Luke 10:21
“…for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.”
----------------------------------------------
We hate changes.
For changes would change the way we live, work and enjoy life. When I have been asked to be a part of the team to go to Mexico to work on a project, I was very apprehensive. A total change in my life as I have to be away from my family – something that never happened to me before.
And due to the toughness of my heart, I was not able to see the inner workings that God is planning for my life. But, through constant prayers, I was able to open my heart.
And like the heart of a child, I listened.
We could only understand the workings and the love that God wants to share with us if we would have the mind and the heart of a child. He doesn’t want us to understand everything but He wants us to trust in Him as we live our life, totally oblivious of what will happen tomorrow.
Always be a kid at heart where even simple things can make you smile. Take time to enjoy the little things, the many little blessings that come along your way. As time goes by, reflect on your childhood days which are now a beautiful memory.
And, life goes on. We live. We love. We learn.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, thank You for giving me a mind that can know
and a heart that can love. Let me be convinced that all knowledge leads to You and let me know how to find You and love You in all the things You have made. Grant me the grace to put my knowledge to use in building the Your kingdom on earth to prepare myself for kingdom in heaven. Amen +
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Monday, November 30, 2009
CALLED TO FOLLOW
Matthew 4:22
He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.
-----------------------------------------------
Like new Christs, the Twelve and all the followers of Jesus in history reveal something of what it means to be a disciple. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to share the Good News to the gentiles and the Jews.
And their faith and love became the fuel that kept the faith burning in the hearts of men up to now.
Following Jesus is about listening and doing.
It is about putting into practice the things that Jesus taught.
It is about a lifestyle of peace and justice that sets one apart from others.
He doesn’t need to interview you.
All you have to do is drop everything and follow Him.
And it would not be a walk in the park with Him.
For true discipleship is found where people are hurting, where people are hungry, where people are oppressed, where people are denied justice, where people are dying.
Follow Him, He is waiting.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, may our love for You and others be our only concern. And may that love really push us to follow You and only You. We should be more concerned about who we follow such as Jesus rather than what the evil one tempts us to follow. We are Your disciples, forever. Amen +
The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.
-----------------------------------------------
Like new Christs, the Twelve and all the followers of Jesus in history reveal something of what it means to be a disciple. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to share the Good News to the gentiles and the Jews.
And their faith and love became the fuel that kept the faith burning in the hearts of men up to now.
Following Jesus is about listening and doing.
It is about putting into practice the things that Jesus taught.
It is about a lifestyle of peace and justice that sets one apart from others.
He doesn’t need to interview you.
All you have to do is drop everything and follow Him.
And it would not be a walk in the park with Him.
For true discipleship is found where people are hurting, where people are hungry, where people are oppressed, where people are denied justice, where people are dying.
Follow Him, He is waiting.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, may our love for You and others be our only concern. And may that love really push us to follow You and only You. We should be more concerned about who we follow such as Jesus rather than what the evil one tempts us to follow. We are Your disciples, forever. Amen +
The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
REDEMPTION
First Sunday of Advent
Luke 21:28
“But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
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I am back in Mexico, finishing what we have all started. After all the preparations, executions and sacrifice, the project is nearing completion.
And as preparation is vitally important in everything that we do in life, being prepared is most important as we await the coming of the Lord.
And today, we enter the season of Advent.
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.
Let Him 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.
Let Him prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which His presence will bestow.
Stand up straight with head raised… for we will be with Him, forever.
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 +
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
Luke 21:28
“But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
-----------------------------------------------
I am back in Mexico, finishing what we have all started. After all the preparations, executions and sacrifice, the project is nearing completion.
And as preparation is vitally important in everything that we do in life, being prepared is most important as we await the coming of the Lord.
And today, we enter the season of Advent.
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.
Let Him 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.
Let Him prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which His presence will bestow.
Stand up straight with head raised… for we will be with Him, forever.
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 +
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
VIGILANT AT ALL TIMES
Luke 21:36
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent…
--------------------------------------------
At night, especially when walking in a dimly-lighted streets, we are always on the look-out, always vigilant as danger could just be around the corner. We would always look for a well-lighted place, fully knowing that we would be safe…
You could be in the dark today, groping around trying to find that way towards the light. All you have to do is to open your heart to Jesus Christ and let him guide you out of the dark.
For us, as people of faith and hope and love, the Gospel says all we have to do is have courage, hold our heads high, and keep our chins up because Jesus is coming, redemption is at hand, the reign of God is here, and everything is going to be alright.
And in today’s gospel, Luke urges us to spend time in prayer as we remain vigilant at all times…
…for the strength to stand before Christ, to spend time in prayer
…to keep vigil by sitting in the presence of God
And keep talking to God
Keep listening to God’s voice
And be continually in the presence of God.
Be prepared, for the Lord is coming.
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 +
“Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord… exalt him above all forever.”
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent…
--------------------------------------------
At night, especially when walking in a dimly-lighted streets, we are always on the look-out, always vigilant as danger could just be around the corner. We would always look for a well-lighted place, fully knowing that we would be safe…
You could be in the dark today, groping around trying to find that way towards the light. All you have to do is to open your heart to Jesus Christ and let him guide you out of the dark.
For us, as people of faith and hope and love, the Gospel says all we have to do is have courage, hold our heads high, and keep our chins up because Jesus is coming, redemption is at hand, the reign of God is here, and everything is going to be alright.
And in today’s gospel, Luke urges us to spend time in prayer as we remain vigilant at all times…
…for the strength to stand before Christ, to spend time in prayer
…to keep vigil by sitting in the presence of God
And keep talking to God
Keep listening to God’s voice
And be continually in the presence of God.
Be prepared, for the Lord is coming.
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 +
“Holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord… exalt him above all forever.”
Friday, November 27, 2009
HIS WORDS, FOREVER
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. Having fun is not evil. But these things may compete with God in our lives if we let them.
Then it becomes evil.
We must make time with the Lord the number one priority. We must be careful or the "busyness" and simple pleasures of life may crowd out our time with the Lord. Spend a personal time listening to and reading the words of the Lord.
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 +
Give glory and eternal praise to him!
“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. Having fun is not evil. But these things may compete with God in our lives if we let them.
Then it becomes evil.
We must make time with the Lord the number one priority. We must be careful or the "busyness" and simple pleasures of life may crowd out our time with the Lord. Spend a personal time listening to and reading the words of the Lord.
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 +
Give glory and eternal praise to him!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
DELIVERER AND SAVIOR
Daniel 6:28
He is a deliverer and savior, working signs and wonders in heaven and on earth…
------------------------------------------------
Savior is defined as someone who rescues another from harm, danger or loss.
So you may ask, how did Jesus became my Savior? Am I in any danger; is someone trying to harm me; or what would I lose if I failed to recognize Him as my Lord and Savior?
Good questions… that would merit good answers. But the answers would only be good, if you would first take away all disbelief from your heart… and start to believe that only Jesus can deliver us from all anxieties, sins, fears and death that this worldly kingdom has to offer.
Yes, we are all in danger of losing a place in heaven. For the devil is continually trying to get our attention… tempting us, so we would join him in hell and be subjected to anguish and pain… forever.
But even as we sinned against God, He would not allow us to suffer. And he sent our deliverer and savior, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and pay as ransom for the many sins.
JESUS can be fully trusted and relied upon 100% for our personal salvation.
