Feast of the Visitation
Luke 1:46-48
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.
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MAGNIFICAT!!!
My soul magnifies the Lord.
During Mother Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, and through these words, she first acknowledges the special gifts she has been given. Then she recalls God’s universal favors, bestowed unceasingly on the human race. When a man devotes all his thoughts to the praise and service of the Lord, he proclaims God’s greatness.
His observance of God’s commands, moreover, shows that he has God’s power and greatness always at heart. Mama Mary attributes nothing to her own merits. She refers all her greatness to the gift of the one whose essence is power and whose nature is greatness, for he fills with greatness and strength the small and the weak who believe in Him.
Magnify the Lord through your words and actions.
Allow God to visit your home, and let Him stay there forever. Speak well of His name among your children gather your children nd tell them what a good and great God He has been. Tell them how good the Lord is to your family, and how good He will be to his children and your great grandchildren. Tell your servants, your co-workers, tell anybody with whom you come in contact what a blessed God the Lord is.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You have shown strength with Your arm and scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. You have put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree. You have filled the hungry with good things; and the rich has been sent empty away. Amen +
Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
TRI-UMPHANT GOD (05-30-10)
Solemnity of the Holy Trinity
Romans 5:5
…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Father, Son and Spirit… one God, triumphant in Heaven.
And this is because of their relationship in love. And this same relationship is what he wants to share with us – love one another, serve each other and pray for each one.
Also, this same wonderful divine love invites every person to enter into fellowship with God, and share in a new humanity in the new creation. We are all created in His image, and so we must act with the same love that He has given us – full of compassion and mercy.
If God is one, we must also be one in body, mind and heart in worshipping, believing in and loving God. There must be no division in the Christian community because division is the opposite of what the mystery of the Trinity teaches us. For division is the work of the evil one.
The Trinity is the model of how relationship should go in our lives. It is the basis of family love, because God has lived as a family for all eternity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They trust one another, they take delight in each one’s love for the other, they demonstrate respect for each other, they cooperate at the most difficult levels, and they have allegiance to and gratitude for the love each one has for the other.
Share in the victory of love and peace with the Triune God. This sharing in the life of the Trinity is meant to culminate in heaven, where we will see the three Persons - face to face, united to them in unspeakable love.
Let us pray +
O most holy Trinity, we adore You, Who give life and vigor to every creature and Who shed light eternal where there is darkness. We offer You our hearts, our souls, and our whole being, today and on the days to come, that we may offer perfect praise and love to your glorious Name. Amen +
O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
Romans 5:5
…and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Father, Son and Spirit… one God, triumphant in Heaven.
And this is because of their relationship in love. And this same relationship is what he wants to share with us – love one another, serve each other and pray for each one.
Also, this same wonderful divine love invites every person to enter into fellowship with God, and share in a new humanity in the new creation. We are all created in His image, and so we must act with the same love that He has given us – full of compassion and mercy.
If God is one, we must also be one in body, mind and heart in worshipping, believing in and loving God. There must be no division in the Christian community because division is the opposite of what the mystery of the Trinity teaches us. For division is the work of the evil one.
The Trinity is the model of how relationship should go in our lives. It is the basis of family love, because God has lived as a family for all eternity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They trust one another, they take delight in each one’s love for the other, they demonstrate respect for each other, they cooperate at the most difficult levels, and they have allegiance to and gratitude for the love each one has for the other.
Share in the victory of love and peace with the Triune God. This sharing in the life of the Trinity is meant to culminate in heaven, where we will see the three Persons - face to face, united to them in unspeakable love.
Let us pray +
O most holy Trinity, we adore You, Who give life and vigor to every creature and Who shed light eternal where there is darkness. We offer You our hearts, our souls, and our whole being, today and on the days to come, that we may offer perfect praise and love to your glorious Name. Amen +
O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
BUILD YOURSELVES (05-29-10)
Jude 17:20-21
Build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God…
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I already started paying for my condominium unit although the building is not yet built. In fact, the old structures are still standing on the lot and not yet demolished. What I only have is a piece of paper telling me that after 3 years, I will have my unit delivered.
And as days and months and years go by, I would visit the site regularly to check if the works are progressing. And as I see those steel bars, then concrete structure started to take shape, I knew that the developer would be true to his words.
You must be an infant today in your faith or maybe already an adult. Still, you must persevere to build yourself up in your faith. God will continue to give you steel bars, then pour concrete on you to do this. For He promised that He wants you with Him complete and full of life.
This is what we must think; this is what we must believe. And He is looking at you every day, ensuring that you grow in your faith each day.
Build yourselves up and increase your faith. Fill yourself with the words of the Lord. Get your bible and read about the good news. Overwater yourself with His words, with His promises, with His love, with His passion, with His spirit. Your soul will definitely not rot away, but grow more and more in love, until, it overflows.
Your body may wither as time goes by but your soul, filled with the spirit of God, will remain forever.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, in light of all You have done for me cause me to love as You have loved me. Though I am unlovable You chose to still love me. Let Your word grow in my heart and remains there forever. Fill me up with Your water of life so Your word will be the good seed that will grow and produce the fruit of love. Amen +
My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God…
----------------------------------------------
I already started paying for my condominium unit although the building is not yet built. In fact, the old structures are still standing on the lot and not yet demolished. What I only have is a piece of paper telling me that after 3 years, I will have my unit delivered.
And as days and months and years go by, I would visit the site regularly to check if the works are progressing. And as I see those steel bars, then concrete structure started to take shape, I knew that the developer would be true to his words.
You must be an infant today in your faith or maybe already an adult. Still, you must persevere to build yourself up in your faith. God will continue to give you steel bars, then pour concrete on you to do this. For He promised that He wants you with Him complete and full of life.
This is what we must think; this is what we must believe. And He is looking at you every day, ensuring that you grow in your faith each day.
Build yourselves up and increase your faith. Fill yourself with the words of the Lord. Get your bible and read about the good news. Overwater yourself with His words, with His promises, with His love, with His passion, with His spirit. Your soul will definitely not rot away, but grow more and more in love, until, it overflows.
Your body may wither as time goes by but your soul, filled with the spirit of God, will remain forever.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, in light of all You have done for me cause me to love as You have loved me. Though I am unlovable You chose to still love me. Let Your word grow in my heart and remains there forever. Fill me up with Your water of life so Your word will be the good seed that will grow and produce the fruit of love. Amen +
My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
Friday, May 28, 2010
TRIAL BY FIRE (05-28-10)
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ…
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There is a Filipino delicacy called “bibingka” (rice cake). Traditionally, it is cooked by putting fire underneath and then covered with a contraption that contains live coals.. This is to ensure that it is cooked uniformly. As a result, the cake would come out soft and delicious.
Today, you may experience “heat” from above, below and around us due to problems and sufferings. And our belief is that if things aren't going well, God has abandoned us or is punishing us.
But, I would tell you, this is not true. Being a Christian is very likely going to bring us trials and distress and suffering. And when these things happen to us, we need to feel closer to God.
Believe me, I'm not speaking in the abstract here - I experience the death of my father and my mother and it wasn't easy. But during those experiences, I have never felt closer to the Lord - His presence is very strong, in the midst of our suffering, and I have seen a great deal of good come from it, like that very delicious “bibingka”.
God took on the flesh of man so He can share in our sufferings. And until now, He is doing it. Jesus is always here with us now - crying with us, sharing in our suffering.
For it was by His suffering in the cross that we are saved.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You sacrificed Your son so that we and our children would live beyond physical death. Your understanding is beyond our comprehension, but give us the knowledge and faith to endure even that which we cannot understand. You will always be our God, and that Your Love is Life that can never really be taken away. Amen +
The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ…
--------------------------------------------------
There is a Filipino delicacy called “bibingka” (rice cake). Traditionally, it is cooked by putting fire underneath and then covered with a contraption that contains live coals.. This is to ensure that it is cooked uniformly. As a result, the cake would come out soft and delicious.
Today, you may experience “heat” from above, below and around us due to problems and sufferings. And our belief is that if things aren't going well, God has abandoned us or is punishing us.
But, I would tell you, this is not true. Being a Christian is very likely going to bring us trials and distress and suffering. And when these things happen to us, we need to feel closer to God.
Believe me, I'm not speaking in the abstract here - I experience the death of my father and my mother and it wasn't easy. But during those experiences, I have never felt closer to the Lord - His presence is very strong, in the midst of our suffering, and I have seen a great deal of good come from it, like that very delicious “bibingka”.
God took on the flesh of man so He can share in our sufferings. And until now, He is doing it. Jesus is always here with us now - crying with us, sharing in our suffering.
For it was by His suffering in the cross that we are saved.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You sacrificed Your son so that we and our children would live beyond physical death. Your understanding is beyond our comprehension, but give us the knowledge and faith to endure even that which we cannot understand. You will always be our God, and that Your Love is Life that can never really be taken away. Amen +
The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
TELL ME (05-27-10)
Mark 10:51
Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”
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Our soul seeks for something. And we try to find it through worldly means. And we listen and rely on worldly men. A blind leading a blind!!!
As He asked Bartimaeus, Jesus is also asking what you want Him to do for you. It is not that He doesn’t know. He just want to be open to Him, rely on Him, believe in Him and trust in Him that He can provide whatever you need. And like Bartimaeus, receive the grace and mercy that we seek, and it will be given to us.
Remove our spiritual blindness and seek to see the Lord again. Pray for God to enlighten us by the work of His Spirit, to give us a hunger for His Word and His ways.
