years now, and I can say I have been generally honest in my dealings with my company and suppliers. Yet, here is a politician known to have amassed great fortune from graft and corruption, but he is still free, rich and well-loved. As a child, I would complain because my mother would always ask me to run errands, and point to my brother saying, “It’s supposed to be his turn!”
So many cases and situations in life, I shout “NOT FAIR!” Until I realize that isn’t this the same thinking that Cain has? He thought that God always favor Abel, and out of envy, he allowed sin to enter his door and be his master. He thought God is unfair so he killed his brother. From this, we shall realize further the basic truth. We are not the true judge of what is fair and what is unfair, because our concept of fairness is tainted by envy and selfishness – it centers on ourselves and what we believe ought to be. But God has His plans and purposes. And believe you me, those are fair and for the goodness of all.
Almighty Father, You are a just and faithful God. Gently look at our hearts, for You are the only One who can really judge the hearts of men. I may perceive others to be worthy of Your wrath or even hell, but You are the only one who knows what should be done. Life may never really look fair to us, but Your grace is much bigger than we’ve sometimes allowed ourselves to believe.
Let us pray +
Lord God, Your work is perfect, Your ways are justice, You are God of truth and without iniquity. And in all of these, we only trust in You.
Amen +
The Lord comes to judge the earth.
POOR WIDOW’S OFFERING
Luke 21:3-4
“…this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood”.
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People are watching the rich depositing their large offerings – bundles of money, maybe. And they would be very proud as people would talk about their offerings. But no one would notice the poverty-stricken widow, who reached into her rags to withdraw these two thin coins and deposit them into the collection box. That offering may already be enough for her meal for the day. And no one sees the look of joy on her face as she gives to her Lord the little she has. Yes, no one sees. No one notices. Except Jesus…
God's Son noticed it. And He says to his disciples – “Did you see that?” They looked over where He is pointing, but all they see was a tired old widow running away from the collection box. Maybe, she was afraid that the rich men will rebuke her. But, Jesus remark is very clear. “She gave more than all of those rich people put together,” and they looked at him in astonishment.
Her act was motivated by the knowledge, by the spiritual thrill of heart, that she belonged to God. She had received freely, and her gratitude to God revealed itself in contentment, a total confidence that the Lord was able to supply her daily need. She lived in total dependence upon God. How about you? How about me. Have you given God your all, whether large or small? If you have, then you know having the heart of trusting God for the next step, the next meal, the next project. And you know the reward of loving God with a joy and purity that reward you with His glorious presence.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, I am more and more aware that those whom You will reward with the greatest crowns are not as likely to be the well-known Christian leaders, but the faithful men and women who regularly lay their whole life and livelihood on the line for you. I pray that I might someday you might count me worthy to stand among these ordinary Christian heroes. In your Holy Name, I pray.
Amen +
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior.
“…this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood”.
-------------------------------------------------
People are watching the rich depositing their large offerings – bundles of money, maybe. And they would be very proud as people would talk about their offerings. But no one would notice the poverty-stricken widow, who reached into her rags to withdraw these two thin coins and deposit them into the collection box. That offering may already be enough for her meal for the day. And no one sees the look of joy on her face as she gives to her Lord the little she has. Yes, no one sees. No one notices. Except Jesus…
God's Son noticed it. And He says to his disciples – “Did you see that?” They looked over where He is pointing, but all they see was a tired old widow running away from the collection box. Maybe, she was afraid that the rich men will rebuke her. But, Jesus remark is very clear. “She gave more than all of those rich people put together,” and they looked at him in astonishment.
Her act was motivated by the knowledge, by the spiritual thrill of heart, that she belonged to God. She had received freely, and her gratitude to God revealed itself in contentment, a total confidence that the Lord was able to supply her daily need. She lived in total dependence upon God. How about you? How about me. Have you given God your all, whether large or small? If you have, then you know having the heart of trusting God for the next step, the next meal, the next project. And you know the reward of loving God with a joy and purity that reward you with His glorious presence.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, I am more and more aware that those whom You will reward with the greatest crowns are not as likely to be the well-known Christian leaders, but the faithful men and women who regularly lay their whole life and livelihood on the line for you. I pray that I might someday you might count me worthy to stand among these ordinary Christian heroes. In your Holy Name, I pray.