There is no surer source of truth, for He himself is the truth and only way to God. He is our Deliverer, our Savior, our King, our Lord and our God.
Let us pray +
Oh Mighty Deliverer, I can never forget that in my neediness and affliction, You came and rescued me. While I was a slave to sin, you died to deliver my soul. I am free Lord, and such joy fills us me as I walk in the light of Your presence. Deliver me Oh God from the destruction of selfish desires, that I might bind up the broken-hearted in Your name, and set prisoners free for Your glory. I am full of hope, Jesus, my Deliverer, for you have rescued me. Amen +
For he is the living God, enduring forever…
He is a deliverer and savior, working signs and wonders in heaven and on earth…
------------------------------------------------
Savior is defined as someone who rescues another from harm, danger or loss.
So you may ask, how did Jesus became my Savior? Am I in any danger; is someone trying to harm me; or what would I lose if I failed to recognize Him as my Lord and Savior?
Good questions… that would merit good answers. But the answers would only be good, if you would first take away all disbelief from your heart… and start to believe that only Jesus can deliver us from all anxieties, sins, fears and death that this worldly kingdom has to offer.
Yes, we are all in danger of losing a place in heaven. For the devil is continually trying to get our attention… tempting us, so we would join him in hell and be subjected to anguish and pain… forever.
But even as we sinned against God, He would not allow us to suffer. And he sent our deliverer and savior, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and pay as ransom for the many sins.
JESUS can be fully trusted and relied upon 100% for our personal salvation.
There is no surer source of truth, for He himself is the truth and only way to God. He is our Deliverer, our Savior, our King, our Lord and our God.
Let us pray +
Oh Mighty Deliverer, I can never forget that in my neediness and affliction, You came and rescued me. While I was a slave to sin, you died to deliver my soul. I am free Lord, and such joy fills us me as I walk in the light of Your presence. Deliver me Oh God from the destruction of selfish desires, that I might bind up the broken-hearted in Your name, and set prisoners free for Your glory. I am full of hope, Jesus, my Deliverer, for you have rescued me. Amen +
For he is the living God, enduring forever…
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
HATED BUT UNHARMED
Luke 21:17
You will be hated by all because of my name…
-----------------------------------------
Have you experienced being persecuted because of your faith? Being imprisoned, tortured because of your belief in Jesus Christ, our Lord?
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…
They were stoned to death…
They were crucified…
They were burnt at the stake…
All 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.
In this very dangerous world, we must put our trust totally in 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 +
You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting…
You will be hated by all because of my name…
-----------------------------------------
Have you experienced being persecuted because of your faith? Being imprisoned, tortured because of your belief in Jesus Christ, our Lord?
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…
They were stoned to death…
They were crucified…
They were burnt at the stake…
All 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.
In this very dangerous world, we must put our trust totally in 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 +
You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting…
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
MIGHTY SIGNS
Luke 14:11
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”
-----------------------------------------
Wars…
Flood…
Famine…
Earthquakes…
You read about them… you hear about them.
Sign of the times… mighty signs that Jesus already talked about two-thousand years ago.
Yes, the signs are there, but no one, nobody, would really know when would the end come. Only the Father knows.
But does knowing the exact time really matter? Do we have to wait for that time, before we repent and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior?
The time is now! The gift of salvation is not limited to saints, priests, or hermits. Everyone can have their spiritual eyes opened!
Open your eyes to the truth…
and open Your heart to accept Him in your life, not tomorrow, but today.
For tomorrow may be too late.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Dear Lord, I ask you to open my spiritual eyes so that I can truly discern the signs of the times. I ask you to give me the grace to walk by faith and not by sight, and to see things as you see them. Amen +
Give glory and eternal praise to him.
“Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”
-----------------------------------------
Wars…
Flood…
Famine…
Earthquakes…
You read about them… you hear about them.
Sign of the times… mighty signs that Jesus already talked about two-thousand years ago.
Yes, the signs are there, but no one, nobody, would really know when would the end come. Only the Father knows.
But does knowing the exact time really matter? Do we have to wait for that time, before we repent and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior?
The time is now! The gift of salvation is not limited to saints, priests, or hermits. Everyone can have their spiritual eyes opened!
Open your eyes to the truth…
and open Your heart to accept Him in your life, not tomorrow, but today.
For tomorrow may be too late.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, Dear Lord, I ask you to open my spiritual eyes so that I can truly discern the signs of the times. I ask you to give me the grace to walk by faith and not by sight, and to see things as you see them. Amen +
Give glory and eternal praise to him.
EXALTED ABOVE ALL
Daniel 3:52
“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever…”
-------------------------------------------------------
You are omnipresent. You are omnipotent. You are all-knowing. You are omniscient. You are everything, and we are nothing in Your eyes.
And yet, we are the one who has the courage to ignore you. We would sin and commit sin, fully aware that you hate sins. And as we are still sinners, You would send your only Son to die on the cross so we may be saved and be given a second chance in life to be with You forever.
Isn’t that enough so we would repent?
Isn’t that enough so we would worship You and You alone for the rest of our lives?
Isn’t that enough so we would seek Your love and mercy forever?
Thank You, God, that no matter how many sins we commit, Your arms are still open to receive our repentance.
Thank You, God, that no matter how many times we ignored Your Words, Your love would still be there to protect and envelop us.
Thank You, God, thank You.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, blessed are we, because we have known You! Blessed are we, because we have believed in You! Blessed are we, because we bear Your wounds and the sign of Your Blood on our contenances! Blessed are we, because You are our great hope! Blessed are we, because You are our God forever! Amen +
Glory and praise God forever!
“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever…”
-------------------------------------------------------
You are omnipresent. You are omnipotent. You are all-knowing. You are omniscient. You are everything, and we are nothing in Your eyes.
And yet, we are the one who has the courage to ignore you. We would sin and commit sin, fully aware that you hate sins. And as we are still sinners, You would send your only Son to die on the cross so we may be saved and be given a second chance in life to be with You forever.
Isn’t that enough so we would repent?
Isn’t that enough so we would worship You and You alone for the rest of our lives?
Isn’t that enough so we would seek Your love and mercy forever?
Thank You, God, that no matter how many sins we commit, Your arms are still open to receive our repentance.
Thank You, God, that no matter how many times we ignored Your Words, Your love would still be there to protect and envelop us.
Thank You, God, thank You.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, blessed are we, because we have known You! Blessed are we, because we have believed in You! Blessed are we, because we bear Your wounds and the sign of Your Blood on our contenances! Blessed are we, because You are our great hope! Blessed are we, because You are our God forever! Amen +
Glory and praise God forever!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
VOX DEI
Solemnity of Christ the King
John 18:37
Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
------------------------------------------
Christ the King Sunday, the last holy Sunday in the western liturgical calendar year. Next week, we start with the new liturgical year, starting with the Advent season as we prepare for Christmas, the birth of our Lord.
Ahh, it’s Sunday again.
It is the day when we, at least, spend a whole one hour praising Him, singing for Him, hearing His mighty words and receiving the Eucharist - signifying that we accept Him as our Lord, our God, our Master, our Teacher, our Savior, OUR KING!
If in those little, minute things and places, we already find solace and experience paradise, what more if we really experience the true one, the one promised by our Lord. When we reach that place, we can truly say that “I am now in Paradise, with my Lord and my King!”
You are always inside me…
talking to me…
hearing my thoughts…
understanding the pain I go through…
and loving me, for the real Paradise is in my heart.