And this is the kind of trust that you and I must have. Jesus is able to help us. He can deal with our problems. Let us not doubt. Let us trust in Him. Whatever the difficulties may be, speak to Jesus. Even if someone tries to stop you, speak to Jesus. Bartimaeus did this, and Jesus cured him.
Seek that Spiritual enlightenment - Jesus is the light of the world, He is our God-given source of spiritual enlightenment. But we must believe in the light. Jesus said: "While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light" (John 12:36).
Finally, we can live a life of faith in our God, who is greater than all and reaches out to all people to offer redemption. By the grace of God, through the blood of Jesus Christ and the love of the Spirit, you can come to the light, become a child of God, and walk in the light of the gospel.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help us to see You. Heal us of our spiritual blindness and enlighten our path so we can forever obey Your will. We want to see You, Oh Lord, and live our lives in Your love forever. We believe in You for You are the light, taking out the brownout in our lives.
Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”
----------------------------------------------------
Our soul seeks for something. And we try to find it through worldly means. And we listen and rely on worldly men. A blind leading a blind!!!
As He asked Bartimaeus, Jesus is also asking what you want Him to do for you. It is not that He doesn’t know. He just want to be open to Him, rely on Him, believe in Him and trust in Him that He can provide whatever you need. And like Bartimaeus, receive the grace and mercy that we seek, and it will be given to us.
Remove our spiritual blindness and seek to see the Lord again. Pray for God to enlighten us by the work of His Spirit, to give us a hunger for His Word and His ways.
And this is the kind of trust that you and I must have. Jesus is able to help us. He can deal with our problems. Let us not doubt. Let us trust in Him. Whatever the difficulties may be, speak to Jesus. Even if someone tries to stop you, speak to Jesus. Bartimaeus did this, and Jesus cured him.
Seek that Spiritual enlightenment - Jesus is the light of the world, He is our God-given source of spiritual enlightenment. But we must believe in the light. Jesus said: "While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light" (John 12:36).
Finally, we can live a life of faith in our God, who is greater than all and reaches out to all people to offer redemption. By the grace of God, through the blood of Jesus Christ and the love of the Spirit, you can come to the light, become a child of God, and walk in the light of the gospel.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help us to see You. Heal us of our spiritual blindness and enlighten our path so we can forever obey Your will. We want to see You, Oh Lord, and live our lives in Your love forever. We believe in You for You are the light, taking out the brownout in our lives.
Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
RANSOM FOR MANY (05-26-10)
Mark 10:45
“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
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One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting.
“I just caught the world full of people down there. Used bait I knew they couldn’t resist and got ‘em all!”
“What are you going to do with them?” Jesus asked.
“Oh, I’m gonna have fun! I’m gonna teach them how to marry and divorce. How to hate and abuse each other. How to drink and smoke and curse. How to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I’m really gonna have fun!”
“And what will you do when you get done with them?” Jesus asked.
“Oh, I’ll kill ‘em.”
“How much do you want for them?” Jesus then asked again.
“Oh, you don’t want those people. They ain’t no good. Why, you’ll take them and they’ll just hate you. They’ll spit on you, curse you and kill you!! You don’t want those people!!!”
“How much?” Jesus insisted
Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, “Your life.”
Jesus paid the price and gave His life as a ransom for many.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help me choose the right words and the right actions so I may resist temptations. I don’t want to be forever in the mercy of death, so I continually seek for Your love and forgiveness. Teach me to turn from my wicked ways and finally, sin no more.
He sends forth his command to the earth; swiftly runs his word!
“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
---------------------------------------------
One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting.
“I just caught the world full of people down there. Used bait I knew they couldn’t resist and got ‘em all!”
“What are you going to do with them?” Jesus asked.
“Oh, I’m gonna have fun! I’m gonna teach them how to marry and divorce. How to hate and abuse each other. How to drink and smoke and curse. How to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I’m really gonna have fun!”
“And what will you do when you get done with them?” Jesus asked.
“Oh, I’ll kill ‘em.”
“How much do you want for them?” Jesus then asked again.
“Oh, you don’t want those people. They ain’t no good. Why, you’ll take them and they’ll just hate you. They’ll spit on you, curse you and kill you!! You don’t want those people!!!”
“How much?” Jesus insisted
Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, “Your life.”
Jesus paid the price and gave His life as a ransom for many.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, help me choose the right words and the right actions so I may resist temptations. I don’t want to be forever in the mercy of death, so I continually seek for Your love and forgiveness. Teach me to turn from my wicked ways and finally, sin no more.
He sends forth his command to the earth; swiftly runs his word!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
BECAUSE I AM HOLY (05-25-10)
John 20:7-8
be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.
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We always tell ourselves, “I am not a saint, and I don’t intend to be one. I just want to go to heaven.” We have a very distorted view of being a saint. We only thought that saints are those who was canonized by the Church. And most of us cannot imagine ourselves in that sacred company.
And so we continue to taint our being with things that causes us to sin. We live in total addictions to worldly pleasures that gives only physical satisfaction. “I am not a saint, and I don’t intend to be one”.
And I tell, this isn’t so… For we are all saints!!!
It is important for us to know that those who have become saints did so not only because of the so-called great deeds they performed, but because of the love of God and neighbor that drove them to offer their life in serving the Lord.
We are all called to be holy because being holy is our true being. We are made in the image of God and not of anything else. And so, we must recognize our call to holiness. There are no class distinctions within the Church or within the Christian life. And there should be no obstacles in our lives that would prevent us from striving and achieving a deep spiritual life.
Receive the spiritual healing that God is offering us. Accept Him as your Lord, recognize yourself as a sinner, and repent from your sins.
We may not be canonized as a saint, but being a saint to at least one person in your life, you would already be rewarded fully in heaven because you life your life to the fullness and holiness that God wants us to achieve.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we acknowledge that we are helpless to change our lives in our own power. Transform our addictions, Lord; make them into a holy addiction to you. Let all our appetites bring us into greater dependence on you. May we achieve holiness as You, Lord, is holy. Amen +
The Lord has made known his salvation.
be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.
-------------------------------------------------
We always tell ourselves, “I am not a saint, and I don’t intend to be one. I just want to go to heaven.” We have a very distorted view of being a saint. We only thought that saints are those who was canonized by the Church. And most of us cannot imagine ourselves in that sacred company.
And so we continue to taint our being with things that causes us to sin. We live in total addictions to worldly pleasures that gives only physical satisfaction. “I am not a saint, and I don’t intend to be one”.
And I tell, this isn’t so… For we are all saints!!!
It is important for us to know that those who have become saints did so not only because of the so-called great deeds they performed, but because of the love of God and neighbor that drove them to offer their life in serving the Lord.
We are all called to be holy because being holy is our true being. We are made in the image of God and not of anything else. And so, we must recognize our call to holiness. There are no class distinctions within the Church or within the Christian life. And there should be no obstacles in our lives that would prevent us from striving and achieving a deep spiritual life.
Receive the spiritual healing that God is offering us. Accept Him as your Lord, recognize yourself as a sinner, and repent from your sins.
We may not be canonized as a saint, but being a saint to at least one person in your life, you would already be rewarded fully in heaven because you life your life to the fullness and holiness that God wants us to achieve.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we acknowledge that we are helpless to change our lives in our own power. Transform our addictions, Lord; make them into a holy addiction to you. Let all our appetites bring us into greater dependence on you. May we achieve holiness as You, Lord, is holy. Amen +
The Lord has made known his salvation.
Monday, May 24, 2010
THE PROMISE OF GOD (05-24-10)
Mark 10:26
“Then who can be saved?”
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We all live in the age of grace. Even though we commit grave sins, no angel will come and kill or punish you. God has already fulfilled his promise of salvation. Fulfilling the promise of salvation made to our first parents at their fall by sending His Son into the world.
And the application to all generations of mankind of the redemption that the Son of God made Man obtained for us by His passion continues until the end of time: it will conclude with the end of the world when the Messiah comes to complete His work and lead us into His kingdom.
We knew in our heart that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life – our only salvation. And yet, we sometimes keep a hardened heart. Our disobedience, keeps us from attaining salvation.
Because of our pride and ego, we want to follow our own way and not God’s way. Listen to our loved ones. When he finally listened and followed what God, we become a new creature by faith in our Lord.
We must prepare a straight path for the Lord, removing all obstacles which stand in the Lord’s way preventing him from coming.
All the crooked ways in our life, all the worldly cravings and sins of the flesh need to be straightened out and taken out.
Follow Him and be cleanse of our sins. Believe in the Lord and accept God's promise of salvation.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we pray for all who are in need of healing. We pray for all who are disabled by injury or illness. We pray for all who are troubled by confusion or pain. We pray for all about to undergo surgery. We pray for patients here at the hospital and their loved ones. Lord, hear the spoken and unspoken prayers in our hearts and minds. Amen.
The Lord will remember his covenant forever.
“Then who can be saved?”
--------------------------------------------------------
We all live in the age of grace. Even though we commit grave sins, no angel will come and kill or punish you. God has already fulfilled his promise of salvation. Fulfilling the promise of salvation made to our first parents at their fall by sending His Son into the world.
And the application to all generations of mankind of the redemption that the Son of God made Man obtained for us by His passion continues until the end of time: it will conclude with the end of the world when the Messiah comes to complete His work and lead us into His kingdom.
We knew in our heart that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life – our only salvation. And yet, we sometimes keep a hardened heart. Our disobedience, keeps us from attaining salvation.
