HIS BLESSINGS (06-30-13)

Psalms 67:7

The earth has yielded its fruits; God, our God, has blessed us.

We are truly thankful for receiving great blessings.  However, most of us always think that we are given these blessings for our only own consumption.  And even more of us would be very dependent and concerned about them that we seriously neglect other important aspects of our life.  Our dependence is to be on God and not on money.  "Where your treasure is," warned Christ, "there your heart will be also.”

God sees whether we honor Him with the blessings He gives us, how we care for our families and how we treat the poor.  The Scriptures teach us not to set our heart on riches but to help people in genuine need and generously support the work of sharing God's truth with others.  Such priorities are an important part of loving our neighbors as ourselves.  We should seek to live a balanced life, putting our finances into proper perspective. 

In bestowing His own blessing, God declares His goodness.  We in turn bless God by praising Him, thanking Him for all of His benefits and offering to Him our service, adoration and worship.  When we invoke God's blessing, we implore His divine benevolence, trusting that He will respond to our needs.  Be truly happy and thankful that God has promised to bless man in such a way that man can easily become a recipient of God's blessings. 

Is your heart – and your treasure – focused primarily on things of this life, or is it focused on God in heaven?  God bless you!

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, may the work I do bring growth in this life to me and those I love and help to extend the Kingdom of Christ.  Give all persons work that draws them to You and to each other in cheerful service.  I beg Your blessing upon all my efforts.  With Saint Joseph as my example and guide, help me to do the work You have asked and come to the reward You have prepared.

Amen +

O God, let all the nations praise you!

HONOR (06-29-13)

Matthew 13:57

“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.”

Isn’t it frustrating?  One has to leave his country to work in a foreign land.  There, he would spend his time and use his talent and skill to help other people, build buildings, develop something useful and be productive – all for the sake of a country that is not his.  And back home, he would be considered as “modern-day hero” – not because of the things he has done, but because of the dollars he is sending home.

Have you experienced that or is experiencing it?  Yes, I know the feeling.  Been there, done that… and is doing it again.  Getting the raw end of the deal… been frustrated before, but not anymore.  As the tagalog saying goes, “ang mainis, talo” (in frustration, the loser is you).  So, I would just do it… and do it well.  “Ikaw na ang mainis, di ako…” (you lose, not me).

Jesus came home to Nazareth and displayed great power in healing and preaching.  But in His ways and outward appearance, He remained the same humble son of the carpenter Joseph.  Being the Son of God, He needed no praise or adulation, but He certainly did not deserve His villagers’ depreciating and offensive remarks.

Jesus teaches us to be humble in the face of such criticisms or prejudice. Even when He was rejected by His own hometown, He did not use His powers to “show them” as some of us would have done to prove ourselves. He teaches us not to seek honor for ourselves, because the only honor we should strive for is what we hope to receive from the Father when we have found true humility.

So, as they become more frustrated, in the end, they become more of the losers in the eyes of God.  Are you a loser?

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, let me not seek the honor and praise of men; but just grant me the grace to act according to Your Will, and be pleasing to You in everything that I do.  Amen +

Sing with joy to God our help.

LOVE PREVAILS (06-28-13)

Matthew 5:44, 46

But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you… for if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?

This commandment from Jesus had me thinking.  For almost everyday, we would encounter people who would make our lives miserable – a neighbor who would spread gossips about us, drivers cutting us off in the street, unresponsive co-workers or even bosses, service (supposed-to-be) people who would make us wait and wait and wait… can we really love these people?  Our human instinct would say “we cannot”.  The unfortunate thing about feeling this way is that it really hurts us emotionally, and sometimes physically, so that we can’t think clearly.  God did not create these people to be evil; they became that way on their own or through the influence of the people and situations around them; and this grieves God, as it would any loving parent.  And Jesus showed how it can be done.

We need to grieve for them, along with God.  So our prayers should also contain a prayer for them... not a prayer to bless them, but a prayer to soften their hearts to feel the pain and suffering that they are causing, so that they would turn from their evil ways and be saved from the wrath to come.