Continue filling-up my soul with Your love, Oh Lord, overflowing, out-pouring, that I may share them with others.
Let us pray +
Oh Lord, continue to console our souls. Anticipate our desires and make Yourself present to us always, bringing all those graces and remedies to those who are in need. We speak to You, for we know You are near, willing to listen. We ask these in Jesus name, our Lord and King forever. Amen +
The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.
John 18:37
Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”
------------------------------------------
Christ the King Sunday, the last holy Sunday in the western liturgical calendar year. Next week, we start with the new liturgical year, starting with the Advent season as we prepare for Christmas, the birth of our Lord.
Ahh, it’s Sunday again.
It is the day when we, at least, spend a whole one hour praising Him, singing for Him, hearing His mighty words and receiving the Eucharist - signifying that we accept Him as our Lord, our God, our Master, our Teacher, our Savior, OUR KING!
If in those little, minute things and places, we already find solace and experience paradise, what more if we really experience the true one, the one promised by our Lord. When we reach that place, we can truly say that “I am now in Paradise, with my Lord and my King!”
You are always inside me…
talking to me…
hearing my thoughts…
understanding the pain I go through…
and loving me, for the real Paradise is in my heart.
Continue filling-up my soul with Your love, Oh Lord, overflowing, out-pouring, that I may share them with others.
Let us pray +
Oh Lord, continue to console our souls. Anticipate our desires and make Yourself present to us always, bringing all those graces and remedies to those who are in need. We speak to You, for we know You are near, willing to listen. We ask these in Jesus name, our Lord and King forever. Amen +
The LORD is king; he is robed in majesty.
GOD OF THE LIVING
Luke 20:37-38
“…He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.”
-----------------------------------------------
Resurrection…
Life after death…
The afterlife… the eternal life.
It is clear that life does continue 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.
Are you still in doubt? Well, Jesus has the answer… simply relax and be at peace in your faith.
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…
But if I am right...well, imagine the treasure I would have gained in Heaven!
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 sin.
Christ has died.
Christ has risen.
Christ will come again.
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 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 +
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart…
“…He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.”
-----------------------------------------------
Resurrection…
Life after death…
The afterlife… the eternal life.
It is clear that life does continue 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.
Are you still in doubt? Well, Jesus has the answer… simply relax and be at peace in your faith.
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…
But if I am right...well, imagine the treasure I would have gained in Heaven!
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 sin.
Christ has died.
Christ has risen.
Christ will come again.
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 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 +
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart…
Friday, November 20, 2009
LET US PRAY
Luke 19:46
“My house shall be a house of prayer…”
--------------------------------------------
I have been praying as long as I can remember.
All through my life, I have experienced the power of prayer – in times of family trouble, marital trouble, financial trouble and personal difficulties.
How do you pray? What do you pray? How sincere are your prayers?
God invites all of us to come to Him. He wants us to bring to Him all our life’s burdens through prayer. And when they do, they will find acceptance, comfort and help from Him.
Let us ask that His kingdom come, His will be done in our lives, our church, our city and our country. We need to demonstrate our trust in Him to fulfill the vision He has given us and seek the Lord together in prayer.
The power of prayer resides in the Lord. Put all your confidence in Him, asking anything according to His Words. And knowing that He hears us, we know that He will provide whatever we asked for, in His time.
With God’s help let us make His house, a house of prayer for all the people – holy, obedient, trusting and one in Christ.
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 +
We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
“My house shall be a house of prayer…”
--------------------------------------------
I have been praying as long as I can remember.
All through my life, I have experienced the power of prayer – in times of family trouble, marital trouble, financial trouble and personal difficulties.
How do you pray? What do you pray? How sincere are your prayers?
God invites all of us to come to Him. He wants us to bring to Him all our life’s burdens through prayer. And when they do, they will find acceptance, comfort and help from Him.
Let us ask that His kingdom come, His will be done in our lives, our church, our city and our country. We need to demonstrate our trust in Him to fulfill the vision He has given us and seek the Lord together in prayer.
The power of prayer resides in the Lord. Put all your confidence in Him, asking anything according to His Words. And knowing that He hears us, we know that He will provide whatever we asked for, in His time.
With God’s help let us make His house, a house of prayer for all the people – holy, obedient, trusting and one in Christ.
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 +
We praise your glorious name, O mighty God.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
DAYS ARE COMING
Luke 19:43
For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you…
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The devil would continue to haunt us. He doesn’t want us to be serving the Lord our God. They will continue to pounce on us, in different forms, in different times, at different opportunities.
So, are you ready? Is the armor of God protecting you? Is the sword of the Lord ready and sharpened?
We are always in constant attack from the principalities that rule this world.
But we should not back down.
We should all hold our ground.
We need to continue to be the loving, compassionate, and peacemaking children of God we have been called to be.
We may have hated someone in our life, but always remember to hate the actions done and not the person. We must continue to show love to that person so that same love may change him and change us. Loving others is taking out the enemy within.
So, in the end, we are both changed… taking out the true enemy from our hearts and worshipping only the true, One God.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, anger destroys the peace of our own soul, but being a loving and compassionate peacemaker brings peace to our soul. Teach us to love those who brings injustice to our lives. Teach us to love our enemies. Teach us to trust in You, knowing that this is how we have been called to be.
Amen +
To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you…
-------------------------------------------
The devil would continue to haunt us. He doesn’t want us to be serving the Lord our God. They will continue to pounce on us, in different forms, in different times, at different opportunities.
So, are you ready? Is the armor of God protecting you? Is the sword of the Lord ready and sharpened?
We are always in constant attack from the principalities that rule this world.
But we should not back down.
We should all hold our ground.
We need to continue to be the loving, compassionate, and peacemaking children of God we have been called to be.
We may have hated someone in our life, but always remember to hate the actions done and not the person. We must continue to show love to that person so that same love may change him and change us. Loving others is taking out the enemy within.
So, in the end, we are both changed… taking out the true enemy from our hearts and worshipping only the true, One God.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, anger destroys the peace of our own soul, but being a loving and compassionate peacemaker brings peace to our soul. Teach us to love those who brings injustice to our lives. Teach us to love our enemies. Teach us to trust in You, knowing that this is how we have been called to be.
Amen +
To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
CONTENTED IN HIS PRESENCE
Psalms 17:15
But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking, I shall be content in your presence.
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Upon waking up in the morning, you would go straight to your normal morning ritual – fixing the bed, going to the bathroom, eating breakfast, taking a bath, dressing up and off to work. Where is the car key? Where is my lunch box? Where are the kids? An hour into the morning, and you are already dishelved, frustrated and a mess.
Most of the time, we always take common things for granted. That the sun will rise in the morning, that you will hear the chirping of the birds tomorrow, that you would be alive the next day. And still, we would blame God for every bad things that would happen to us. Isn’t that unfair?
Live a life of contentment in His presence. Not a contentment that comes from possessions, activities, or other people, for these can be changed or taken away. But a life of contentment that comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ. There is absolutely nothing that can take that away.
Contentment frees you to enjoy every good thing God has given you. Contentment demonstrates your belief that God loves you and has your best interest in mind.
Wake up in His presence… thanking Him for another day and start your day contented and full of peace.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, blessed are we, because we have known You! Blessed are we, because we have believed in You! Blessed are we, because we bear Your wounds and the sign of Your Blood on our contenances! Blessed are we, because You are our great hope! Blessed are we, because You are our God forever!