Amen +
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, a reward from God his savior.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
DID IT FOR YOU
For SUNDAY, November 23...
Solemnity of Christ the King
Matthew 25:40
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
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This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King (properly the Solemnity of Christ the King in the Roman Catholic Church) which is the last holy Sunday in the western liturgical calendar. Next week, we would start with the new liturgical year, starting with the Advent season as we prepare for Christmas, the birth of our Lord.
In today’s gospel, Jesus is trying to tell us that we are living in this world so others may be blessed through us, especially the least of our brothers. And who would they be? He introduced to us some of them: the hungry, thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the ill and those in prison. And He is very clear that whatever we do to our little brothers, we are doing it to Him – “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me”.
He have taught and loved us through examples and parables. So it is only proper that we must deal with other Christians out of humility rather than pride, for we have no excuse for responding to fellow believers in a spirit of arrogance, haughtiness, or superiority.
All of this means that whatever we do for any being, we do for God. Whatever we do for the least one, the one who suffers, we do for God. When we help someone, even in small ways, it is God we are helping. It is God helping God. All happening within ourselves, because He lives in us. And when we share, we share ourselves, our very being – blessing others for the glory of God, from Whom all is given.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, may we forever embodies humility – make the esteem effort to listen, accept others - no matter what their race, their religion, their education – or lack of it, or their station in life.
Amen +
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Solemnity of Christ the King
Matthew 25:40
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
----------------------------------------------------
This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King (properly the Solemnity of Christ the King in the Roman Catholic Church) which is the last holy Sunday in the western liturgical calendar. Next week, we would start with the new liturgical year, starting with the Advent season as we prepare for Christmas, the birth of our Lord.
In today’s gospel, Jesus is trying to tell us that we are living in this world so others may be blessed through us, especially the least of our brothers. And who would they be? He introduced to us some of them: the hungry, thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the ill and those in prison. And He is very clear that whatever we do to our little brothers, we are doing it to Him – “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me”.
He have taught and loved us through examples and parables. So it is only proper that we must deal with other Christians out of humility rather than pride, for we have no excuse for responding to fellow believers in a spirit of arrogance, haughtiness, or superiority.
All of this means that whatever we do for any being, we do for God. Whatever we do for the least one, the one who suffers, we do for God. When we help someone, even in small ways, it is God we are helping. It is God helping God. All happening within ourselves, because He lives in us. And when we share, we share ourselves, our very being – blessing others for the glory of God, from Whom all is given.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, may we forever embodies humility – make the esteem effort to listen, accept others - no matter what their race, their religion, their education – or lack of it, or their station in life.
Amen +
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
ALIVE IN HIM
Luke 20:37-38
“…He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.”
----------------------------------------------------
It is clear that life does continue somehow beyond life here on earth, that we move into a new age, a new place, that cannot be described by or even compared with our earthly existence. One thing we can learn from this encounter between Jesus and the Sadducees is that there is no need or even point in trying to go into elaborate and detailed descriptions of what resurrection life will be like. Simply relax and be at peace in our faith.
Our hearts and souls should always yearn for Him. For that is the very essence of our lives – to serve and follow His will and be the temple of the living God, so we may join Him in the after-life. This is the very promise of the Resurrection. After the grim reality of death and suffering, we would all be raised again, completely free from sins. I surely believe and know that Jesus lived and died and was resurrected. If I am wrong, well, I am to be pitied, but nothing is lost, and know many would and do. But if I am right...well, imagine the treasure I would have gained in Heaven!
We are a resurrection people – we profess at the heart of our faith that “Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again”. Although we love to elaborate, and to speculate on what it will look like, and to tease ourselves with the when and the how it will all come together, at the center of our faith is what Jesus proclaimed here – “He is God not of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all of them are alive.” In life, in death, in the resurrection we are still reconciled with God, inseparable from His love in Christ, the living Son of the God of the living.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, make us faithful followers of the spirit of your resurrection. Grant that we may be inwardly renewed; dying to ourselves in order that you may live in us. May our lives serve as signs of the transforming power of your love. This we ask of you, Lord Jesus, living and reigning with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever.