Because of our pride and ego, we want to follow our own way and not God’s way. Listen to our loved ones. When he finally listened and followed what God, we become a new creature by faith in our Lord.
We must prepare a straight path for the Lord, removing all obstacles which stand in the Lord’s way preventing him from coming.
All the crooked ways in our life, all the worldly cravings and sins of the flesh need to be straightened out and taken out.
Follow Him and be cleanse of our sins. Believe in the Lord and accept God's promise of salvation.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we pray for all who are in need of healing. We pray for all who are disabled by injury or illness. We pray for all who are troubled by confusion or pain. We pray for all about to undergo surgery. We pray for patients here at the hospital and their loved ones. Lord, hear the spoken and unspoken prayers in our hearts and minds. Amen.
The Lord will remember his covenant forever.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
THE GIFT OF SPIRIT (05-23-10)
Solemnity of Pentecost
John 20:22-23
“Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
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“Through the Holy Spirit we are restored to paradise, led back to the Kingdom of heaven, and adopted as children, given confidence to call God our Father and to share in Christ's grace, called children of light and given a share in eternal glory (St. Basil).”
On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down visibly on the Apostles. He gave them the power to speak in strange tongues to the crowds that came to Jerusalem for that Feast. He also transformed them, from selfish and timid men into giants of courage and faith.
There is no gift of God more excellent than this, and there is no greater gift of God than the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came to remain with the Church forever.
This is the promise of Jesus Himself.
He dwells in the Church permanently and unfailingly, performing in it without ceasing, His action of life-giving and sanctification. May we confidently and continually beg of Him to illuminate us daily more and more with His light, inflame us with His charity and inspire us with faith and love.
Receive Him and let the Holy Spirit dwell in our hearts, forever.
Let us pray+
Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, forever and ever. Amen +
Lord, send out Your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
John 20:22-23
“Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
----------------------------------------------------------
“Through the Holy Spirit we are restored to paradise, led back to the Kingdom of heaven, and adopted as children, given confidence to call God our Father and to share in Christ's grace, called children of light and given a share in eternal glory (St. Basil).”
On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down visibly on the Apostles. He gave them the power to speak in strange tongues to the crowds that came to Jerusalem for that Feast. He also transformed them, from selfish and timid men into giants of courage and faith.
There is no gift of God more excellent than this, and there is no greater gift of God than the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came to remain with the Church forever.
This is the promise of Jesus Himself.
He dwells in the Church permanently and unfailingly, performing in it without ceasing, His action of life-giving and sanctification. May we confidently and continually beg of Him to illuminate us daily more and more with His light, inflame us with His charity and inspire us with faith and love.
Receive Him and let the Holy Spirit dwell in our hearts, forever.
Let us pray+
Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, forever and ever. Amen +
Lord, send out Your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
THE LIFE OF JESUS (05-22-10)
John 21:25
There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.
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Born in 1970, I am part of this world for 40 years already. Finished college in 1992 and got a job in the same year. Got married in 1994 and have 2 kids. Working now with a multinational company, have a house, a car and some liabilities. That’s it!
But are those the things God will ask for if I meet Him face to face in Heaven? Would having finished college assures me of being in Heaven forever? And come to think about it, my life’s autobiography would maybe just about 150 pages, more or less, including the table of contents, biography, prologue and epilogue.
Jesus lived for only 33 years and yet the gospel of John proclaims that His life was so rich and colorful that “if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” You may say that it was just a figure of speech, but hey, remember that Jesus has been with God since the beginning of time.
And in His three years of public ministry, He has achieved what no other man has done – to die and be resurrected, all for the glory of God and for our salvation. It may be one book or a worldful of books. It doesn’t matter anymore. What matters now is that Jesus has really made a lasting change in the lives of many – including you and me.
If someone would write a book about your life, would it be as interesting? Would it be focusing on the wordly things that you achieved, or would the pages be focusing more on the lives that you saved because of Him?
Rewrite the pages of your life. Rewrite it now with the Lord as the author.
Lord Jesus, you came that we might have life, and have it abundantly. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I ask You to forgive me and to come into my life right now. Amen+
The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.
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Born in 1970, I am part of this world for 40 years already. Finished college in 1992 and got a job in the same year. Got married in 1994 and have 2 kids. Working now with a multinational company, have a house, a car and some liabilities. That’s it!
But are those the things God will ask for if I meet Him face to face in Heaven? Would having finished college assures me of being in Heaven forever? And come to think about it, my life’s autobiography would maybe just about 150 pages, more or less, including the table of contents, biography, prologue and epilogue.
Jesus lived for only 33 years and yet the gospel of John proclaims that His life was so rich and colorful that “if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.” You may say that it was just a figure of speech, but hey, remember that Jesus has been with God since the beginning of time.
And in His three years of public ministry, He has achieved what no other man has done – to die and be resurrected, all for the glory of God and for our salvation. It may be one book or a worldful of books. It doesn’t matter anymore. What matters now is that Jesus has really made a lasting change in the lives of many – including you and me.
If someone would write a book about your life, would it be as interesting? Would it be focusing on the wordly things that you achieved, or would the pages be focusing more on the lives that you saved because of Him?
Rewrite the pages of your life. Rewrite it now with the Lord as the author.
Lord Jesus, you came that we might have life, and have it abundantly. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I ask You to forgive me and to come into my life right now. Amen+
The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.
Friday, May 21, 2010
DO YOU LOVE ME? (05-21-10)
John 21:19
And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
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I was watching a comedy show in TV. The interviewer, who walks with a limp, told the applicant to “walk this way and follow me”. And true enough, the applicant walk the same way, that is, with a limp. It was supposed to be a joke and not to poke fun on people with disabilities.
And our Lord Jesus is also telling us to “walk this way and follow me”. He carried His cross and He wants us to carry our own cross. He died on the cross and He wants us also to die to ourselves. And as He followed the will of God, He also wants us to follow Him and be fishers of men.
And dying to ourselves doesn’t really mean being killed for your belief in Jesus. It means renewing your old self; releasing something in your life as you chooses to save your life. To lose your life would be to change your life to whatever God says it should be.
God gives us choice: choice to sin or to believe in Jesus.
It is really difficult for us to do this but always remember that the Lord, Himself, has not hated us even though we are all sinners. Start living your life in love. Follow the examples of Jesus. Unless you start loving, you will not really experience true love in return.
Make a choice now before it is too late. I am taking comfort in the fact that God is going to be with me every step on this difficult journey I am on. Do you love God? Then, follow Him.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, I love You for You loved us first. And out of this love, You gave your life so all our sins will be forgiven and give us the opportunity again to join You in Heaven together with God and the Holy Spirit. Fill my heart with love for others, that it may draw love unto itself. Set me free from selfish cares, that I may have time and thoughts for them. Bless me, that I receive love by the loving service that I give. Amen+
The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
---------------------------------------------------
I was watching a comedy show in TV. The interviewer, who walks with a limp, told the applicant to “walk this way and follow me”. And true enough, the applicant walk the same way, that is, with a limp. It was supposed to be a joke and not to poke fun on people with disabilities.
And our Lord Jesus is also telling us to “walk this way and follow me”. He carried His cross and He wants us to carry our own cross. He died on the cross and He wants us also to die to ourselves. And as He followed the will of God, He also wants us to follow Him and be fishers of men.
And dying to ourselves doesn’t really mean being killed for your belief in Jesus. It means renewing your old self; releasing something in your life as you chooses to save your life. To lose your life would be to change your life to whatever God says it should be.
God gives us choice: choice to sin or to believe in Jesus.
It is really difficult for us to do this but always remember that the Lord, Himself, has not hated us even though we are all sinners. Start living your life in love. Follow the examples of Jesus. Unless you start loving, you will not really experience true love in return.
Make a choice now before it is too late. I am taking comfort in the fact that God is going to be with me every step on this difficult journey I am on. Do you love God? Then, follow Him.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, I love You for You loved us first. And out of this love, You gave your life so all our sins will be forgiven and give us the opportunity again to join You in Heaven together with God and the Holy Spirit. Fill my heart with love for others, that it may draw love unto itself. Set me free from selfish cares, that I may have time and thoughts for them. Bless me, that I receive love by the loving service that I give. Amen+
The Lord has established his throne in heaven.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
PATH TO LIFE (05-20-10)
Psalms 16:11
You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.
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Being lost and finding Jesus is experienced in our personal lives. New situations bring with it new challenges. When our lives make a sudden turn, we feel lost. We feel that we are moving without a sense of purpose.
Even if we have in our hands a map or a plan in order for us to reach our goals, an unexpected situation throws us off balance. And we just don’t know how to get there. In all of these, it is great to know that even Jesus is not with us physically, He has given us a great advocate, the Holy Spirit.
Through the Spirit, our hearts are opened to follow only Him. The Spirit has placed in our hearts the map to eternal life. Follow our hearts towards Him – Jesus is the Way that we should follow.
Do you believe in God with all your heart? Do you believe and have all the confidence in Him and you will do anything and everything for His glory? Are you a child of God? Have you been baptized into Christ so you can be a child of God? As Hebrews 2:3 says, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?"
We know there is no escape. Please don't neglect your salvation.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen +
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.
-----------------------------------------------------
Being lost and finding Jesus is experienced in our personal lives. New situations bring with it new challenges. When our lives make a sudden turn, we feel lost. We feel that we are moving without a sense of purpose.
Even if we have in our hands a map or a plan in order for us to reach our goals, an unexpected situation throws us off balance. And we just don’t know how to get there. In all of these, it is great to know that even Jesus is not with us physically, He has given us a great advocate, the Holy Spirit.