Amen +
The Lord will not abandon his people.
But I in justice shall behold your face; on waking, I shall be content in your presence.
--------------------------------------------
Upon waking up in the morning, you would go straight to your normal morning ritual – fixing the bed, going to the bathroom, eating breakfast, taking a bath, dressing up and off to work. Where is the car key? Where is my lunch box? Where are the kids? An hour into the morning, and you are already dishelved, frustrated and a mess.
Most of the time, we always take common things for granted. That the sun will rise in the morning, that you will hear the chirping of the birds tomorrow, that you would be alive the next day. And still, we would blame God for every bad things that would happen to us. Isn’t that unfair?
Live a life of contentment in His presence. Not a contentment that comes from possessions, activities, or other people, for these can be changed or taken away. But a life of contentment that comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ. There is absolutely nothing that can take that away.
Contentment frees you to enjoy every good thing God has given you. Contentment demonstrates your belief that God loves you and has your best interest in mind.
Wake up in His presence… thanking Him for another day and start your day contented and full of peace.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, blessed are we, because we have known You! Blessed are we, because we have believed in You! Blessed are we, because we bear Your wounds and the sign of Your Blood on our contenances! Blessed are we, because You are our great hope! Blessed are we, because You are our God forever!
Amen +
The Lord will not abandon his people.
SALVATION HAS COME
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”.
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Tax collectors during the time of Jesus, like Zacchaeus, are very wealthy people… but they are also greatly hated by the people. They cheat people and whatever he collected over the amount required would be for him to keep. But Jesus has other plans. Instead of hating Zacchaeus, Jesus called on him so He can stay for dinner at his house.
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. At the end of the day, another soul was saved, as what Jesus has come to accomplish.
We are called to a dinner with the Lord.
We are called to eat with Him.
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 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 +
The Lord upholds me.
“Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost”.
-----------------------------------------------
Tax collectors during the time of Jesus, like Zacchaeus, are very wealthy people… but they are also greatly hated by the people. They cheat people and whatever he collected over the amount required would be for him to keep. But Jesus has other plans. Instead of hating Zacchaeus, Jesus called on him so He can stay for dinner at his house.
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. At the end of the day, another soul was saved, as what Jesus has come to accomplish.
We are called to a dinner with the Lord.
We are called to eat with Him.
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 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 +
The Lord upholds me.
Monday, November 16, 2009
HAVE 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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The cry echoes clearly two-thousand years ago as it is today, “Jesus, have pity on me!” But most of the time, once we received what we need, we again go back to our previous wrongdoings, totally forgetting God, until that next disaster.
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.
Let us be rewarded because of our faith. Ask for pity in all humility as we are absolutely dependent upon Him, Who is our only hope.
And it should not stop there…
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.
And we continue to see the light with and for Him…
Make sure we never go blind again and continue to see. These 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 +
Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
“Have sight; your faith has saved you”. He immediately received his sight and followed Him, giving glory to God.
-------------------------------------------------
The cry echoes clearly two-thousand years ago as it is today, “Jesus, have pity on me!” But most of the time, once we received what we need, we again go back to our previous wrongdoings, totally forgetting God, until that next disaster.
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.
Let us be rewarded because of our faith. Ask for pity in all humility as we are absolutely dependent upon Him, Who is our only hope.
And it should not stop there…
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.
And we continue to see the light with and for Him…
Make sure we never go blind again and continue to see. These 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 +
Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your commands.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
YOUR WORDS, OUR LIFE
Mark 13:31
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
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Words spoken 2,000 years ago, still they are as true and as relevant in our lives today. So it really is amazing that the words of Jesus Christ continue to set the bar that no one can reach.
However, some of us would twist these words to suit our lives, so we can continue to live in our lies. “An eye for an eye”, “divorce as promulgated by Moses”, “animal sacrifices” – these are old thinking that was already renewed through Christ.
“Love your enemy”.
“Love your wife; listen to your husband.”
“I am the way, the truth and the life”.
Jesus claim is so revolutionary that it was considered insane by some rational person. Yet, somehow, I know deep in my heart (as I am sure you also believe and know), that he spoke the plain truth.
And while I, as a sinner, might have problem reconciling His words with what I really want to do in my life, I cannot deny that He spoke with the authority and wisdom that can only come from a loving, omniscient God.
May God give us the strength to follow the words and actions of Jesus Christ and not be swayed by the tides of a changing world.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus Christ, may we forever live and believe in your very Words. No one can twist them, for they are Words of Life. May we follow Your example forever, only believing in You and Your mighty words and deeds.
Amen +
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices…
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
-----------------------------------------------
Words spoken 2,000 years ago, still they are as true and as relevant in our lives today. So it really is amazing that the words of Jesus Christ continue to set the bar that no one can reach.
However, some of us would twist these words to suit our lives, so we can continue to live in our lies. “An eye for an eye”, “divorce as promulgated by Moses”, “animal sacrifices” – these are old thinking that was already renewed through Christ.
“Love your enemy”.
“Love your wife; listen to your husband.”
“I am the way, the truth and the life”.
Jesus claim is so revolutionary that it was considered insane by some rational person. Yet, somehow, I know deep in my heart (as I am sure you also believe and know), that he spoke the plain truth.
And while I, as a sinner, might have problem reconciling His words with what I really want to do in my life, I cannot deny that He spoke with the authority and wisdom that can only come from a loving, omniscient God.
May God give us the strength to follow the words and actions of Jesus Christ and not be swayed by the tides of a changing world.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus Christ, may we forever live and believe in your very Words. No one can twist them, for they are Words of Life. May we follow Your example forever, only believing in You and Your mighty words and deeds.
Amen +
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices…
Saturday, November 14, 2009
CALL OUT TO HIM
Luke 18:7
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to Him day and night?
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You asked for something
You did not received what you asked for
So, you gave up… thinking that you are not loved, and so you rebelled.
But have you thought of asking again…
And again… and again?
God is more than a father, He is more than a judge. He is our Lord, our God – worthy of our unceasing praise and prayers.
If faith is the furnace of our lives, then His grace is its fuel.
And the divinely appointed shovel for feeding the burner is prayer.
If I lose heart and lay down the shovel, the fire will go out. I would eventually grow cold and hard.
Focus on our heart attitude.
“Rejoice always” is an attitude of joyfulness.
How do we rejoice and give thanks? Through prayer!
It expresses itself throughout the day with silent prayers of vital communication with the LORD. We can't always stop asking, our heart’s attitude should always be of “praying without ceasing”.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I pray to you without ceasing. I bring back to You my life of prayer without losing heart. And when Jesus comes, I hope that He would see the faith in me, and be worthy to join Him in Heaven.
Amen +
Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to Him day and night?
----------------------------------------------
You asked for something
You did not received what you asked for
So, you gave up… thinking that you are not loved, and so you rebelled.
But have you thought of asking again…
And again… and again?
God is more than a father, He is more than a judge. He is our Lord, our God – worthy of our unceasing praise and prayers.
If faith is the furnace of our lives, then His grace is its fuel.
And the divinely appointed shovel for feeding the burner is prayer.
If I lose heart and lay down the shovel, the fire will go out. I would eventually grow cold and hard.
Focus on our heart attitude.
“Rejoice always” is an attitude of joyfulness.
How do we rejoice and give thanks? Through prayer!