The prescription to love your enemy and to denounce evil with good is sometimes thought of as an impractical and perfectionist ethic, able to be practiced only by a few exceptional souls.  When we hold on to this perfect love, we find that we turn over our anger to the Lord in prayer, and we are able to think clearly.  And when we think clearly, we are able to find ways to peacefully take a stand against these forces of evil.

We need to continue to be the loving, compassionate, and peacemaking children of God we have been called to be.  We may have hated someone in our life, but always remember to hate the actions done and not the person.  We must continue to show love to that person so that same love may change him and change us.  Loving others is taking out the enemy within.

Almighty Father, anger destroys the peace of our own soul, but being a loving and compassionate peacemaker brings peace to our soul.  Teach us to love those who brings injustice to our lives.  Teach us to love our enemies.  Teach us to trust in You, knowing that this is how we have been called to be.

Where true love prevails, there no enemies are found.

LIFE (06-27-13)

John 11:25-26

…whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die.

I had my share of accidents and disasters.  On strong rains, our place would be flooded up to about 2 feet.  Then, there was the fire that destroyed our house.  I’ve been involved in 3 vehicular accidents:  the first one, while I am in a jeep with my family.  Luckily, my father-in-law was able to slow it down before hitting the back of the truck, or else, no one knows.  The second one is when my car got hit by another at the back.  We suddenly stopped because a bus cut the taxi in front of us.  The last one is in China.  The taxi I am in hit another in an intersection.  I don’t know anymore whether we have the green light or not, I just remember that I am still alive after that.

Thinking about all of this brush with deaths really makes me shudder.  What if I was not lucky at that time, where would I be the next time I opened my eyes.  Would I be facing the devil and his minions or come face to face with God, finally feeling the warmth of His love and care?  Our hearts and souls should always yearn for the latter.  For that is the very essence of our lives – to serve and follow His will and be the temple of the living God, so we may join Him in the after-life.

Almighty Father, we worship You, the only true and living God who created us, who watches over us, who loves us, who hears our prayers and who takes care of us.  May we continue to live for You today and in all eternity.

Oh Lord, make us faithful followers of the spirit of your resurrection.  Grant that we may be inwardly renewed; dying to ourselves in order that you may live in us.  May our lives serve as signs of the transforming power of your love.  This we ask of you, Lord Jesus, living and reigning with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever.

Amen +

“May I live for You

And live with You forever

For I live because of You.”

…for holy is the LORD, our God.

GOING UP (06-26-13)

Matthew 13:41-42

“…all who cause others to sin and all evildoers (will be thrown) into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

Sheol… Hades… Gehenna… Hell… Inferno.  I doesn’t matter how you call that place.  It doesn’t matter what the temperature would be in that place.  These are words that few really understand, yet most people will go there.  It is usually considered the location for the incorrigibly wicked.  It might be used to express anger or frustration.  It may be used as a destination to assign to those you do not like.  However, the hell that is described in the pages of the Bible is a very real place. You may be surprised to learn who goes to that location!

We live in a world that includes the good and the wicked.  But like it or not, God has always made it clear - we must do the right things, by His standards, in order to achieve salvation.  What Jesus reveals to us in this passage though, is even more specific. Not only are evildoers condemned, but “all who cause others to sin” as well.  It’s not always clear who are the weeds and who are the wheat, and God has given us the freedom to change between the two.  What is clear is that those who strive to serve God, while trying to lead others to Him rather than away from Him, stand a much better chance in the afterlife.

God’s gift of time is beyond measure.  It is truly priceless and there will be a day when we will be asked to account for our time spent on this earth.  At the end of time, the believers in Christ will be gathered together to be brought into the storehouse, where they will experience eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven; however, the tares or weeds shall be separated and bound together to be thrown into the flames.  These represent those who refused the invitation to repent and believe.  The “barn” or the “burning”, it is your choice.  But still, please, choose the former!