Through the Spirit, our hearts are opened to follow only Him. The Spirit has placed in our hearts the map to eternal life. Follow our hearts towards Him – Jesus is the Way that we should follow.
Do you believe in God with all your heart? Do you believe and have all the confidence in Him and you will do anything and everything for His glory? Are you a child of God? Have you been baptized into Christ so you can be a child of God? As Hebrews 2:3 says, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?"
We know there is no escape. Please don't neglect your salvation.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen +
Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
YOUR WORD IS TRUTH (05-19-10)
John 17:17
“Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.”
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A preacher boarded the bus I was riding on and started talking about the Lord and the salvation he offers to mankind. And almost instantly, I see people closing their eyes (maybe to sleep) or taking out their celphones to text someone (or as if he is texting).
After the preaching, the driver turned on the TV and tuned in to a telenovela. Again, almost instantly, the people become attentive again and started watching the show.
As a child, we are all hungry for knowledge. We would believe whatever our teacher or our parents would tell us. For us, these are “gospel” truths simply because we trust them and that they are telling the truth.
And yet, when someone starts preaching us about God’s gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, we would prefer to disregard it or think about it the more than just believing on it outright. We all knew about the commandments of God, and still, we break at least one of them, telling ourselves that one would not hurt.
Why? You may have your reasons…
But whatever the reasons are, we do need to keep God in our hearts and follow his words and commandments. We cannot always say that I would just ask for forgiveness tomorrow… for tonight, you may not wake up.
Take that path towards perfection… we may not all be perfect, but with God in our heart, everything would be done in perfection.
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 +
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
“Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.”
------------------------------------------------
A preacher boarded the bus I was riding on and started talking about the Lord and the salvation he offers to mankind. And almost instantly, I see people closing their eyes (maybe to sleep) or taking out their celphones to text someone (or as if he is texting).
After the preaching, the driver turned on the TV and tuned in to a telenovela. Again, almost instantly, the people become attentive again and started watching the show.
As a child, we are all hungry for knowledge. We would believe whatever our teacher or our parents would tell us. For us, these are “gospel” truths simply because we trust them and that they are telling the truth.
And yet, when someone starts preaching us about God’s gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ, we would prefer to disregard it or think about it the more than just believing on it outright. We all knew about the commandments of God, and still, we break at least one of them, telling ourselves that one would not hurt.
Why? You may have your reasons…
But whatever the reasons are, we do need to keep God in our hearts and follow his words and commandments. We cannot always say that I would just ask for forgiveness tomorrow… for tonight, you may not wake up.
Take that path towards perfection… we may not all be perfect, but with God in our heart, everything would be done in perfection.
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 +
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
TO BEAR WITNESS (05-18-10)
Acts 20:24
Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the Gospel of God’s grace.
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As human beings, we have a certain kind of understanding about how the world should work. Our understanding comes from the ways we happen to perceive things, and from the experiences we have. And we always expect that things would happen as per our expectations.
But the whole attitude of faith in God is one of trusting when things make little or no sense to our own way of thinking.
Nothing is impossible with God, who knows all things and gives accurate meaning and reality to all of life. The perspective that God has is superior to our own. And St. Paul knows this. He knows that he must come back to Jerusalem even if it means death.
When God calls us to a certain way of life and to a certain path of faith, we need to listen to that call and obey the Lord — even if it makes little or no sense at all to our rational minds. Because God knows what is real and true about human nature, about life on earth, and about eternity itself.
The Bible, in many places, encourages us to believe God, to walk by faith, to be true to whatever God is saying. The Bible makes it clear that God's ways and thoughts are better than ours. In fact, it says that very thing for it is the wisdom of God, inspired by God for us to learn, understand, appreciate and share with others.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I know I have a choice to make, and I take the path of faith instead of the path of unbelief. I commit my ways to You and put my trust in You for everything. Teach and give me sound wisdom and good instruction for my life so I may be happier and greatly blessed. For your power is truly great and my life is for You alone. Amen +
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
Yet I consider life of no importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the Gospel of God’s grace.
------------------------------------------------------
As human beings, we have a certain kind of understanding about how the world should work. Our understanding comes from the ways we happen to perceive things, and from the experiences we have. And we always expect that things would happen as per our expectations.
But the whole attitude of faith in God is one of trusting when things make little or no sense to our own way of thinking.
Nothing is impossible with God, who knows all things and gives accurate meaning and reality to all of life. The perspective that God has is superior to our own. And St. Paul knows this. He knows that he must come back to Jerusalem even if it means death.
When God calls us to a certain way of life and to a certain path of faith, we need to listen to that call and obey the Lord — even if it makes little or no sense at all to our rational minds. Because God knows what is real and true about human nature, about life on earth, and about eternity itself.
The Bible, in many places, encourages us to believe God, to walk by faith, to be true to whatever God is saying. The Bible makes it clear that God's ways and thoughts are better than ours. In fact, it says that very thing for it is the wisdom of God, inspired by God for us to learn, understand, appreciate and share with others.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, I know I have a choice to make, and I take the path of faith instead of the path of unbelief. I commit my ways to You and put my trust in You for everything. Teach and give me sound wisdom and good instruction for my life so I may be happier and greatly blessed. For your power is truly great and my life is for You alone. Amen +
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
Monday, May 17, 2010
BELIEVE NOW (05-17-10)
John 16:31
“Do you believe now?”
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There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old shotgun and three bullets. So, he decided to go out and kill something for dinner. As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit and he shot at it but missed it. Then he saw a squirrel, shot at it but again, missed it. As he went further, he saw a wild turkey and he had only one bullet. Then a voice came to him and said “pray first, aim high and stay focused”.
However, at the same time, he saw a deer which was a better kill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattle snake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattle snake. Still, the voice said again to him, “pray, aim high and stay focused”.
So, the man decided to listen to the voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey. But the bullet just bounced off the tree and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it. Afterwhich, he prayed harder and thanked the “voice”. If at first he did not believe, with the “miracle” that he just experienced, he believed in the voice more and more.
We crave for miracles. Everytime we embark on something, we tried to ask God for signs that will help us decide whether to continue or simply stop. And if we fail, we just stop believing until we see the next miracle or sign. This has got to stop. All we need is to “PRAY, AIM HIGH (AT YOUR GOALS) AND STAY FOCUSED ON GOD”. Wait, be still and be patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.
Almighty Father, only You know our future and that You will not put us through any hardship than we cannot bear. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.
“Signs and wonders, they are nothing
Belief in You, O Lord, is the only thing.”
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
“Do you believe now?”
----------------------------------------------
There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old shotgun and three bullets. So, he decided to go out and kill something for dinner. As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit and he shot at it but missed it. Then he saw a squirrel, shot at it but again, missed it. As he went further, he saw a wild turkey and he had only one bullet. Then a voice came to him and said “pray first, aim high and stay focused”.
However, at the same time, he saw a deer which was a better kill. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattle snake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattle snake. Still, the voice said again to him, “pray, aim high and stay focused”.
So, the man decided to listen to the voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey. But the bullet just bounced off the tree and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it. Afterwhich, he prayed harder and thanked the “voice”. If at first he did not believe, with the “miracle” that he just experienced, he believed in the voice more and more.
We crave for miracles. Everytime we embark on something, we tried to ask God for signs that will help us decide whether to continue or simply stop. And if we fail, we just stop believing until we see the next miracle or sign. This has got to stop. All we need is to “PRAY, AIM HIGH (AT YOUR GOALS) AND STAY FOCUSED ON GOD”. Wait, be still and be patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.
Almighty Father, only You know our future and that You will not put us through any hardship than we cannot bear. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.
“Signs and wonders, they are nothing
Belief in You, O Lord, is the only thing.”
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
BE WITH ME (05-16-10)
John 17:24
“I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me…”
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John 17:20-26… what a very beautiful prayer. A prayer not only for His disciples but for all the people who believe in His word. A prayer full of humility, forgiveness, unselfishness and love.
First, Jesus prayed that may all those who believes become one, totally believing that Jesus is the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. And being one with God will help us understand more our faith, that we are made for a reason and that is to spread the good news of salvation through love of God and others.
Second, Jesus prayed that the Father loves all of us. And this great love is manifested through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for all our sins, even while we are still sinners. May we finally see that love and love Him in return by loving one another as He had commanded.
Third, Jesus prayed that we make known to the whole world the love of the Father as what He has taught us. We always think that we can never deserve God’s love for we are all sinners. But we are wrong. Yes we can because Jesus made sure of that. And now, as believers, we are all called to share that love and forgiveness with others so they may also believe.
It was what we are that Christ died for us; it was as a sinner that God loved us, and loves us still; as sinners come to Jesus as one Church in total humility and unselfish desires to know Him more.
Let us pray +
Mighty God, we pray on behalf of those who do not believe in you. We pray for unity among your followers. Help us to witness to your love as we learn to extend love to each other. Send your Holy Spirit to keep us connected to your word and your ways. Amen +
The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth.
“I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me…”
------------------------------------------------
John 17:20-26… what a very beautiful prayer. A prayer not only for His disciples but for all the people who believe in His word. A prayer full of humility, forgiveness, unselfishness and love.
First, Jesus prayed that may all those who believes become one, totally believing that Jesus is the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. And being one with God will help us understand more our faith, that we are made for a reason and that is to spread the good news of salvation through love of God and others.
Second, Jesus prayed that the Father loves all of us. And this great love is manifested through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for all our sins, even while we are still sinners. May we finally see that love and love Him in return by loving one another as He had commanded.