It expresses itself throughout the day with silent prayers of vital communication with the LORD. We can't always stop asking, our heart’s attitude should always be of “praying without ceasing”.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I pray to you without ceasing. I bring back to You my life of prayer without losing heart. And when Jesus comes, I hope that He would see the faith in me, and be worthy to join Him in Heaven.
Amen +
Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
Friday, November 13, 2009
SUDDEN COMING
Luke 17:26
“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man…
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The year is again nearing its end. Would the end of the world not be far? Don’t ask me, for I don’t really know. Only God the Father knows when it will be – even Jesus doesn't even know as He told His disciples: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father”.
But what I know is this.
We all need to be prepared.
We must all be ready and watchful,
For “the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare”.
As St. Peter has all warned us, and so we must be prepared –
“You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:11-13).
Are you ready for the last day?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help us to be ready for Jesus' sudden coming. Shake us awake. Help us not to be lulled to sleep by the unbelief Teach me the true value of material things so that I do not cling to them. Help my eyes to be ever looking for His appearing. In the holy name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen +
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man…
----------------------------------------------
The year is again nearing its end. Would the end of the world not be far? Don’t ask me, for I don’t really know. Only God the Father knows when it will be – even Jesus doesn't even know as He told His disciples: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father”.
But what I know is this.
We all need to be prepared.
We must all be ready and watchful,
For “the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare”.
As St. Peter has all warned us, and so we must be prepared –
“You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:11-13).
Are you ready for the last day?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help us to be ready for Jesus' sudden coming. Shake us awake. Help us not to be lulled to sleep by the unbelief Teach me the true value of material things so that I do not cling to them. Help my eyes to be ever looking for His appearing. In the holy name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen +
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
KINGDOM IN OUR HEARTS
Luke 17:20-21
“The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed… For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”
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I already have a concept of our dream house. But it is still a concept – kept in my and my wife’s mind. We are still paying for the lot so we cannot build it yet. And until it is completely built, it would remain a dream – soon to be realized. Until we see it, feel it and live in it, we would only be living in our dreams. That is the reality of living in this earthly world.
Jesus is offering us more than this earthly world. He is offering us more than just a dream.
Yes, He promised us heaven and the Kingdom of God.
Yes, He promised us eternal life and His second coming.
Jesus did not want us to expect an immediate kingdom, but now that promise is not just a dream for it lives in our every hearts. All we need is to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
The Kingdom of God is not a visible territory with borders. It is not a capitol building with beautiful architecture. Instead, his Kingdom, God's Kingdom, has already begun to make its appearance as people bow their hearts to the King and offer themselves in service to His rule.
Have you truly yielded your heart, soul, mind, and strength to do the Lord's will? Is His Kingdom now rightfully placed in your heart?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I praise You for Your power and glory. I praise You for Your work of deliverance and salvation in our lives. I praise You for Your promise of a home and a great future with us. Now I ask that Your will be done in my life as I offer myself to serve and honor You as the only true and living God, in Jesus' name.
Amen +
Your word is for ever, O Lord.
“The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed… For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”
--------------------------------------------------
I already have a concept of our dream house. But it is still a concept – kept in my and my wife’s mind. We are still paying for the lot so we cannot build it yet. And until it is completely built, it would remain a dream – soon to be realized. Until we see it, feel it and live in it, we would only be living in our dreams. That is the reality of living in this earthly world.
Jesus is offering us more than this earthly world. He is offering us more than just a dream.
Yes, He promised us heaven and the Kingdom of God.
Yes, He promised us eternal life and His second coming.
Jesus did not want us to expect an immediate kingdom, but now that promise is not just a dream for it lives in our every hearts. All we need is to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
The Kingdom of God is not a visible territory with borders. It is not a capitol building with beautiful architecture. Instead, his Kingdom, God's Kingdom, has already begun to make its appearance as people bow their hearts to the King and offer themselves in service to His rule.
Have you truly yielded your heart, soul, mind, and strength to do the Lord's will? Is His Kingdom now rightfully placed in your heart?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I praise You for Your power and glory. I praise You for Your work of deliverance and salvation in our lives. I praise You for Your promise of a home and a great future with us. Now I ask that Your will be done in my life as I offer myself to serve and honor You as the only true and living God, in Jesus' name.
Amen +
Your word is for ever, O Lord.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
PITY US, LEPERS
Luke 17:12-13
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
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Leprosy… a type of sickness that cannot be easily healed. Slowly, the body is being consumed, little by little, until we cannot bear the pain and suffering anymore. And the part has to be amputated or disfigured permanently.
Sin… spiritual weakness that cannot be easily cured. Slowly, the body is being consumed, little by little, until we cannot bear the pain and suffering anymore. And our lives are forever amputated from the body of Christ, wallowing forever in sinful extravagance, our soul disfigured permanently.
We are all lepers – spiritual lepers, that is. What is worse, this disease affected our hearts, totally ignoring God up to a point of doing those that are exactly the opposite of His will.
And worst of all, some of us do not believe that they ever can be healed!
Yet, there is hope. There is hope when Jesus sends His gospel to us, and bids us to repent. "I believe in the forgiveness of sins": this is a sweet sentence of a true creed.
Believe in the renewal of our hearts; for the Lord can give new hearts and right spirits even to the evil and unthankful; cleansing our heart, our soul, our spirit – giving us salvation!
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, I am unclean as a leper shouting to You for forgiveness from afar, for I cannot approach You and unworthy of even Your gaze. But You did differently. You are the One who even approached me and healed me of my spiritual illnesses. And You even gave up Your life to ensure ever-lasting comfort, joy and peace with the Father. I shall always go back to give You thanks and praise. Amen +
Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
------------------------------------------------
Leprosy… a type of sickness that cannot be easily healed. Slowly, the body is being consumed, little by little, until we cannot bear the pain and suffering anymore. And the part has to be amputated or disfigured permanently.
Sin… spiritual weakness that cannot be easily cured. Slowly, the body is being consumed, little by little, until we cannot bear the pain and suffering anymore. And our lives are forever amputated from the body of Christ, wallowing forever in sinful extravagance, our soul disfigured permanently.
We are all lepers – spiritual lepers, that is. What is worse, this disease affected our hearts, totally ignoring God up to a point of doing those that are exactly the opposite of His will.
And worst of all, some of us do not believe that they ever can be healed!
Yet, there is hope. There is hope when Jesus sends His gospel to us, and bids us to repent. "I believe in the forgiveness of sins": this is a sweet sentence of a true creed.
Believe in the renewal of our hearts; for the Lord can give new hearts and right spirits even to the evil and unthankful; cleansing our heart, our soul, our spirit – giving us salvation!
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, I am unclean as a leper shouting to You for forgiveness from afar, for I cannot approach You and unworthy of even Your gaze. But You did differently. You are the One who even approached me and healed me of my spiritual illnesses. And You even gave up Your life to ensure ever-lasting comfort, joy and peace with the Father. I shall always go back to give You thanks and praise. Amen +
Rise up, O God, bring judgment to the earth.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
UNPROFITABLE SERVANT
Luke 17:10
When you have done all you have been commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do”.
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Would you see your house helper, remote control in hand, sitting in your sala and watching TV? Or, sleeping in the master’s bedroom? Of course , not. As servant, they have a place in the house, and they should follow that rule or their service will be terminated.
You may say that is not fair. But fair or not, the servant was expected to work in the house or the field and prepare the food afterwards for his master. That is his duty. The master wasn't there to serve the servant, but the servant is expected to serve the master.