Almighty Father, we beseech You to deliver us, by Your eternal power, from all the tyranny of the infernal spirits, from their snares, their lies and their furious wickedness.  Grant us Your powerful protection and to keep us safe and sound.  May Your Spirit grant us a loving and merciful heart as we live in You through Jesus Christ Our Lord.  Amen +

Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger, abounding in kindness.

GOODNESS AND KINDNESS (06-25-13)

Psalms 23:6

Only goodness and kindness will follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

The God of the Bible tells us that we can come to know and develop a relationship with Him. We can know what He has planned for us and our families in this life and in the future. We can rest assured He wants good things for us.

His Word tells us that "godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1Timothy 4:8)

Not only can we come to know God, to believe in God, but—much more—we can learn to believe and truly trust in Him.

There is a huge difference.

Many people believe in God.  They assume He exists, although they probably haven't given His existence much thought.  But God is not real enough to them, and this lack of reality affects what they think and do.

To trust God, on the other hand, is to have faith that God will do for us whatever He has promised to do.  He expects us to act on that belief.  He requires that we have living faith in His existence, power and promises. 

And through this trust, we would develop a life of total goodness and kindness knowing that God has control of our lives until the ends of time.

Begin now to develop the living faith that will see you through the trials of this life and into the coming Kingdom of God.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, You want us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing except losing You and to lay all our cares on You, knowing that You care for us.  Protect us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds in this mortal life may hide from us the light of Your immortal love shown to us in Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen +

Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name give glory.

KEY TO HEAVEN (06-24-13)

Matthew 20:28

“And so I say to you, you are Peter… I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven.”

March 1997 – I received the key to my first-ever car.  I was very excited.  First stop, Tagaytay! 

September 2004 – I received the key to our first house, our very own dwelling place.  We are very happy.  This is where we will build on our dreams, our family and our future.

I wonder how Peter reacted when the Lord gave him, not just a key to a house or a key to a carriage.  Rather, he was given the key to heaven that “Whatever (he) bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever (he) loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”  He must be struck by awe, thinking what Jesus means by that.  He must have stood there for some time, trying to understand what’s the real meaning of this Key to heaven.

But he would understand it as the time goes by.  That Christ’s passion, death and resurrection is the key to heaven, not just for His disciples, but for all of us.  While it is true that Christ did confer authority on Peter, it is also true that this authority was not unique to Peter, nor was it supreme over the other apostles and the entire church. The power of the keys was granted to the whole church to be exercised in the forgiveness of sins. The apostle Peter was the first to open the way of salvation by the preaching of the gospel, first to the Jews at Pentecost and later on to the Gentiles.

We are given the Key to Heaven, through St. Peter.  As committed Christians, we should proudly hang the Key around our necks for the world to see.  Be more aware of our commitment and therefore less likely to put down the key. 

If you die today, is the Key with you to unlock Heaven’s gate?

Lord Jesus, You have given us the Key to Heaven through our first pope, St. Peter.  May we always have this key with us and forever keep it in our hearts so upon reaching Heaven, we would be able to enter and join You forever in God’s eternal glory and love.

The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.

CALM ALL YOUR FEARS (06-23-13)

Matthew 8:26

“Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”

In the Bible, there were instances when Jesus would exclaim, “O you of little faith…”  The first is when Peter tried to do what Jesus has shown them – to walk on the water.  However, when Peter saw how strong the winds are, he became frightened and started to sink.  The Lord immediately got hold of him exclaiming, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

The second instance is during the time when a great storm have the boat covered with waves and water.  Frightened, the disciples immediately woke up Jesus, who was sleeping at that time.  He immediately stood up and rebuked that winds and the sea and perfect calmness was observed.

Faith is first of all a personal adherence of man to God. At the same time, and inseparably, it is a free assent to the whole truth that God has revealed.  Faith is certain. It is more certain than all human knowledge because it is founded on the very word of God who cannot lie.  It is the very first foundation of our relationship with God. “Without faith it is impossible to please God”.  However, due to our inherent weakness, men would always lose faith and being replaced by fright and unbelief. 