Amen +
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
“…He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.”
----------------------------------------------------
It is clear that life does continue somehow beyond life here on earth, that we move into a new age, a new place, that cannot be described by or even compared with our earthly existence. One thing we can learn from this encounter between Jesus and the Sadducees is that there is no need or even point in trying to go into elaborate and detailed descriptions of what resurrection life will be like. Simply relax and be at peace in our faith.
Our hearts and souls should always yearn for Him. For that is the very essence of our lives – to serve and follow His will and be the temple of the living God, so we may join Him in the after-life. This is the very promise of the Resurrection. After the grim reality of death and suffering, we would all be raised again, completely free from sins. I surely believe and know that Jesus lived and died and was resurrected. If I am wrong, well, I am to be pitied, but nothing is lost, and know many would and do. But if I am right...well, imagine the treasure I would have gained in Heaven!
We are a resurrection people – we profess at the heart of our faith that “Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again”. Although we love to elaborate, and to speculate on what it will look like, and to tease ourselves with the when and the how it will all come together, at the center of our faith is what Jesus proclaimed here – “He is God not of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all of them are alive.” In life, in death, in the resurrection we are still reconciled with God, inseparable from His love in Christ, the living Son of the God of the living.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, make us faithful followers of the spirit of your resurrection. Grant that we may be inwardly renewed; dying to ourselves in order that you may live in us. May our lives serve as signs of the transforming power of your love. This we ask of you, Lord Jesus, living and reigning with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever.
Amen +
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Friday, November 21, 2008
HOUSE OF PRAYER
Luke 19:46
“My house shall be a house of prayer…”
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I have been praying as long as I can remember. I was taught to pray in the morning, before meals, after meals and before retiring in the evening. All through my life, I have experienced the power of prayer – in times of family trouble, marital trouble, financial trouble and personal difficulties.
God welcomes all of us into His House. God invites everyone to come to Him. He wants everyone to bring their burdens to Him in prayer. And when they do, they will find acceptance, comfort and help from Him. Though we come mourning to the house of prayer, we shall go away rejoicing. We will find needs met when we cast our cares and burdens upon the Lord. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or imagine. So lets ask that His kingdom come, His will be done in our lives, our church, our city and our country. What He wants us to do is much bigger than we are, but it is not bigger than God. We need to demonstrate our trust in Him to fulfill the vision He has given us and seek the Lord together in prayer. With God’s help let us make His house, a house of prayer for all the people.
Almighty Father, the power of prayer does not reside in me. The power of prayer resides in You. I shall put all the confidence in You when praying: that if we ask anything according to Your will, we know that You hear us. And if we know that You hear us - whatever we ask - we know that we will have what we asked of You, in Your time, not ours.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I pray for the goodness of everyone. May we constantly seek You and continuously praise Your mighty name. Be merciful to us and be forgiving. We are all sinners, so I am not really better than others. And there is no more comforting truth in this world than this: Christ Jesus came into the world to forgive sinners. And for that, I humbly and silently pray with all my heart and thank You.
Amen +
How sweet to my taste is Your promise!
“My house shall be a house of prayer…”
------------------------------------------------------
I have been praying as long as I can remember. I was taught to pray in the morning, before meals, after meals and before retiring in the evening. All through my life, I have experienced the power of prayer – in times of family trouble, marital trouble, financial trouble and personal difficulties.
God welcomes all of us into His House. God invites everyone to come to Him. He wants everyone to bring their burdens to Him in prayer. And when they do, they will find acceptance, comfort and help from Him. Though we come mourning to the house of prayer, we shall go away rejoicing. We will find needs met when we cast our cares and burdens upon the Lord. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we ask or imagine. So lets ask that His kingdom come, His will be done in our lives, our church, our city and our country. What He wants us to do is much bigger than we are, but it is not bigger than God. We need to demonstrate our trust in Him to fulfill the vision He has given us and seek the Lord together in prayer. With God’s help let us make His house, a house of prayer for all the people.