And in our relationship with the Lord, we always think that we are the master and God is our slave.
Our prayers tend to be "give me" prayers – “Please help my business succeed”, “Heal my mother's cancer”, “Provide food to those experiencing a famine”, “Work in my boss's heart to give me a raise”. Is this any way to address God to whom we owe our allegiance, life and salvation.
We are His servant, not the other way around! We are His servants, His slaves first. We are to serve him dutifully without any expectation of reward.
Our prayer should be of servant’s prayer: “Father, what do you want me to do today?”, “How can I help my friend learn to be brave in face of sufferings?, “Give me strength and boldness to witness for you so others may know You.”
And after we have learned that lesson of obedience, hear His voice as He call us His "friends."
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, give me a servant’s heart. Help me to better understand my appropriate role as your slave, so when you graciously grant me your friendship I might truly appreciate your love. Amen +
I will bless the Lord at all times.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do”.
----------------------------------------------
Would you see your house helper, remote control in hand, sitting in your sala and watching TV? Or, sleeping in the master’s bedroom? Of course , not. As servant, they have a place in the house, and they should follow that rule or their service will be terminated.
You may say that is not fair. But fair or not, the servant was expected to work in the house or the field and prepare the food afterwards for his master. That is his duty. The master wasn't there to serve the servant, but the servant is expected to serve the master.
And in our relationship with the Lord, we always think that we are the master and God is our slave.
Our prayers tend to be "give me" prayers – “Please help my business succeed”, “Heal my mother's cancer”, “Provide food to those experiencing a famine”, “Work in my boss's heart to give me a raise”. Is this any way to address God to whom we owe our allegiance, life and salvation.
We are His servant, not the other way around! We are His servants, His slaves first. We are to serve him dutifully without any expectation of reward.
Our prayer should be of servant’s prayer: “Father, what do you want me to do today?”, “How can I help my friend learn to be brave in face of sufferings?, “Give me strength and boldness to witness for you so others may know You.”
And after we have learned that lesson of obedience, hear His voice as He call us His "friends."
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, give me a servant’s heart. Help me to better understand my appropriate role as your slave, so when you graciously grant me your friendship I might truly appreciate your love. Amen +
I will bless the Lord at all times.
Monday, November 9, 2009
TAKE THEM OUT
John 2:16
“Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.”
------------------------------------------
Jesus, with a whip… driving vendors out of the temple.
Jesus, anger in His face, overturning tables of the money changers.
“Take these out of here”, he would tell everyone for they are making His Father’s house a marketplace.
These people are making easy money by cheating the people. They would sell the birds and the oxen for sacrifice, and would sell them at a higher price. They would change money at higher rate, because only certain type of money can be donated to the temple.
We always see Jesus portrayed as either serene parable teller or the suffering Jesus, carrying the cross, being mocked by the crowd, being crucified. Or the triumphant Jesus having defeated death in His resurrection, with His face in glorious light and pompous serenity. Very seldom, if not, do we see Him with a whip in one of his hands.
And yet, this is the way Jesus is portrayed in today’s scripture. He is a man on a mission, and he will not stand for his Father’s temple to be desecrated.
Jesus cleansed the temple. And He did it again on the cross.
Ask Him to come in our lives and whip us out of sin and overturn our tables, not out of anger but to make our lives into what He has created us to be. Perhaps the fierce Jesus is needed. Perhaps Jesus needs to come in with a whip to cleanse us out.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, clean out my heart. Come into my life with your whip and cleanse me out. Take those parts of my life that take me away from you and get rid of them. Fill me with your Spirit. Lord, you have the power to forgive and you have the power to change me. All of this in Jesus’ name. Amen +
God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.
“Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.”
------------------------------------------
Jesus, with a whip… driving vendors out of the temple.
Jesus, anger in His face, overturning tables of the money changers.
“Take these out of here”, he would tell everyone for they are making His Father’s house a marketplace.
These people are making easy money by cheating the people. They would sell the birds and the oxen for sacrifice, and would sell them at a higher price. They would change money at higher rate, because only certain type of money can be donated to the temple.
We always see Jesus portrayed as either serene parable teller or the suffering Jesus, carrying the cross, being mocked by the crowd, being crucified. Or the triumphant Jesus having defeated death in His resurrection, with His face in glorious light and pompous serenity. Very seldom, if not, do we see Him with a whip in one of his hands.
And yet, this is the way Jesus is portrayed in today’s scripture. He is a man on a mission, and he will not stand for his Father’s temple to be desecrated.
Jesus cleansed the temple. And He did it again on the cross.
Ask Him to come in our lives and whip us out of sin and overturn our tables, not out of anger but to make our lives into what He has created us to be. Perhaps the fierce Jesus is needed. Perhaps Jesus needs to come in with a whip to cleanse us out.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, clean out my heart. Come into my life with your whip and cleanse me out. Take those parts of my life that take me away from you and get rid of them. Fill me with your Spirit. Lord, you have the power to forgive and you have the power to change me. All of this in Jesus’ name. Amen +
God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
GIVE IT WHOLE
Luke 21:3-4
“…this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for… she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood”.
---------------------------------------
What! I only have enough money, and yet you still want to get it from me. How can I eat tonight? How can I go to work tomorrow? How can I buy my favorite beer after work? How can I give some tip to my favorite dancer in the club? Go somewhere else… I have to work.
Where is the trust? Where is the heart to help? No wonder Jesus would put the poor widow in today’s gospel above all the rest.
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.
Total trust… true love.
How about you? How about me? Have we given God your all, whether large or small? Do we have the heart of trusting God for the next step, the next meal, the next project? Know the reward of loving God with a joy and purity that reward you with His glorious presence. Give with all your heart and trust to the Lord.
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 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 +
Praise the Lord, my soul!
“…this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for… she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood”.
---------------------------------------
What! I only have enough money, and yet you still want to get it from me. How can I eat tonight? How can I go to work tomorrow? How can I buy my favorite beer after work? How can I give some tip to my favorite dancer in the club? Go somewhere else… I have to work.
Where is the trust? Where is the heart to help? No wonder Jesus would put the poor widow in today’s gospel above all the rest.
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.
Total trust… true love.
How about you? How about me? Have we given God your all, whether large or small? Do we have the heart of trusting God for the next step, the next meal, the next project? Know the reward of loving God with a joy and purity that reward you with His glorious presence. Give with all your heart and trust to the Lord.
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 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 +
Praise the Lord, my soul!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
GOD KNOWS OUR HEARTS
Luke 16:15
“You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.”
-------------------------------------------
Matthew is a very rich man. He can earn money in an instant. And he would share whatever blessings he has with others. He is a devout Christian and would donate part of his blessings to the Church. But in the eyes of many, he is still rich and many would judge him to have gained his wealth though dubious means.
Yet, God would look in the heart,
and only Him can know what is in Matthew’s heart.
Paul is a killer, a murderer. At one time, he would kill people for money. He was caught and was imprisoned. Inside, he would come to know Jesus and start serving Him. And through the years, he would be leading bible studies for the prisoners. And when he was finally set free, people would still doubt him, and still look at him as the old killer that he is.
But God would look in the heart,
and only Him can know what is in Paul’s heart.
I may be reading my bible daily, or going to mass every Sunday, or donating a portion to the needy, or attending bible studies; and yet I would readily judge Matthew and Paul as not worthy of heaven.