We always pray for more faith so we can defeat all the problems and disasters we would face.  But, according to Jesus, how much faith do you really need?  Somewhere around the size of a mustard seed!!! 

Not everything about God can be explained by human logic most of the time.  There is always an element of faith involved to trust that he will work for the good of those who love Him.  So the next time you experience storms in your life, allow Him to calm all of your fears as you place your trust in Him.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, give me the faith to see more of your purposes come to past.  Whatsoever this life may bring us, grant that it may never take from us the full faith that You are our Father.  Grant us Your light, that we may have life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen +

O Lord, your mercy is before my eyes.

THE ONLY WAY (06-22-13)

Matthew 8:22

But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

The HR assistant approached the group of applicants.  He asked them to all stand up and said “Follow me”.

Since the HR assistant walks with a limp, all the people behind him is not just following him, but literally doing what he does…

All are walking with a limp!!!  I know this is a bad joke… but it surely presents in vivid manner our gospel for today.

The essence of discipleship is obedience.

Jesus calls the first disciples and they follow Him. This sounds like very simple, but if we look a little deeper into the word “follow,” we will discover that it is not as simple as it first seems.

To follow carries with it the connotation of imitating what someone does. Thus, disciples of Jesus are really imitators of Jesus.  We should not be saying one thing, and then doing another thing “if someone is not looking.”

Another meaning of the word “follow” is the physical act of following a person along a particular path or journey. It is not enough just to watch Christianity happen around us; we need to be personally involved.

We have to learn to trust Jesus that wherever He leads us, there is a good purpose and reason.

So, do you just follow because others are looking?  Or are you following Jesus because we know that following Him is the only way to eternal life?

Let us pray +

Lord Jesus, teach me thus Thy steps to trace, strong to follow in Thy grace, learning how to love from Thee, loving Him who first loved me.   Love in loving finds employ, in obedience all our joy, ever new that joy will be, loving Him who first loved me.  Amen +

The Lord is kind and merciful.

TOUCH ME, HEAL ME (06-21-13)

Matthew 8:15

He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him.

If life is the journey, then what is the destination?  Neighbors or famous celebrities may have died or become sick, and we would talk about their lives and achievements as if we know them well.  But, when someone in the family is sick, it is not really easy to talk about death.  And yet, come to think of it, all of us will reach or experience that stage.  Death may not be as what we would imagine.  Some would say that we should eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die. 

But is dying really the end of it all?

When we commit sin against God, our spirit dies.  And along with it, our soul suffers death, as well.  Asking God’s forgiveness would resurrect our dead spirit.  But we should not stop at that. 

We should continue to feed our soul and spirit with the Words of God to make it strong.  And through prayers and reading the Bible, we would be able to strengthen our faith and trust in Him.

Christianity has always known and taught that man is more than a simple combination of chemical elements, that besides the body it has a soul which at the moment of death does not die, but continues to live and develop in a new surrounding. 

Let God nurture your soul.  By his strength, we too shall rise in transfigured bodies for eternal and conscious life.

Let us pray +

Lord, in every need let me come to You with humble trust saying, "Jesus, help me."  In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus, help me.  In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials, Jesus, help me.  In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help me.  Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus, help me and never forsake me.  Amen +

The Lord has remembered his mercy.

STRONG IN SPIRIT (06-20-13)

Luke 1:80

The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

June 24 is “Araw ng Maynila” (Manila Day).  Having grew up in Manila, it was customary also for people at that time to douse passers-by with water.  As a child, I didn’t really know why, so I would just do what the old people do – get a dipper-full of water and douse anyone with it.  It was fun for after that “morning ritual”, everyone is wet but happy. 

As I grew up, I realized why this is being practiced.  June 24 is when the Church also celebrate the solemnity of St. John the Baptist’s nativity.  And the dousing of water is to “re-enact” how he, about two-thousand years ago, prepared the way of the Lord, baptizing the believers in the River Jordan.