Almighty Father, the power of prayer does not reside in me. The power of prayer resides in You. I shall put all the confidence in You when praying: that if we ask anything according to Your will, we know that You hear us. And if we know that You hear us - whatever we ask - we know that we will have what we asked of You, in Your time, not ours.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I pray for the goodness of everyone. May we constantly seek You and continuously praise Your mighty name. Be merciful to us and be forgiving. We are all sinners, so I am not really better than others. And there is no more comforting truth in this world than this: Christ Jesus came into the world to forgive sinners. And for that, I humbly and silently pray with all my heart and thank You.
Amen +
How sweet to my taste is Your promise!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
RANSOM PAID
Revelation 5:9
…for you were slain and with your Blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation.
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It was my first time to go to the school fair to commemorate my school’s foundation day. My mother gave me money-tickets so I may enjoy the rides like the merry-go-round, the train; enter the booths where I can watch magic shows. Of course, there is food – hotdogs, Filipino delicacies and “palamig” (cold drinks).
But what really caught my fancy at that time are the colorful circles drawn on the ground. I looked and wondered what they are for. I stepped on them and suddenly, two grade 6 students grabbed me and took me to a “jail”, where I cried and cried. I didn’t know that my mother saw what happened and she just followed us. Upon seeing her, she immediately explained that it’s just a game. And I have to pay them money-ticket (ransom money) so I may be released from the “jail”. Since then, I would make sure that I see where I am walking on to avoid those colorful circles.
As we go through lives, we are being tempted by “colorful circles” that may cause us to commit sin. Luckily for us, there would be no angels to grab us and put us to jail. And even luckier for us, we don’t have to pay for our freedom with our lives because Jesus has already taken care of that for us. With His blood and sacrifice, the ransom for our sins has been paid.
Lord Jesus, I always trust in Your words and in Your promises. Your gift of salvation is a gift of love. As I have accepted You as my Lord and Savior , I know that I am now under greater responsibility to make sure my life, and the lives of those I love, are in total obedience to Your Words and Your will.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help me choose the right words and the right actions so I may resist temptations. I don’t want to be forever in the mercy of death, so I continually seek for Your love and forgiveness. Teach me to turn from my wicked ways and finally, sin no more.
Amen +
The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
…for you were slain and with your Blood you purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue, people and nation.
----------------------------------------------------
It was my first time to go to the school fair to commemorate my school’s foundation day. My mother gave me money-tickets so I may enjoy the rides like the merry-go-round, the train; enter the booths where I can watch magic shows. Of course, there is food – hotdogs, Filipino delicacies and “palamig” (cold drinks).
But what really caught my fancy at that time are the colorful circles drawn on the ground. I looked and wondered what they are for. I stepped on them and suddenly, two grade 6 students grabbed me and took me to a “jail”, where I cried and cried. I didn’t know that my mother saw what happened and she just followed us. Upon seeing her, she immediately explained that it’s just a game. And I have to pay them money-ticket (ransom money) so I may be released from the “jail”. Since then, I would make sure that I see where I am walking on to avoid those colorful circles.
As we go through lives, we are being tempted by “colorful circles” that may cause us to commit sin. Luckily for us, there would be no angels to grab us and put us to jail. And even luckier for us, we don’t have to pay for our freedom with our lives because Jesus has already taken care of that for us. With His blood and sacrifice, the ransom for our sins has been paid.
Lord Jesus, I always trust in Your words and in Your promises. Your gift of salvation is a gift of love. As I have accepted You as my Lord and Savior , I know that I am now under greater responsibility to make sure my life, and the lives of those I love, are in total obedience to Your Words and Your will.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help me choose the right words and the right actions so I may resist temptations. I don’t want to be forever in the mercy of death, so I continually seek for Your love and forgiveness. Teach me to turn from my wicked ways and finally, sin no more.