But God would look in the heart… in their hearts... in my heart.
How about you, what is in your heart?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, may I use all the resources You are giving me to uplift the spirit of others, to show them how You really care, to make them aware of Your true love. Look at our hearts. For the only greatest riches that we should aspire for, and as You promised, is the gift of eternal life! Amen +
I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
“You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.”
-------------------------------------------
Matthew is a very rich man. He can earn money in an instant. And he would share whatever blessings he has with others. He is a devout Christian and would donate part of his blessings to the Church. But in the eyes of many, he is still rich and many would judge him to have gained his wealth though dubious means.
Yet, God would look in the heart,
and only Him can know what is in Matthew’s heart.
Paul is a killer, a murderer. At one time, he would kill people for money. He was caught and was imprisoned. Inside, he would come to know Jesus and start serving Him. And through the years, he would be leading bible studies for the prisoners. And when he was finally set free, people would still doubt him, and still look at him as the old killer that he is.
But God would look in the heart,
and only Him can know what is in Paul’s heart.
I may be reading my bible daily, or going to mass every Sunday, or donating a portion to the needy, or attending bible studies; and yet I would readily judge Matthew and Paul as not worthy of heaven.
But God would look in the heart… in their hearts... in my heart.
How about you, what is in your heart?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, may I use all the resources You are giving me to uplift the spirit of others, to show them how You really care, to make them aware of Your true love. Look at our hearts. For the only greatest riches that we should aspire for, and as You promised, is the gift of eternal life! Amen +
I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Friday, November 6, 2009
CHRIST THROUGH ME
Romans 15:17-18
In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast in what pertains to God. For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me…
------------------------------------------
We would sometimes boast – I know more today because I studied in a great school, because I have learned from a great professor, because I read a lot of books, because I persevere on my own, to learn more today that what I have learned yesterday.
But can we say the same when it comes to our spiritual lives?
Can we say that "Jesus is working within me, that is why I act righteously in my dealings with others?"
Can we say that "Jesus is in me, that is why I would try not to commit sin that would destroy my soul?"
Can we say that "Jesus is me, that is why others can see Him through me?"
We can boast of anything in this worthless life on earth, so we can achieve some sense of worthiness, but those would not matter to God in heaven. What matters to Him is how you used the teachings of His son, so you may carry yourself and others into knowing Him, obeying Him and loving Him. That is our mandate in life… that is what we need to accomplish.
Can you still boast now?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, for now, we live in this other side of heaven, knowing that sometime in the future, we would join. Lord, give us a healthy appreciation of the beauty and wonder of this world. May we pour ourselves out, living for you. And may others see Your kindness and compassion through us as we persevere to be and act like You. Through Jesus Christ, Amen +
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.
In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast in what pertains to God. For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me…
------------------------------------------
We would sometimes boast – I know more today because I studied in a great school, because I have learned from a great professor, because I read a lot of books, because I persevere on my own, to learn more today that what I have learned yesterday.
But can we say the same when it comes to our spiritual lives?
Can we say that "Jesus is working within me, that is why I act righteously in my dealings with others?"
Can we say that "Jesus is in me, that is why I would try not to commit sin that would destroy my soul?"
Can we say that "Jesus is me, that is why others can see Him through me?"
We can boast of anything in this worthless life on earth, so we can achieve some sense of worthiness, but those would not matter to God in heaven. What matters to Him is how you used the teachings of His son, so you may carry yourself and others into knowing Him, obeying Him and loving Him. That is our mandate in life… that is what we need to accomplish.
Can you still boast now?
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, for now, we live in this other side of heaven, knowing that sometime in the future, we would join. Lord, give us a healthy appreciation of the beauty and wonder of this world. May we pour ourselves out, living for you. And may others see Your kindness and compassion through us as we persevere to be and act like You. Through Jesus Christ, Amen +
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
REJOICE WITH ME
Luke 15:10
“I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
--------------------------------------
My Father bought me a ring. It has three colorful stones – white, red and green. It may not be precious stones, but for me, these stones are precious. That is why when one of the stone fell and got lost, I started crying and told my father about it. He told me that he will just buy me a new one, and yes, he did.
As for the old ring, I stopped wearing them for without that one stone, it is not anymore complete.
It is not about that stone. It is about the completeness of it all.
The lost sheep and the lost coin are more than the prized possessions of their owners; they are also parts of a whole. The sheep belongs to the flock and the coin to the purse; without them the whole is not complete. The search, then, is a quest for restoration and wholeness. In this sense, all of us who are part of God’s creation should be just as anxious as God until the lost are restored and we are made whole again by their presence.
When we got lost, God’s family is not anymore complete. And so He has to search for us and invite us to be with Him again. And He did more than searching. He even sent His Son to the “lion’s den” so our sins may be forgiven.
God, broom in hand, patiently sweeps away the dirt from our lives and restores us to our God-given image. And as we are found, the whole community in heaven rejoices. Be willing to answer God’s call, "Rejoice with me”.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I got lost but You found me. Still, I would run away from You and seek my own satisfaction. But, You would never give up. You would find a way to make me return back to You. And as I accept Your mercy and forgiveness, heaven would rejoice for Your family would be complete once more, through Jesus our Lord. Amen +
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?
“I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
--------------------------------------
My Father bought me a ring. It has three colorful stones – white, red and green. It may not be precious stones, but for me, these stones are precious. That is why when one of the stone fell and got lost, I started crying and told my father about it. He told me that he will just buy me a new one, and yes, he did.
As for the old ring, I stopped wearing them for without that one stone, it is not anymore complete.
It is not about that stone. It is about the completeness of it all.
The lost sheep and the lost coin are more than the prized possessions of their owners; they are also parts of a whole. The sheep belongs to the flock and the coin to the purse; without them the whole is not complete. The search, then, is a quest for restoration and wholeness. In this sense, all of us who are part of God’s creation should be just as anxious as God until the lost are restored and we are made whole again by their presence.
When we got lost, God’s family is not anymore complete. And so He has to search for us and invite us to be with Him again. And He did more than searching. He even sent His Son to the “lion’s den” so our sins may be forgiven.
God, broom in hand, patiently sweeps away the dirt from our lives and restores us to our God-given image. And as we are found, the whole community in heaven rejoices. Be willing to answer God’s call, "Rejoice with me”.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I got lost but You found me. Still, I would run away from You and seek my own satisfaction. But, You would never give up. You would find a way to make me return back to You. And as I accept Your mercy and forgiveness, heaven would rejoice for Your family would be complete once more, through Jesus our Lord. Amen +
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
OUR OWN CROSS
Luke 14:27
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
----------------------------------------------
Carry my own cross? Isn’t that very heavy? I think I cannot do that. I thought the Lord Jesus has carried it already for me, why do I have to carry it again?
Maybe, I will carry it tomorrow, but for now, I am busy.
I will just forgive those who sinned against me later. Well, for my enemy, that is another story – he will be my enemy forever. I will just visit my sick friend, maybe next week… and the hungry… have to go to lunch first.
LOTS OF EXCUSES!!! And still we wonder why we cannot find the true joy in peace in our hearts. Jesus provides the bridge for us to receive God's grace of forgiveness for our sins and fulfill the hope of eternal life. He completed His purpose by being crucified, willingly, so God could be glorified through His resurrection. He lived His life while here on earth in perfect obedience to God regardless of the pain and suffering.