Third, Jesus prayed that we make known to the whole world the love of the Father as what He has taught us. We always think that we can never deserve God’s love for we are all sinners. But we are wrong. Yes we can because Jesus made sure of that. And now, as believers, we are all called to share that love and forgiveness with others so they may also believe.
It was what we are that Christ died for us; it was as a sinner that God loved us, and loves us still; as sinners come to Jesus as one Church in total humility and unselfish desires to know Him more.
Let us pray +
Mighty God, we pray on behalf of those who do not believe in you. We pray for unity among your followers. Help us to witness to your love as we learn to extend love to each other. Send your Holy Spirit to keep us connected to your word and your ways. Amen +
The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
WAY OF THE LORD (05-15-10)
Acts 18:25
He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus…
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I knew about the Lord Jesus since I was a child having attended a Catholic school. I knew about how He died on the cross for our sins and how He rose again from the dead. Back then, I already knew a lot about Him…
… and so I thought. But I was wrong.
Today, I learned that to know more about Jesus, we must learn to live the life He has lived – we must be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
A person who claims to have faith without works is like a person who put all effort into building the foundation of a house and never builds anything on that foundation. But a person who displays great works but has no faith is like a person who builds their house on sand without any foundation.
Our response to God’s love is to be more than simple belief. It is to be a belief so strong it calls us to action. Works toward God are to do His will and His work and, yes, to obey His laws. Works toward our neighbors are to serve them and to do good for them.
Faith without works is dead. Faith with works is life – eternal life!
We must believe that we cannot separate faith and works. They must go together or your faith is a dead faith. We are not talking about our own works or that our works earn us eternal life... but that, by the grace of God, we act in faith working through love to cooperate with the gift of grace and gain eternal life. Let your faith works with love!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, We are not helpless, we are certainly not weak, we are children of the King and His rightful heirs. Turn our hearts toward worship, praise, and thanksgiving when we start to wallow in self pity, selfishness, or pride. I am blessed beyond measure already, and I praise and thank You for all You have provided. Amen+
God is king of all the earth.
He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus…
------------------------------------------------
I knew about the Lord Jesus since I was a child having attended a Catholic school. I knew about how He died on the cross for our sins and how He rose again from the dead. Back then, I already knew a lot about Him…
… and so I thought. But I was wrong.
Today, I learned that to know more about Jesus, we must learn to live the life He has lived – we must be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
A person who claims to have faith without works is like a person who put all effort into building the foundation of a house and never builds anything on that foundation. But a person who displays great works but has no faith is like a person who builds their house on sand without any foundation.
Our response to God’s love is to be more than simple belief. It is to be a belief so strong it calls us to action. Works toward God are to do His will and His work and, yes, to obey His laws. Works toward our neighbors are to serve them and to do good for them.
Faith without works is dead. Faith with works is life – eternal life!
We must believe that we cannot separate faith and works. They must go together or your faith is a dead faith. We are not talking about our own works or that our works earn us eternal life... but that, by the grace of God, we act in faith working through love to cooperate with the gift of grace and gain eternal life. Let your faith works with love!
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, We are not helpless, we are certainly not weak, we are children of the King and His rightful heirs. Turn our hearts toward worship, praise, and thanksgiving when we start to wallow in self pity, selfishness, or pride. I am blessed beyond measure already, and I praise and thank You for all You have provided. Amen+
God is king of all the earth.
Friday, May 14, 2010
YOU ARE CHOSEN (05-14-10)
Acts 1:24-26
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry…”, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.
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Matthias, or the “gift of Yahweh”… he was chosen to be with the eleven disciples to replace Judas who “has gone to his own place.”
But in choosing Matthias, the disciples did not just appoint him. They sought wisdom from the Lord so their decision would really be the right one. They know, in their hearts, that the Lord has spoken and has given the mandate to Matthias to be one of the leaders of the early Christian Church.
Today, we may not be given appointment letters to be a “spokesman” for the Lord Jesus. But this doesn’t mean that we are not called to proclaim His name to the world.
For every Christians – man and woman, young and old - has that calling to teach, proclaim the Word of God, and pass along the faith to our future generations. When we pray with the Bible - personally and in our homes - our encounter with the living Word of God is not just an intellectual exercise but a spiritually nourishing feast.
Even attending Sunday Mass and Services is one way to enrich our understanding of the Bible. Readings at daily Mass give us a deeper knowledge of the Word of God.
We are all called to proclaim the good news. It is not confined to only a few people. Let us all consider ways we can expand and strengthen the ways we proclaim the Word in our daily lives.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, give us the wisdom to proclaim your Good News to the whole world. May we realize that this is not just the responsibility of a few, bit of all those who believes that You are our Lord and Savior. Amen +
The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry…”, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Matthias, or the “gift of Yahweh”… he was chosen to be with the eleven disciples to replace Judas who “has gone to his own place.”
But in choosing Matthias, the disciples did not just appoint him. They sought wisdom from the Lord so their decision would really be the right one. They know, in their hearts, that the Lord has spoken and has given the mandate to Matthias to be one of the leaders of the early Christian Church.
Today, we may not be given appointment letters to be a “spokesman” for the Lord Jesus. But this doesn’t mean that we are not called to proclaim His name to the world.
For every Christians – man and woman, young and old - has that calling to teach, proclaim the Word of God, and pass along the faith to our future generations. When we pray with the Bible - personally and in our homes - our encounter with the living Word of God is not just an intellectual exercise but a spiritually nourishing feast.
Even attending Sunday Mass and Services is one way to enrich our understanding of the Bible. Readings at daily Mass give us a deeper knowledge of the Word of God.
We are all called to proclaim the good news. It is not confined to only a few people. Let us all consider ways we can expand and strengthen the ways we proclaim the Word in our daily lives.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, give us the wisdom to proclaim your Good News to the whole world. May we realize that this is not just the responsibility of a few, bit of all those who believes that You are our Lord and Savior. Amen +
The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
TAKEN UP (-05-13-10)
Solemnity of the Ascension
Acts 1:11
They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”
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Jesus is not just a friend. He is our Master, our Lord, our Savior, our God. He is our best friend. For the disciples, they would feel the same grief and sadness as we say goodbye to our friends.
They are saying goodbye to a friend and master. But Jesus told them not to be troubled, for He is sending the Holy Spirit who would be forever with them, forever with us until He returns back again to claim us and bring us to eternal life.
When Jesus went up to Heaven, he didn't go to a far place. Heaven is where Jesus is. If Jesus is in you, the whole Heaven is in your heart, right now, including the Father and the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed mother, and all the angels and saints… because where Jesus is, there is the Father and the Spirit, and where Jesus is, there is the Blessed Mother and all the angels and saints.
The joy the disciples had after the Ascension should be the same joy that shall make us worship Him continually and to preach everywhere, without any fear, the good news of the Lord.
This joy is for you and for me, only if we believe, because there is more joy and happiness on those who have not seen and yet have come to believe. Jesus came and went back to the Father, but He will not leave us. Seek Him always through the guidance of the Spirit.
He is with us, forever. We will be with Him, forever.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, make us joyful in the ascension of your Son Jesus Christ. May we follow Him into the new creation, for His ascension is our glory and our hope. Where He has gone, we ultimately will come. Amen+
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy…
Acts 1:11
They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”
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Jesus is not just a friend. He is our Master, our Lord, our Savior, our God. He is our best friend. For the disciples, they would feel the same grief and sadness as we say goodbye to our friends.
They are saying goodbye to a friend and master. But Jesus told them not to be troubled, for He is sending the Holy Spirit who would be forever with them, forever with us until He returns back again to claim us and bring us to eternal life.
When Jesus went up to Heaven, he didn't go to a far place. Heaven is where Jesus is. If Jesus is in you, the whole Heaven is in your heart, right now, including the Father and the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed mother, and all the angels and saints… because where Jesus is, there is the Father and the Spirit, and where Jesus is, there is the Blessed Mother and all the angels and saints.
The joy the disciples had after the Ascension should be the same joy that shall make us worship Him continually and to preach everywhere, without any fear, the good news of the Lord.
This joy is for you and for me, only if we believe, because there is more joy and happiness on those who have not seen and yet have come to believe. Jesus came and went back to the Father, but He will not leave us. Seek Him always through the guidance of the Spirit.
He is with us, forever. We will be with Him, forever.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, make us joyful in the ascension of your Son Jesus Christ. May we follow Him into the new creation, for His ascension is our glory and our hope. Where He has gone, we ultimately will come. Amen+
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy…
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
SPIRIT OF TRUTH (05-12-10)
John 16:13
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.
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The Filipinos have spoken. We have elected our new President in what, as far as I can remember, was the most cleanest, honest and fastest National election ever.
And this spirit of fairness and hope again proves that if people are given the chance to express what they feel inside, they will participate passionately, honestly and full of enthusiasm, for it is their future that they are building.
And so the Spirit of Truth lives on.
The “Spirit of truth” opens our blind eyes so the unregenerate heart can see the truth. He defogs the cloudy mind so that it can understand the truth. He prods the stubborn will so that it responds in full commitment to the truth.
Jesus has spoken of the Holy Spirit time and again during His public ministry and on days before His ascension. We are all given this spirit to guide us and be our spiritual Helper.
Seek the Holy Spirit in your hearts and let Him guide your path towards the Truth.
May the Spirit of truth leads and guides us into a deeper understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ so that we can be better witness of Him.