Water surrounds us in the womb; water is the main ingredient of the human body, and especially in the blood which carries the stuff our cells need for life.  Water makes plant and animal life grow.  Yet, without God's powerful, creative Word, water can do nothing to your spirit. 

So, when you are baptized, the Spirit acts through that Word and the water to cleanse you and drown the “old you”, surround and cushion you as your faith gestates, and carry Christ's presence into you. 

Baptism is a promise with a sign; a covenant of grace given to us in a way that we can see, hear, feel, and grasp. It is the promise of God's forgiveness, applied personally. It is also the gift of the Spirit's presence. 

When you're baptized, you're putting your life down a different road, getting off of the road of surrender to evil's power, and onto the road of the faith journey of surrender to the Spirit.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born.  Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching.  Amen +

“I baptize in water… but He is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.”

ACKNOWLEDGED IN HEAVEN (06-19-13)

Matthew 10:31-32

“So do not be afraid… everyone who acknowledges Me before others I will acknowledge before My heavenly Father.”

I was surprised.  My father once visited me in my office because he was in the area at that time.  I went to the lobby and introduced him to the receptionist.  We then went up to my room and along the way, I introduced him to my co-workers.  He smiled and felt happy knowing that I work in a good company.  After he left, my colleagues would remark, “Mas pogi pala sa iyo ang father mo” (“Your father is more handsome than you.”).  And I immediately remarked, “at mas mabait sa akin yun” (“and he is nicer and more kind-hearted than me).  He was the greatest father on earth.

It is even greater to know that we also have the greatest father in Heaven.  All of creation is in God and is held together by Him.  As Scripture puts it, “In him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).  If this is true of all creation, how much truer for us, His children.  If the Father is aware and concerned for a tiny sparrow, all the more is He about us.  No one can harm us without His permission and His willing it.  He knows each hair on our head.  God’s divine providence cares for us.  We are His beloved children for whom He sent His Son to suffer and die for us. He will allow no physical harm to come to us unless it is for our greater spiritual good.

In return, we must acknowledge Him as our Lord, and our Father.  We must show this not just by praising Him or glorifying Him.  We must exemplify the value of Jesus’ teaching by our behavior and our actions:  the modesty with which we act, the charity with which we speak, the kindly acts of service we render to others, the moderation with which we eat and drink, the meekness with which we contain our anger, the self-mastery with which we control our sensual passions, the aversion we have for telling lies… We must also speak up for Jesus and His truth by actual words and actions.

Let others know Him because of you.  Teach others to know Him.  Acknowledge Him before others, so He may acknowledge you in Heaven.

Almighty Father, thank You for my life on this earth, however challenging or not.  We know that You will forever be with us, protecting us, so we should never be afraid.  We praise You and acknowledge Your great power.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

BEARING FRUITS (06-18-13)

Matthew 7:19

Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

I still remember the pine tree near our house that really belongs to our neighbor.  That pine tree is a home to sparrows.  In the morning, I would wake up to the singing and chirping of these small birds.  But one day, our neighbor has to extend their house.  They have to cut down the pine tree.  I even overheard them saying, “Let’s cut it down.  It doesn’t even bear fruits!”  Well, hello, it is a pine tree!  And since then, I no longer hear the chirping and I wonder where have those little birds has gone.

Bearing fruits is just one benefit we gain from a tree.  And there are more like providing shade during summer, home for birds, “playground” where we can climb and lie down on its mighty branches. 

Similarly, as Christians, it is important that in whatever time is given to us that we are fruitful and fragrant for the world in which we live in.  Hopefully, God isn’t chopping us down yet, for he loves the trees too much.  But nevertheless life is short: sometimes shorter than we think it will be.  And the need for fruit becomes urgent!

Am I bearing fruits now?  There are many types of fruit that could be examined:  giving, praying, righteousness, forgiveness, tithing, ministering, leading others to Christ, missionary support.  Each is different, but each is from the same Lord. 

Each of us is different with different gifts and fruits, but we are all of the same body, grafted on to the best rootsoil the world has ever known:  Jesus Christ himself.  Use what God has given you for His glory, to bear fruit, and to further His Kingdom.  Start bearing fruits, or be cut down!