Amen +
The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
GLORY TO GOD
Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created.”
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I am happy that you are happy! Throughout my life, I have received numerous greetings telling me (or maybe asking me) to be HAPPY.
“Happy Birthday”, “Welcome to the Christian World”, “Happy Graduation”, “Best Wishes and May You Be Happy”, “Merry Christmas”, “Happy New Year”, “I know you are alone, but I hope you are happy and not lonely”, “Happy Halloween”. Even in a recent survey by AXA-Asia Life, Filipinos are the second happiest and most optimistic people in Asia, next to Indians (the one on motorcycles, not the one on horses). We all want to be happy, but true happiness must come from Him, and not from any material things. Realizing that we have God as our Father and that he loves us, is reason enough to be happy.
Sin has destroyed the original happiness that God provided to man. Let us restore that in our hearts by loving Him back and obeying His will.
We should be very happy just knowing that God loves and care for us – for He loved us first. We are very valuable to Him, and we shall never even give that fact a hint of a doubt. Let us be thankful that True Happiness is His will for all of us, and that He always want only good for us, because that’s just how He is. For He is truly wonderful – and to Him back all the glory, honor and praise.
Let us pray +
Oh Lord, may we never let anyone tell us any differently about the love You shower us. We are children of God and have inherited all that is Yours. All our needs are met by You and come only from You. Through our lives, we have an abundance, prosperous and healthy, and in You, our souls are prospering. All of this is because of Jesus and our identification with Him.
Amen +
Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!
“Worthy are you, Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things; because of your will they came to be and were created.”
--------------------------------------------
I am happy that you are happy! Throughout my life, I have received numerous greetings telling me (or maybe asking me) to be HAPPY.
“Happy Birthday”, “Welcome to the Christian World”, “Happy Graduation”, “Best Wishes and May You Be Happy”, “Merry Christmas”, “Happy New Year”, “I know you are alone, but I hope you are happy and not lonely”, “Happy Halloween”. Even in a recent survey by AXA-Asia Life, Filipinos are the second happiest and most optimistic people in Asia, next to Indians (the one on motorcycles, not the one on horses). We all want to be happy, but true happiness must come from Him, and not from any material things. Realizing that we have God as our Father and that he loves us, is reason enough to be happy.
Sin has destroyed the original happiness that God provided to man. Let us restore that in our hearts by loving Him back and obeying His will.
We should be very happy just knowing that God loves and care for us – for He loved us first. We are very valuable to Him, and we shall never even give that fact a hint of a doubt. Let us be thankful that True Happiness is His will for all of us, and that He always want only good for us, because that’s just how He is. For He is truly wonderful – and to Him back all the glory, honor and praise.
Let us pray +
Oh Lord, may we never let anyone tell us any differently about the love You shower us. We are children of God and have inherited all that is Yours. All our needs are met by You and come only from You. Through our lives, we have an abundance, prosperous and healthy, and in You, our souls are prospering. All of this is because of Jesus and our identification with Him.
Amen +
Holy, holy, holy Lord, mighty God!
SAVING THE LOST
Luke 19:9-10
“Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost”.
“Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost”.
------------------------------------------------------------
Zacchaeus, was the chief tax collector in Jericho. Tax collectors were notorious for cheating the general public to fatten their pockets. They would assess a tax, and if the person refused to pay or called it unfair, Herod's soldiers would threaten him. And whatever he collected over the amount required was his to keep. So, he is wealthy, hated by people and lastly, short. He was so short that he has to climb a tree just to satisfy his curiosity of seeing Jesus when He passed by Jericho.
This is the reason why people were surprised when Jesus called him and asked him to go down because He is staying at his house that night. This would mean preparing a dinner, a bed and his self in welcoming Jesus to his household. And he immediately did what he was told. Zacchaeus is overjoyed. Here he was, a social outcast being offered the opportunity to host one of the most famous men in the country. He scrambles down the tree and welcomes Jesus.