Let us pray +
Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, forever and ever. Amen +
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.
-------------------------------------------------------
The Filipinos have spoken. We have elected our new President in what, as far as I can remember, was the most cleanest, honest and fastest National election ever.
And this spirit of fairness and hope again proves that if people are given the chance to express what they feel inside, they will participate passionately, honestly and full of enthusiasm, for it is their future that they are building.
And so the Spirit of Truth lives on.
The “Spirit of truth” opens our blind eyes so the unregenerate heart can see the truth. He defogs the cloudy mind so that it can understand the truth. He prods the stubborn will so that it responds in full commitment to the truth.
Jesus has spoken of the Holy Spirit time and again during His public ministry and on days before His ascension. We are all given this spirit to guide us and be our spiritual Helper.
Seek the Holy Spirit in your hearts and let Him guide your path towards the Truth.
May the Spirit of truth leads and guides us into a deeper understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ so that we can be better witness of Him.
Let us pray +
Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth, one God, forever and ever. Amen +
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
SERVE THE LORD (05-11-10)
John 20:7-8
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.”
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“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”, thus Joshua proclaimed, affirming his and his household’s total reliance to God. And in the Book of Acts, Paul and Silas again echoed this same sentiment. In order for us to be saved, we must fully believe in the Lord and commit our life to Him – and not only our own, but the lives of our loved ones.
Keep His decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord you God gives you for all time (Deut. 4:40).
The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him (Proverbs 20:7).
The Lord remembers us and will bless us... he will bless those who fear the Lord - small and great alike. May the Lord make you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 115:12-15).
As believer of the Lord, He is asking us for a visit into our home and even stay there. Are we going to deny that request? Come, invite Him to our home, invite Him to our hearts and let Him stay there.
He is our Saviour, He is our Lord, He will not fail us as promised. May you and your household finally decide to serve the Lord.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, we welcome You into our home. Please come and stay with us, forever. We open our hearts to You and let Your Spirit dwells in our hearts as we await for Your second coming. Oh Lord, we trust in You. Give us the strength and humility so we may invite others in welcoming You into their hearts. You are our Lord and our God, come and stay! Amen +
Your right hand saves me, O Lord.
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you and your household will be saved.”
---------------------------------------------------
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”, thus Joshua proclaimed, affirming his and his household’s total reliance to God. And in the Book of Acts, Paul and Silas again echoed this same sentiment. In order for us to be saved, we must fully believe in the Lord and commit our life to Him – and not only our own, but the lives of our loved ones.
Keep His decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord you God gives you for all time (Deut. 4:40).
The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him (Proverbs 20:7).
The Lord remembers us and will bless us... he will bless those who fear the Lord - small and great alike. May the Lord make you increase, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 115:12-15).
As believer of the Lord, He is asking us for a visit into our home and even stay there. Are we going to deny that request? Come, invite Him to our home, invite Him to our hearts and let Him stay there.
He is our Saviour, He is our Lord, He will not fail us as promised. May you and your household finally decide to serve the Lord.
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, we welcome You into our home. Please come and stay with us, forever. We open our hearts to You and let Your Spirit dwells in our hearts as we await for Your second coming. Oh Lord, we trust in You. Give us the strength and humility so we may invite others in welcoming You into their hearts. You are our Lord and our God, come and stay! Amen +
Your right hand saves me, O Lord.
Monday, May 10, 2010
THE ADVOCATE (05-10-10)
John 20:7-8
“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father…”
----------------------------------------
The Philippine National election was generally peaceful. The Filipinos once again proved that democracy works. There were a lot of problems innthis first automated election, but everyone remained calm, patiently waiting for their turns to vote. The spirit of democracy lives.
As the Spirit of Life also lives in us.
There is no gift of God more excellent than this, and there is no greater gift of God than the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came to remain with the Church forever. This is the promise of Jesus Himself. He dwells in the Church permanently and unfailingly, performing in it without ceasing, His action of life-giving and sanctification.
While each “personage” in the Trinity is distinct in function, each shares together in the same deity and each reflects the divine attributes of the one living God.
May we confidently and continually beg of Him to illuminate us daily more and more with His light, inflame us with His charity and inspire us with faith and love.
Receive Him and let the Holy Spirit dwell in our hearts, forever.
Receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the great advocate.
Let us pray +
Come Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your Divine Love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Oh God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructed the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen+
The Lord takes delight in his people.
“When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father…”
----------------------------------------
The Philippine National election was generally peaceful. The Filipinos once again proved that democracy works. There were a lot of problems innthis first automated election, but everyone remained calm, patiently waiting for their turns to vote. The spirit of democracy lives.
As the Spirit of Life also lives in us.
There is no gift of God more excellent than this, and there is no greater gift of God than the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came to remain with the Church forever. This is the promise of Jesus Himself. He dwells in the Church permanently and unfailingly, performing in it without ceasing, His action of life-giving and sanctification.
While each “personage” in the Trinity is distinct in function, each shares together in the same deity and each reflects the divine attributes of the one living God.
May we confidently and continually beg of Him to illuminate us daily more and more with His light, inflame us with His charity and inspire us with faith and love.
Receive Him and let the Holy Spirit dwell in our hearts, forever.
Receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the great advocate.
Let us pray +
Come Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your Divine Love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Oh God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructed the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen+
The Lord takes delight in his people.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
KEEP MY WORD (05-09-10)
John 14:23
“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him…"
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Filipinos are starting to feel the effect of El Nino in the Philippines. Water levels in our dams are getting lower and lower that creates power generation problems. And then the brownouts (or temporary power outages) are happening across the country. And in this modern world, brownouts could mean “shutting down” our lives as we are very dependent on things that runs in electricity.
In our spiritual lives, we also frequently experience brownouts. We experience this spiritual darkness. As such, we are totally blinded by our sins and totally ignored what the Lord wills for us to do. On one level, darkness is promoted by spiritual forces under the leadership of Satan. On a human level, darkness is not only the absence of knowledge, but a personal and active opposition to the rule and truth of God.
We need to fuel our lives with the words of God. For the words of God fuels love in our hearts that powers our love for others. Start your day by filling-up with His Words by reading the Bible and contemplating on His words. And the wisdom we gain can bring out calmness in our hearts as we go through the challenges of the day.
Wisdom and peace always go together, for the wisdom of God always creates right relationship since God Himself is a triune communion of holy love. Let us perfect our lives by seeking the wisdom and peace coming from God. It is heavenly, spiritual and God-centered. “And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we pray that inner peace will be found by all individuals so that the peace we dream of, we speak of and pray for will have a chance. As in times past, we will work together to recover from our shared national tragedy. We pray together for those who have lost loved ones. We seek Your wisdom so we may understand everything. Amen+
O God, let all the nations praise you!
“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him…"
-----------------------------------------------------
Filipinos are starting to feel the effect of El Nino in the Philippines. Water levels in our dams are getting lower and lower that creates power generation problems. And then the brownouts (or temporary power outages) are happening across the country. And in this modern world, brownouts could mean “shutting down” our lives as we are very dependent on things that runs in electricity.
In our spiritual lives, we also frequently experience brownouts. We experience this spiritual darkness. As such, we are totally blinded by our sins and totally ignored what the Lord wills for us to do. On one level, darkness is promoted by spiritual forces under the leadership of Satan. On a human level, darkness is not only the absence of knowledge, but a personal and active opposition to the rule and truth of God.
We need to fuel our lives with the words of God. For the words of God fuels love in our hearts that powers our love for others. Start your day by filling-up with His Words by reading the Bible and contemplating on His words. And the wisdom we gain can bring out calmness in our hearts as we go through the challenges of the day.
Wisdom and peace always go together, for the wisdom of God always creates right relationship since God Himself is a triune communion of holy love. Let us perfect our lives by seeking the wisdom and peace coming from God. It is heavenly, spiritual and God-centered. “And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we pray that inner peace will be found by all individuals so that the peace we dream of, we speak of and pray for will have a chance. As in times past, we will work together to recover from our shared national tragedy. We pray together for those who have lost loved ones. We seek Your wisdom so we may understand everything. Amen+
O God, let all the nations praise you!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
NOT IN THIS WORLD (05-08-10)
John 15:19
“If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world…”
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We would work, work and work. Yes, that is how I was taught as a child. My parents would tell me to study hard, so when I graduate, I can join a good company then work, work and work.
I know, there is nothing wrong with that. We need to work so we can earn money and live – “we earn to live”. But what is wrong is this – “living to earn” and nothing else. We work for the sake of working. And we forget that there are better things that the life can offer.
Remember that all the materials things we get, earn and build in this world, remains in this world. We cannot bring them to heaven.
So, we must not busy ourselves just building things that rot. We must also build our character. For the things that we do here on earth is what matters.
In all of these, it is great to know that even Jesus is not with us physically, He has given us a great advocate, the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit, our hearts are opened to follow only Him. The Spirit has placed in our hearts the map to eternal life.
Follow our hearts towards Him – Jesus is the Way that we should follow.
Let us pray +
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity. Spirit of right judgment and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus' way of love. Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence. Amen +
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
“If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world…”
-------------------------------------------------
We would work, work and work. Yes, that is how I was taught as a child. My parents would tell me to study hard, so when I graduate, I can join a good company then work, work and work.
I know, there is nothing wrong with that. We need to work so we can earn money and live – “we earn to live”. But what is wrong is this – “living to earn” and nothing else. We work for the sake of working. And we forget that there are better things that the life can offer.