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, You are a patient and merciful God.  Teach me to respond with great reverence to You so I may bear good fruits and be a blessing to others.  Teach me to use this time of grace in proclaiming Your words so others may bear fruit also, all for Your glory and praise.  Amen +

The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

GREAT CALM (06-17-13)

Mark 4:39b

The wind ceased and there was great calm.

I worry too much.  What if it rains tomorrow?  What if the bank failed to credit my salary?  What if I lost my job tomorrow?  What if… what if… what if… A famous psychologist asserts that "fear is the most disintegrating enemy of human personality," and a prominent physician declares that "worry is the most subtle and destructive of all human diseases."  We simply worry too much to a point that not worrying becomes abnormal for us. 

All of us would like to be free from worries, but it seems impossible.  And yet, all we need to do is to put ourselves in God’s hands.  Jesus exclaims - Have no anxiety at all.  Do not let your hearts be troubled.  And St. Paul tells us the way:

“Brothers and sisters: Have no anxieties at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Dale Carnegie, in his book, “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”, mentioned that there is only one perfect way to conquer worry:  PRAYER!  And he enumerated the following as ways to keep your spirit high and worry-free:

1.    Rest before you get tired.

2.    Learn to relax at your work.

3.    Learn to relax at home.

4.    To prevent worry and fatigue, put enthusiasm into your work.

Let God commands the winds to cease, and feel the calmness of it all.

Almighty Father, teach us to stop worrying and keep in our hearts that you will always be there for us.  That we are far more important to You than the birds in the sky and grass in the fields.  Teach us to keep our faith alive and believe in You always, constantly thanking You, praising You and loving You.  For we know that You already know what we need, now and forever.

Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting.

THE OTHER CHEEK (06-16-13)

Matthew 5:39

But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on (your) right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.

There is a similar Filipino saying, “Kapag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay” (“If someone stoned you, throw a bread at him, instead”).  Most of us are familiar with the "turn the other cheek" statement.  But does any of us truly understand what this means? 

For me, it means do not use violence to resist evil.  Do not continue the downward spiral of violence.  Jesus wants us to break the downward cycle of violence by refusing to cooperate with violence, refusing to retaliate with further violence.

But does that mean sit back, be passive, and suffer violence?  No! The world tells us there are only two options in the face of violence: fight back with violence or run away and do nothing. 

But Jesus offers a third alternative:  active nonviolence resistance.  Jesus doesn’t advocate passive resignation or indifference to evil.  He teaches and practices active, steadfast resistance to every form of violence and injustice.  He just does not use the same means as the oppressor.

There are several events throughout the Bible that establish the principle of self-defense.  However, seeking personal revenge is prohibited.  Jesus stated that not only murderers were in danger of judgment but those who are angry enough to murder are also in danger of judgment.  While we may avoid or resist evil when it is necessary for our own security, we cannot render evil for evil nor avenge ourselves. 

We must get beyond this and forgive the offenders while seeking their salvation.  That’s when we become like Jesus, nonviolent resisters to the culture of violence and war.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, we pray for your peace and your mercy in the midst of the great suffering that people are now inflicting on each other.  Amen +

Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

A HEART IN PRAYER (06-15-13)

Matthew 6:7

“In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words.”

First, it was just a babble.  But after a while, your baby would utter the first word – “Mama”.  A feeling of joy crept in you and started to cry.  Then, your baby would repeat it many times again, “Mama, mama, mama”.  Would you feel annoyed?  Of course, not!  It was music to your ears!

Years later, he would grow up to be a very fine, young man – full of faithfulness and fear of the Lord.  And every day, he would say to you, “Mama, I love you”.  And he would repeat it many times.  Would you feel annoyed?  Of course, not!  No matter if he would repeat it many times, it would still be music to your ears.