Like Zacchaeus, Jesus is inviting us to dinner not because He wants to eat with us. He is inviting us to dinner, because He wants us to eat a piece of Himself. He knows our longing for Him and our faith in Him. Jesus’ invitation is for providing salvation and forgiveness to a wealthy man of this world who is starving for spiritual life. And he is waiting for our repentance. Jesus takes our shame upon himself willingly, waiting, hoping that we will understand and repent. What grace! What mercy! “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost”. That means, you and me.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, as I read about Zacchaeus, I think of my own selfishness. Help me to see you at work in people around me. Help me to be willing to risk whatever reputation I have to join you. I long to see your salvation shine more brightly through me. In your holy name, I pray.
Amen +
“I will seat the victor beside Me on My throne”.
Zacchaeus, was the chief tax collector in Jericho. Tax collectors were notorious for cheating the general public to fatten their pockets. They would assess a tax, and if the person refused to pay or called it unfair, Herod's soldiers would threaten him. And whatever he collected over the amount required was his to keep. So, he is wealthy, hated by people and lastly, short. He was so short that he has to climb a tree just to satisfy his curiosity of seeing Jesus when He passed by Jericho.
This is the reason why people were surprised when Jesus called him and asked him to go down because He is staying at his house that night. This would mean preparing a dinner, a bed and his self in welcoming Jesus to his household. And he immediately did what he was told. Zacchaeus is overjoyed. Here he was, a social outcast being offered the opportunity to host one of the most famous men in the country. He scrambles down the tree and welcomes Jesus.
Like Zacchaeus, Jesus is inviting us to dinner not because He wants to eat with us. He is inviting us to dinner, because He wants us to eat a piece of Himself. He knows our longing for Him and our faith in Him. Jesus’ invitation is for providing salvation and forgiveness to a wealthy man of this world who is starving for spiritual life. And he is waiting for our repentance. Jesus takes our shame upon himself willingly, waiting, hoping that we will understand and repent. What grace! What mercy! “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost”. That means, you and me.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, as I read about Zacchaeus, I think of my own selfishness. Help me to see you at work in people around me. Help me to be willing to risk whatever reputation I have to join you. I long to see your salvation shine more brightly through me. In your holy name, I pray.
Amen +
“I will seat the victor beside Me on My throne”.
Monday, November 17, 2008
HEAVEN IN SIGHT
Luke 18:42-43
“Have sight; your faith has saved you”. He immediately received his sight and followed Him, giving glory to God.
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We can read in throughout the scripture – Jesus taking out afflictions not because He wants to, but because that person believes and have faith in Him. The blind man's persistence and his urgent calls for help were rewarded as others before had been rewarded for their persistence: the woman who pleaded for her daughter's life against even the objections of Jesus himself or the woman suffering from hemorrhages who reached out in the crowd to touch even a portion of His garment. In all of these, their faith has made them well.
These people were rewarded for their faith. They had a common desperation in their approach to Jesus. They saw themselves in all humility as absolutely dependent upon Him, their only hope. They understood more than others around Jesus. The blind beggar could see far more clearly and his belief is even much stronger than the disciples and the crowd who could only see a person who was just passing by.
The miracle stories of Bartimaeus seeing again are signs of who Jesus is for us. We should invite Him in out hearts, seeing with the eyes of faith. Perhaps dimly at first and in need of correction, but nevertheless focused on the source of life and light that the Lord is offering to all of us.
Make sure we never go blind again and continue to see. The change was permanent and this drastic changes in our lives should also be permanent and plain for all to see. May others see all the good and right things in us so they may know that the Lord our God is really a merciful and loving God.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, forgive me for my unbelief. Renew my faith with the unstoppable faith that Bartimaeus possessed. Let me be quick to praise God and to follow you in the Way. In Jesus' name, I pray.
Amen +
The LORD watches over the way of the just (&) way of the wicked vanishes.
“Have sight; your faith has saved you”. He immediately received his sight and followed Him, giving glory to God.
--------------------------------------------------
We can read in throughout the scripture – Jesus taking out afflictions not because He wants to, but because that person believes and have faith in Him. The blind man's persistence and his urgent calls for help were rewarded as others before had been rewarded for their persistence: the woman who pleaded for her daughter's life against even the objections of Jesus himself or the woman suffering from hemorrhages who reached out in the crowd to touch even a portion of His garment. In all of these, their faith has made them well.