Remember that all the materials things we get, earn and build in this world, remains in this world. We cannot bring them to heaven.
So, we must not busy ourselves just building things that rot. We must also build our character. For the things that we do here on earth is what matters.
In all of these, it is great to know that even Jesus is not with us physically, He has given us a great advocate, the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit, our hearts are opened to follow only Him. The Spirit has placed in our hearts the map to eternal life.
Follow our hearts towards Him – Jesus is the Way that we should follow.
Let us pray +
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity. Spirit of right judgment and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus' way of love. Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence. Amen +
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Friday, May 7, 2010
I CHOOSE YOU (05-07-10)
John 15:16
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain…
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Only three days to go and Filipinos will go again in their polling places to vote for the new President, Vice President and Senators - personalities who will lead the country for the next six years. Would they still remember the promises they made? Would they really work to make the lives of the people better? Would they remember that the people chose them to make something happen? I hope they do.
President, Senator, Mayor – they are all titles. They speak of the office that the person holds; the task he was called to do. We chose them and not the other way around.
So it is with the one we worship, the one whose title we bear when we call ourselves “Christians”. His proper name is “Jesus”. But His title, reflecting the title He holds and the task He was called to do, His title is Christ.
And He has chosen us and appointed us to bring the good news and bear much fruits so others may know Him through us.
And all His promises, He will remember. All the things He promised, He will provide. So we speak of Jesus the Christ... Jesus Christ. But His title did not matter to Him. He came to the world not to be served, but to serve. And only Him fully deserve to be called the King… the King of all Kings!
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, our Savior and our King, I choose today to take refuge in You. I choose to fear the Lord and not man, and I choose obedience over willfulness and submission over pride. I am blessed beyond measure already, and I praise and thank You for all You have provided, knowing that we will lack no good thing as we seek You first above all else. To You be all the honor and glory! Amen +
I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain…
--------------------------------------------------
Only three days to go and Filipinos will go again in their polling places to vote for the new President, Vice President and Senators - personalities who will lead the country for the next six years. Would they still remember the promises they made? Would they really work to make the lives of the people better? Would they remember that the people chose them to make something happen? I hope they do.
President, Senator, Mayor – they are all titles. They speak of the office that the person holds; the task he was called to do. We chose them and not the other way around.
So it is with the one we worship, the one whose title we bear when we call ourselves “Christians”. His proper name is “Jesus”. But His title, reflecting the title He holds and the task He was called to do, His title is Christ.
And He has chosen us and appointed us to bring the good news and bear much fruits so others may know Him through us.
And all His promises, He will remember. All the things He promised, He will provide. So we speak of Jesus the Christ... Jesus Christ. But His title did not matter to Him. He came to the world not to be served, but to serve. And only Him fully deserve to be called the King… the King of all Kings!
Let us pray +
Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, our Savior and our King, I choose today to take refuge in You. I choose to fear the Lord and not man, and I choose obedience over willfulness and submission over pride. I am blessed beyond measure already, and I praise and thank You for all You have provided, knowing that we will lack no good thing as we seek You first above all else. To You be all the honor and glory! Amen +
I will give you thanks among the peoples, O Lord.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
THE JOY OF LOVE (05-06-10)
John 15:10-11
“If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love…I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”
---------------------------------------------------
I wanted to be a doctor. I don’t know if that is what I really wanted or those words were just “put in my mouth” when I was a child. Actually, every child at that time wants to be a doctor.
But as we grow up, we came to choose different paths – different from what our parents want, different from what our hearts dictate, different from what God wants us to be.
But, as we start to know life in the Lord, we start choosing the simple path of love. This is nothing extraordinary. This is our call, our mission, our simple path as humans. To be a gift to one another, a gift of free love. And Who can better model this way of life other than a man who gave His life for His friends – a man named Jesus, our Lord and our Savior.
And He lovingly shared His life to us – a life full of love and sacrifice. Let Him take care of us like no other. Let Him teach us and love us and guide us and protect us like no other. All praise and glory to Him, Jesus, forever.
I pray that Jesus may inspire you all, wherever you are, on your simple path. He taught, lived, and died for and in love. He healed the sick, taught forgiveness and love. And He did all of this, so that we may experience the joy of loving and being loved by God.
Our life is a gift to us. Live a life of pure joy as we continue to praise, worship and love our God.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference. Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others. Amen +
Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
“If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love…I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”
---------------------------------------------------
I wanted to be a doctor. I don’t know if that is what I really wanted or those words were just “put in my mouth” when I was a child. Actually, every child at that time wants to be a doctor.
But as we grow up, we came to choose different paths – different from what our parents want, different from what our hearts dictate, different from what God wants us to be.
But, as we start to know life in the Lord, we start choosing the simple path of love. This is nothing extraordinary. This is our call, our mission, our simple path as humans. To be a gift to one another, a gift of free love. And Who can better model this way of life other than a man who gave His life for His friends – a man named Jesus, our Lord and our Savior.
And He lovingly shared His life to us – a life full of love and sacrifice. Let Him take care of us like no other. Let Him teach us and love us and guide us and protect us like no other. All praise and glory to Him, Jesus, forever.
I pray that Jesus may inspire you all, wherever you are, on your simple path. He taught, lived, and died for and in love. He healed the sick, taught forgiveness and love. And He did all of this, so that we may experience the joy of loving and being loved by God.
Our life is a gift to us. Live a life of pure joy as we continue to praise, worship and love our God.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, because love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, help me stand up for what is right and good. May I defend the defenseless, and help the helpless. Show me how I can make a difference. Help my heart continually beat with love for You and others. Amen +
Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
NOURISHED (05-05-10)
John 15:5
“I am the vine, you are the branches.”
-------------------------------------------------
For nine months, in our mother’s womb, we are connected to her through the umbilical cord. The umbilical vein supplies the fetus with oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta.
It is our direct connection to life. It may connect improperly to the placenta or become knotted or compress that can lead to problems during pregnancy or even death.
And when we are born, this physical connection is cut-off. But this doesn’t mean that we are separated now from our mothers. Rather, this means the start of our emotional connection with her – as she nourishes us, care for us and love us – away from the womb, but nearer to her heart.
We are connected in Jesus the same way. We may not be attached to Him via an umbilical cord, but emotionally, we are. We are dependent on Jesus for life, of course, but we are also dependent on Jesus for our lives to matter.
If we remain attached to Jesus Christ, our lives will bear much fruit. And without Him, we can do nothing!
This is a very powerful statement. God is with us, but we sometimes fail to thank Him for everything. Connect with Him and remain in Him for our own life and health. Let us live in a way that would make a difference to us and to others, remain connected to him in a meaningful way.
He is the vine, the umbilical cord of our life. May we bear good fruits as we live our lives in total obedience to His will.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we remain in You forever. Grant us a long and fruitful life. We pray that it be a life of goodness and peace, a life of blessing and sustenance and bodily vigor, a life free from sin and shame and reproach, a life of abundance and honor, a life in which all the desires of our hearts shall be fulfilled for our good. Amen +
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
“I am the vine, you are the branches.”
-------------------------------------------------
For nine months, in our mother’s womb, we are connected to her through the umbilical cord. The umbilical vein supplies the fetus with oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta.
It is our direct connection to life. It may connect improperly to the placenta or become knotted or compress that can lead to problems during pregnancy or even death.
And when we are born, this physical connection is cut-off. But this doesn’t mean that we are separated now from our mothers. Rather, this means the start of our emotional connection with her – as she nourishes us, care for us and love us – away from the womb, but nearer to her heart.
We are connected in Jesus the same way. We may not be attached to Him via an umbilical cord, but emotionally, we are. We are dependent on Jesus for life, of course, but we are also dependent on Jesus for our lives to matter.
If we remain attached to Jesus Christ, our lives will bear much fruit. And without Him, we can do nothing!
This is a very powerful statement. God is with us, but we sometimes fail to thank Him for everything. Connect with Him and remain in Him for our own life and health. Let us live in a way that would make a difference to us and to others, remain connected to him in a meaningful way.
He is the vine, the umbilical cord of our life. May we bear good fruits as we live our lives in total obedience to His will.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, we remain in You forever. Grant us a long and fruitful life. We pray that it be a life of goodness and peace, a life of blessing and sustenance and bodily vigor, a life free from sin and shame and reproach, a life of abundance and honor, a life in which all the desires of our hearts shall be fulfilled for our good. Amen +
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
MY PEACE (5-04-10)
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
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Forty years ago today, a child was born to a family in Tondo district in Manila. Tondo is notorious for being one of the poorest district in the country. Many of the city's slums are found in this area. His childhood memories would be marked with gangster wars. There were even two instances wherein the gang wars happened in front of their house.
But he grew up trying to detach himself from this ugly environment. He struggled hard to ensure that he gets the best education – from both his parents and best that the Philippine education can offer.
Did he succeed? Well, forty years after, he doesn’t see himself as a failure. But still God has the last say. But for now, the peace in his heart tells him that he is going in the right direction to the path that God has prepared for him. And that peace, my peace, will help me through the next forty years.
In our hearts reside peace and should be worthy to be called the dwelling place of God’s Spirit. In spite of all the anger and hatred that we sometimes feel and experience outside, we should let the peace in our hearts reign over it all. God loves us and wants us to know Him so He can fill us with peace and give us real life – forever.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You have given us and giving us enough information so we may be prepared. May we use prophecy to help us shape our lives, give us direction and guidance in serving You.
Oh Lord, we should not mind all of this, rather, we shall put all our trust in You for You have never forsaken those who seek You. Give us eternal comfort, hope through grace and may Your consolations cheer our souls.