This is the same with praying.  Matthew 6:7 does not really mean that we should not pray repeatedly, as some would tell you.  This verse only mean that it does not matter how many times you repeat something or how complex the words, it would not mean anything if it is not coming from the heart.  Like the pagans before that only “babble” – that is, to utter a meaningless, confusing litany of words or sounds.

A person with a heart after God can pray and be effective in fewer words and a simpler language in communing with the Lord.  Pray from the heart and seek the things of Him.  Learn how to talk to Him.  Don’t be afraid if you repeat your words or you forget some words.  He understands that because he is not listening to your every words.  He is listening to what your heart is saying.

Then, be still and listen for His small voice in your spirit as you pray.  Allow Him to speak to you, don't shut Him out.  Because similarly, He doesn't speak to your head, He speaks to your heart.  So listen to His voice in your heart and rebuke any you hear in your head.

Almighty Father, we love You.  We know that this is all You want. Everything else falls into place after that.  Walk with us in our lives.  In the end, we would not ask of anything from You anymore because You are already within us.

Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth.

TRUE WEALTH (06-14-13)

Matthew 6:20

But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. 

I noticed my wife checking on some safety boxes.  I asked her if she intends to buy one.  She replied that she is thinking of buying one so she may safekeep her jewelries and some money.  But she noticed that the big-sized boxes are expensive so I just told her to buy the smaller one.  Then she remarked, “Well, if I buy the small one, the thief would just carry it with him rather than opening it.”  Hahaha… she’s right and we both burst into laughter.  And she ended up not buying anything at all.

Our Lord used three graphic figures to emphasize the temporary nature of material things.  He spoke first of the moth, which destroys.  Then he spoke of rust, which cause decay.  Then he referred to the thief, who steals.  What men give their lives to may be destroyed or decayed and ultimately will depart forever. 

Our Lord did not condemn wealth, but He warned against loving wealth.  Our Lord was not concerned with what a man has, but with a man’s attitude toward what he has.  The Scriptures does not condemn the accumulation of wealth but, when God gives a man wealth, He holds him responsible as a steward.

We overcome our attachment to self-centeredness by storing up for ourselves treasures in Heaven through expressions of love, kindness, compassion, experiencing the presence of God, seeing the face of Christ in others, and doing good to others in as many ways as we possibly can without asking for anything in return. 

Only the Spirit of God – “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth.”  Earthly treasure is not true wealth; true wealth is godliness. 

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, teach us to experience treasures in heaven and thus escape yearning for earthly things.  Teach us to live in the sunshine of Your love, forever seeking Heaven which begins right here in our hearts.  Amen +

From all their distress God rescues the just.

GENUINE LOVE (06-13-13)

Matthew 5:44, 46

But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you… for if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?

This commandment from Jesus had me thinking.  For almost everyday, we would encounter people who would make our lives miserable – a neighbor who would spread gossips about us, drivers cutting us off in the street, unresponsive co-workers or even bosses, service (supposed-to-be) people who would make us wait and wait and wait… can we really love these people?  Our human instinct would say “we cannot”.  The unfortunate thing about feeling this way is that it really hurts us emotionally, and sometimes physically, so that we can’t think clearly.  God did not create these people to be evil; they became that way on their own or through the influence of the people and situations around them; and this grieves God, as it would any loving parent.  And Jesus showed how it can be done.

We need to grieve for them, along with God.  So our prayers should also contain a prayer for them... not a prayer to bless them, but a prayer to soften their hearts to feel the pain and suffering that they are causing, so that they would turn from their evil ways and be saved from the wrath to come.

The prescription to love your enemy and to denounce evil with good is sometimes thought of as an impractical and perfectionist ethic, able to be practiced only by a few exceptional souls.  When we hold on to this perfect love, we find that we turn over our anger to the Lord in prayer, and we are able to think clearly.  And when we think clearly, we are able to find ways to peacefully take a stand against these forces of evil.

We need to continue to be the loving, compassionate, and peacemaking children of God we have been called to be.  We may have hated someone in our life, but always remember to hate the actions done and not the person.  We must continue to show love to that person so that same love may change him and change us.  Loving others is taking out the enemy within.