Carry my own cross? Yes, everything for Jesus. And come to think of it, it is not that heavy after all.
Let us pray +
Teach me, my Lord Jesus, to be sweet and gentle in all the events of my life – in disappointments, in the thoughtlessness of others, in the insincerity of those I trusted, in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied. Jesus help me and never forsake me! Teach me to carry my own cross and follow You.
Amen +
Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
----------------------------------------------
Carry my own cross? Isn’t that very heavy? I think I cannot do that. I thought the Lord Jesus has carried it already for me, why do I have to carry it again?
Maybe, I will carry it tomorrow, but for now, I am busy.
I will just forgive those who sinned against me later. Well, for my enemy, that is another story – he will be my enemy forever. I will just visit my sick friend, maybe next week… and the hungry… have to go to lunch first.
LOTS OF EXCUSES!!! And still we wonder why we cannot find the true joy in peace in our hearts. Jesus provides the bridge for us to receive God's grace of forgiveness for our sins and fulfill the hope of eternal life. He completed His purpose by being crucified, willingly, so God could be glorified through His resurrection. He lived His life while here on earth in perfect obedience to God regardless of the pain and suffering.
Carry my own cross? Yes, everything for Jesus. And come to think of it, it is not that heavy after all.
Let us pray +
Teach me, my Lord Jesus, to be sweet and gentle in all the events of my life – in disappointments, in the thoughtlessness of others, in the insincerity of those I trusted, in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied. Jesus help me and never forsake me! Teach me to carry my own cross and follow You.
Amen +
Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
INVITED TO DINNER
Luke 14:23-24
Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.
-----------------------------------------------------
The Lord God is inviting you now, to join Him in his banquet.
BUT!!!
You were busy at work, you are busy trying to be wealthy, you are busy cleaning your new car, you are busy… you are busy… you are busy.
No wonder the next day, God invited someone who was willing to accept His invitation. He gave him all the blessings that life can offer. And in return, he gave God what is due Him – praise, worship and love.
But did God forget you? Of course not! His invitation is still open. And when you are not busy anymore, why not accept His invitation? He is waiting for you. Just make sure that when you decided to accept it, it is not too late, or you will not forever taste the banquet He prepared in Heaven.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, give me a servant’s heart. Help me find ways to show hospitality to those in need, not to win their favor, but to reflect your love to them that they will seek to know you better.
Amen +
In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.
Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.
-----------------------------------------------------
The Lord God is inviting you now, to join Him in his banquet.
BUT!!!
You were busy at work, you are busy trying to be wealthy, you are busy cleaning your new car, you are busy… you are busy… you are busy.
No wonder the next day, God invited someone who was willing to accept His invitation. He gave him all the blessings that life can offer. And in return, he gave God what is due Him – praise, worship and love.
But did God forget you? Of course not! His invitation is still open. And when you are not busy anymore, why not accept His invitation? He is waiting for you. Just make sure that when you decided to accept it, it is not too late, or you will not forever taste the banquet He prepared in Heaven.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, give me a servant’s heart. Help me find ways to show hospitality to those in need, not to win their favor, but to reflect your love to them that they will seek to know you better.
Amen +
In you, O Lord, I have found my peace.
Monday, November 2, 2009
WILL OF THE FATHER
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed
John 6:40
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.
-----------------------------------------------
Most of us have experienced death in the family or death of a friend. And death would always give us sadness and worry – worrying for those who were left behind. But have we even worried if our friend who died would reach heaven? Surely, we are not a judge of that. Only the Lord God can decide. But we can always pray for his soul that he may eventually meet the Father in eternal life.
God is offering us the perfect happiness in heaven. In fact, He has given us that happiness through His Son, Jesus Christ, because He loves each and every one of us.
To share eternal life with God after our earthly death, we must believe and obey all of his teachings. We must believe in our one and only Lord and Savior, who is Jesus Christ. Then follow His commandments: that is love God and love others. And the happiness we would experience would be absolute and never relative, lasting forever because we would be with God who is perfect.
What must I do to attain eternal happiness? My friend, I know deep down inside you already know the answer.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, in glorifying Jesus and sending us your Spirit, You open the way to eternal life. May my sharing in this Gift increase my love and make my faith grow stronger. Send Your Spirit to cleanse my life so that the offering of myself to You may be pleasing to You. May my sharing in the Eucharist, our Bread of Life, bring me eternal life.
Amen +
Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me.
John 6:40
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.
-----------------------------------------------
Most of us have experienced death in the family or death of a friend. And death would always give us sadness and worry – worrying for those who were left behind. But have we even worried if our friend who died would reach heaven? Surely, we are not a judge of that. Only the Lord God can decide. But we can always pray for his soul that he may eventually meet the Father in eternal life.
God is offering us the perfect happiness in heaven. In fact, He has given us that happiness through His Son, Jesus Christ, because He loves each and every one of us.
To share eternal life with God after our earthly death, we must believe and obey all of his teachings. We must believe in our one and only Lord and Savior, who is Jesus Christ. Then follow His commandments: that is love God and love others. And the happiness we would experience would be absolute and never relative, lasting forever because we would be with God who is perfect.
What must I do to attain eternal happiness? My friend, I know deep down inside you already know the answer.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, in glorifying Jesus and sending us your Spirit, You open the way to eternal life. May my sharing in this Gift increase my love and make my faith grow stronger. Send Your Spirit to cleanse my life so that the offering of myself to You may be pleasing to You. May my sharing in the Eucharist, our Bread of Life, bring me eternal life.
Amen +
Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
REJOICE AND BE GLAD
Solemnity of All Saints
Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
------------------------------------------------
We always ask for rewards, and yet when we got it, we always ask for more. We were never contented, always asking for more. But we never know, for tomorrow we would all be dead… died miserably because we failed to recognize the true reward we should long for.
There is only one reward that we should aspire for, a reward that will not perish, a reward that will be forever, a reward of eternal life with God in Heaven. And it should be the source of all our joy, of all our longing, of all our sufferings here on earth.
How are you preparing your life so you may get this great reward in Heaven? Or are you even preparing at all?
My friend, let us set aside whatever worldly aspirations we have today, if that is taking our mind, heart and spirit away from the Lord. Aspire for that great reward, for that is the only reward that could give us true joy and gladness.
Let us pray +
Oh Lord, wipe away every tear in my eyes, and there shall be no more crying, mourning and pain. Make our hearts yearn for that great reward in Heaven as you promised. For we shall live through and for Your son, Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life.
Amen +
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
------------------------------------------------
We always ask for rewards, and yet when we got it, we always ask for more. We were never contented, always asking for more. But we never know, for tomorrow we would all be dead… died miserably because we failed to recognize the true reward we should long for.
There is only one reward that we should aspire for, a reward that will not perish, a reward that will be forever, a reward of eternal life with God in Heaven. And it should be the source of all our joy, of all our longing, of all our sufferings here on earth.
How are you preparing your life so you may get this great reward in Heaven? Or are you even preparing at all?
My friend, let us set aside whatever worldly aspirations we have today, if that is taking our mind, heart and spirit away from the Lord. Aspire for that great reward, for that is the only reward that could give us true joy and gladness.
Let us pray +
Oh Lord, wipe away every tear in my eyes, and there shall be no more crying, mourning and pain. Make our hearts yearn for that great reward in Heaven as you promised. For we shall live through and for Your son, Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life.
Amen +
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
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