These people were rewarded for their faith. They had a common desperation in their approach to Jesus. They saw themselves in all humility as absolutely dependent upon Him, their only hope. They understood more than others around Jesus. The blind beggar could see far more clearly and his belief is even much stronger than the disciples and the crowd who could only see a person who was just passing by.
The miracle stories of Bartimaeus seeing again are signs of who Jesus is for us. We should invite Him in out hearts, seeing with the eyes of faith. Perhaps dimly at first and in need of correction, but nevertheless focused on the source of life and light that the Lord is offering to all of us.
Make sure we never go blind again and continue to see. The change was permanent and this drastic changes in our lives should also be permanent and plain for all to see. May others see all the good and right things in us so they may know that the Lord our God is really a merciful and loving God.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, forgive me for my unbelief. Renew my faith with the unstoppable faith that Bartimaeus possessed. Let me be quick to praise God and to follow you in the Way. In Jesus' name, I pray.
Amen +
The LORD watches over the way of the just (&) way of the wicked vanishes.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
THE FEAR OF GOD
For November 16, Sunday...
Matthew 25:21
Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.
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We have all heard about the “parable of the talents”. This parable would tell us that we all should use our God-given “talents” for it would displease God if we “bury them”. But let me share with you another lessons that we can get from this parable. A lesson about doing nothing because of the wrong feeling of fear towards God.
The servant who has one talent would not invest them and even dug a hole in the ground and hid his Master’s money. And what really is the reason? As he pointed out, “I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid…”. He fears his master, even fearing him more knowing what he can do once he lost that money. Most of us are like this servant. We fear the Lord in the wrong way. We always see God as a wrathful God who would punish us once we make mistakes. We see God as a ruthless God who would drown people in flood or maim people through fires. And so we are all afraid of Him, thinking that once we fail to use our talents or skill, He would make us suffer. So we just hide it “under the ground”.
So, free ourselves from fear. Fear of the Lord does not equate to being afraid of Him. This gift fills us with a sovereign respect for God that we avoid sin. But it should not prevent us from using our talents to the betterment of our fellowmen. This is not a fear that leads one to despair, rather it must be coupled with trust, and most importantly, love. If we fear anything other than God, we are deceived. God is the only thing in the universe worthy of fear. Let us serve God with thankfulness in the ways which please him, but always with reverence and holy fear. So, are you still afraid?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, if You kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. Teach me to be faithful in You, knowing that I can do anything because of You.
Amen +
Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
Matthew 25:21
Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.
---------------------------------------------------------
We have all heard about the “parable of the talents”. This parable would tell us that we all should use our God-given “talents” for it would displease God if we “bury them”. But let me share with you another lessons that we can get from this parable. A lesson about doing nothing because of the wrong feeling of fear towards God.
The servant who has one talent would not invest them and even dug a hole in the ground and hid his Master’s money. And what really is the reason? As he pointed out, “I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid…”. He fears his master, even fearing him more knowing what he can do once he lost that money. Most of us are like this servant. We fear the Lord in the wrong way. We always see God as a wrathful God who would punish us once we make mistakes. We see God as a ruthless God who would drown people in flood or maim people through fires. And so we are all afraid of Him, thinking that once we fail to use our talents or skill, He would make us suffer. So we just hide it “under the ground”.
So, free ourselves from fear. Fear of the Lord does not equate to being afraid of Him. This gift fills us with a sovereign respect for God that we avoid sin. But it should not prevent us from using our talents to the betterment of our fellowmen. This is not a fear that leads one to despair, rather it must be coupled with trust, and most importantly, love. If we fear anything other than God, we are deceived. God is the only thing in the universe worthy of fear. Let us serve God with thankfulness in the ways which please him, but always with reverence and holy fear. So, are you still afraid?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, if You kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. Teach me to be faithful in You, knowing that I can do anything because of You.
Amen +
Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
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