Almighty Father, anger destroys the peace of our own soul, but being a loving and compassionate peacemaker brings peace to our soul.  Teach us to love those who brings injustice to our lives.  Teach us to love our enemies.  Teach us to trust in You, knowing that this is how we have been called to be.

Where true love prevails, there no enemies are found.

HIS GREATEST WORK (06-12-13)

John 10:37-38

“If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”

You dropped by an art gallery and a painting caught your attention.  You haven’t seen anything as beautiful as this one, you thought.  The lines, the colors, the contours, the shapes, the shades.  Put them all together, and what you see, from every aspect, is perfection.

You even asked the curator if the painter is a very talented man.  He mentioned that the painter is a 12 year old boy.

Suddenly, disbelief comes into you.  How could a boy paint such beautiful work of art.  You did not only lost interest on the painter, you also lost interest on the painting.  Just because it was painted by an “amateur”, it is not anymore beautiful as you thought it was.

Is this how you also feel so you have some apprehension about believing in Jesus?  In His time on earth, Jesus has only done good things.  Preaching the words of God, healing the sick, feeding thousands, casting out evil spirits, raising up dead, all in the glory of God.  But the leaders of the Jews saw otherwise.  They saw Jesus as a threat to their perceived leadership.  They failed to see the wonderful things that Jesus has done because they see Jesus as just an ordinary mortal – an ordinary Jewish man, who is not worthy of being with them, let alone being the Son of God.  For them he is a liar, worthy to be put to death for blasphemy.

See and believe in the works of God.  Let your mind and heart respond with a life filled with thankfulness, service, and worship.  God has opened your eyes to the truth of creation so lift up your voice in praise and adoration to the Most High.  Jesus is His greatest work, believe in Him and His works.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, I know that whatever You do, it endures forever; You have made it so, in order that men should fear, love and glorify You, and You alone, now and forever.  Amen +

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.

ETERNALLY WITH GOD (06-11-13)

John 8:51

“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.”

Tell me, is that what you really believe, that physical death is the end of it all?  That after you die, your existence in this world and beyond has also ended?

Hhmmm… is this also the reason why you now live your life like there is no tomorrow?  Drinking, smoking, womanizing, sleeping late or not sleeping at all, unhealthy foods… all to satisfy the cravings of your body.

Well, you may say it is your body and you can do whatever you want with it.  Don’t worry, I fully agree with you that it is your body.  But, I just cannot allow you to just “do whatever you want with it”.

For your body and your life comes from God, and He wants you to live your life fully here on earth so you can be with Him in heaven.  For death is not the end of it all.  For the next thing you will experience once you finally close your eyes here on earth, it is eternity – life forever and ever.

And so, it really boils down to two choices –

Do you want to spend the rest of your eternal life in heaven, full of joy, with God in heaven, or

Spend eternity in hell, where there will be wailing, weeping and gnashing of teeth as you are subjected to fire and heat forever and ever.

Well, you can go on living like before, if you still believe that there is no eternal life, or that there is no hell.  Just one point to ponder though:

What if there is hell?  I just hope that you do not believe in it when you are already in it…

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, grant us Your powerful protection and to keep us safe and sound.  May Your Spirit grant us a loving and merciful heart as we live in You through Jesus Christ Our Lord.  Amen +

Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly.

TRUTH OF THE MATTER (06-10-13)

John 8:31-32

“If you remain in My word, you will truly be My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

We always want to know the truth.  When our kids went home late, we want to understand why, we 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 government today, everyone says that he is not lying, 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.  And most of the time, the things that we believe are “truth” are really lies for it is not rooted on doing what God commands us to do.

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.

Jesus is the way, the TRUTH and the life.  Find 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.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, lead me in Your Truth and teach me.  I seek Your Truth and trust You and Your Divine Plan because I know that I originally came from You.  Protect me Father and help me to always speak the Truth and to purposefully move away from omissions, lies and anything that is not a deliberate reflection of Your Truth.  Amen +

Glory and praise for ever!