“You did not brought destruction, but creation
You did not brought war, but peace
You did not brought uproar, but serenity
You did not promised death, but life.”
Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
-------------------------------------------------------
Forty years ago today, a child was born to a family in Tondo district in Manila. Tondo is notorious for being one of the poorest district in the country. Many of the city's slums are found in this area. His childhood memories would be marked with gangster wars. There were even two instances wherein the gang wars happened in front of their house.
But he grew up trying to detach himself from this ugly environment. He struggled hard to ensure that he gets the best education – from both his parents and best that the Philippine education can offer.
Did he succeed? Well, forty years after, he doesn’t see himself as a failure. But still God has the last say. But for now, the peace in his heart tells him that he is going in the right direction to the path that God has prepared for him. And that peace, my peace, will help me through the next forty years.
In our hearts reside peace and should be worthy to be called the dwelling place of God’s Spirit. In spite of all the anger and hatred that we sometimes feel and experience outside, we should let the peace in our hearts reign over it all. God loves us and wants us to know Him so He can fill us with peace and give us real life – forever.
Let us pray +
Almighty Father, You have given us and giving us enough information so we may be prepared. May we use prophecy to help us shape our lives, give us direction and guidance in serving You.
Oh Lord, we should not mind all of this, rather, we shall put all our trust in You for You have never forsaken those who seek You. Give us eternal comfort, hope through grace and may Your consolations cheer our souls.
“You did not brought destruction, but creation
You did not brought war, but peace
You did not brought uproar, but serenity
You did not promised death, but life.”
Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Monday, May 3, 2010
THE GREAT TRUTH (5-03-10)
John 14:6
“I am the way and the truth and the life.”
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We always want to know the truth.
When our son comes home late, I want to understand why, I want to know the truth. When one of our people is late or absent, we want to know what happened, we want to know the truth.
In the current scandals plaguing the Presidential candidates for the Philippine national election, everyone says that he is not lying, that he is not corrupt, that he is the right man (or woman) for the job, that they are all telling the truth!
And yet, when we examine our lives, most of the time, we are also living in lies. This is because we are either afraid of the truth or doesn’t even know what is the truth.
As a Christian who has questions concerning his faith, we turns to the Bible, the inspired Word of God, and seeks answers. The Scriptures reveal those things necessary for salvation and are the sole infallible rule of the Christian faith. No one has any right to opt out of the search for truth, especially in faith and morals, no matter how limited or deep their level of religious understanding are.
And the Lord Jesus is the way, the TRUTH and the life. He is the truth that we are yearning for. Look into your heart and be true to yourself first before asking for truthfulness from others. Turn into Him for salvation, for only Him can set us free.
The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.
Almighty Father, lead me in Your Truth and teach me. Protect me Father and help me to always speak the Truth and to purposefully move away from lies and anything that is not a deliberate reflection of Your Truth. Amen +
Their message goes out through all the earth.
“I am the way and the truth and the life.”
---------------------------------------------------
We always want to know the truth.
When our son comes home late, I want to understand why, I want to know the truth. When one of our people is late or absent, we want to know what happened, we want to know the truth.
In the current scandals plaguing the Presidential candidates for the Philippine national election, everyone says that he is not lying, that he is not corrupt, that he is the right man (or woman) for the job, that they are all telling the truth!
And yet, when we examine our lives, most of the time, we are also living in lies. This is because we are either afraid of the truth or doesn’t even know what is the truth.
As a Christian who has questions concerning his faith, we turns to the Bible, the inspired Word of God, and seeks answers. The Scriptures reveal those things necessary for salvation and are the sole infallible rule of the Christian faith. No one has any right to opt out of the search for truth, especially in faith and morals, no matter how limited or deep their level of religious understanding are.
And the Lord Jesus is the way, the TRUTH and the life. He is the truth that we are yearning for. Look into your heart and be true to yourself first before asking for truthfulness from others. Turn into Him for salvation, for only Him can set us free.
The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.
Almighty Father, lead me in Your Truth and teach me. Protect me Father and help me to always speak the Truth and to purposefully move away from lies and anything that is not a deliberate reflection of Your Truth. Amen +
Their message goes out through all the earth.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
LOVE ONE ANOTHER (5-02-10)
John 13:35
This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
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As people of the flesh, we would always connect “love” with something worldly. When we hear, “love one another”, we would think of it as loving, that is erotically, every person (man and woman) that you think is attractive. Until we end up with a lot of “love-child”, that most of us cannot even afford to provide care and love to.
But the love that Jesus wants us to give to one another has a deeper meaning, a love that is truly coming from the heart. Love that is willing to sacrifice as what Jesus did when He died on the cross.
“Love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
In the past, the general trend was to do good to those who do good to you, and to only love those who loves you. It is new because Jesus calls people to pray for those who hate them and to do better things to them. He even pushed this further by commanding us – “love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return”. In so doing, He promised us the rewards of Heaven.
It is really difficult for us to do this but always remember that the Lord, Himself, has not hated us even though we are all sinners. In fact, He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.
We are to love one another as Christ Himself loved us, even dying on the cross so we may be saved and live eternally.
Start living your life in love. Unless you start loving, you will not really experience true love in return.
Lord Jesus, I love You for You loved us first. And out of this love, You gave your life so all our sins will be forgiven and give us the opportunity again to join You in Heaven together with God and the Holy Spirit. Bless me, that I receive love by the loving service that I give. Amen+
I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
----------------------------------------------------------
As people of the flesh, we would always connect “love” with something worldly. When we hear, “love one another”, we would think of it as loving, that is erotically, every person (man and woman) that you think is attractive. Until we end up with a lot of “love-child”, that most of us cannot even afford to provide care and love to.
But the love that Jesus wants us to give to one another has a deeper meaning, a love that is truly coming from the heart. Love that is willing to sacrifice as what Jesus did when He died on the cross.
“Love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
In the past, the general trend was to do good to those who do good to you, and to only love those who loves you. It is new because Jesus calls people to pray for those who hate them and to do better things to them. He even pushed this further by commanding us – “love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return”. In so doing, He promised us the rewards of Heaven.
It is really difficult for us to do this but always remember that the Lord, Himself, has not hated us even though we are all sinners. In fact, He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.
We are to love one another as Christ Himself loved us, even dying on the cross so we may be saved and live eternally.
Start living your life in love. Unless you start loving, you will not really experience true love in return.
Lord Jesus, I love You for You loved us first. And out of this love, You gave your life so all our sins will be forgiven and give us the opportunity again to join You in Heaven together with God and the Holy Spirit. Bless me, that I receive love by the loving service that I give. Amen+
I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
ASK IN MY NAME (5-01-10)
John 14:13
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
-----------------------------------------------------
Do you ask? Why do you ask? When do you ask? What was the last thing you asked? Was it given to you? What are you asking for now? Do you think it will be given to you? Have you even asked in the first place.
We pray to ask for things or help we need. We often need or want things or help which may seem impossible to obtain. But knowing that God is always listening to us when we pray according to His will, we can be confident that we have a Mighty Helper to provide for what we need. This knowledge gives us total assurance of an ever present help in time of need.
Learn to ask through prayers:
1. We pray because we love God. We spend time with God in prayer and communion because we love him. We desire to be with Him and to fellowship with Him in proportion to our love for Him.
2. We pray because we depend on God. God is our source. He is our life. Through prayer we receive the comfort, the strength and all the other resources that we need in .
3. We need to pray in order to resist temptation. "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation (Mt. 26:41)”. Through lack of prayer, we are weak, others are weaker and Satan gains the advantage in our lives.
4. We need to pray because it is necessary for men to invite God to act in salvation. God gave the earth to Adam and His descendants. By inviting God into our lives and into our hearts, multitudes can be saved that would otherwise be lost.
+ Let us pray
Almighty Father, Your promise give us hope. You renew your promises in our hearts as we await the goal of our faith, even the saving of our souls eternally with You. Father, when we contemplate these things, we know that no praise is too extravagant. With hearts filled with awe and rejoicing, we thank You for this life which is given to us. Amen +
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
-----------------------------------------------------
Do you ask? Why do you ask? When do you ask? What was the last thing you asked? Was it given to you? What are you asking for now? Do you think it will be given to you? Have you even asked in the first place.
We pray to ask for things or help we need. We often need or want things or help which may seem impossible to obtain. But knowing that God is always listening to us when we pray according to His will, we can be confident that we have a Mighty Helper to provide for what we need. This knowledge gives us total assurance of an ever present help in time of need.
Learn to ask through prayers:
1. We pray because we love God. We spend time with God in prayer and communion because we love him. We desire to be with Him and to fellowship with Him in proportion to our love for Him.
2. We pray because we depend on God. God is our source. He is our life. Through prayer we receive the comfort, the strength and all the other resources that we need in .
3. We need to pray in order to resist temptation. "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation (Mt. 26:41)”. Through lack of prayer, we are weak, others are weaker and Satan gains the advantage in our lives.
4. We need to pray because it is necessary for men to invite God to act in salvation. God gave the earth to Adam and His descendants. By inviting God into our lives and into our hearts, multitudes can be saved that would otherwise be lost.
+ Let us pray
Almighty Father, Your promise give us hope. You renew your promises in our hearts as we await the goal of our faith, even the saving of our souls eternally with You. Father, when we contemplate these things, we know that no praise is too extravagant. With hearts filled with awe and rejoicing, we thank You for this life which is given to us. Amen +
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
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