In genesis 41:52 Joseph named his son as Ephraim which means God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.
This teaches me one impt lesson: that our land of milk and honey may be, at first step, our land of suffering also. That we may have to undergo first some trials and challenges before we harvest our fruits.
Just like what Joseph had underwent in Egypt. He suffered a lot first. He got sold (by his own brothers!), accused of seduction/rape (by Potiphar's wife) and imprisoned for 13 years. Egypt was truly a land of suffering for him.
BUT, BUT, BUT with unwavering faith, no bitterness and with God's hand, everything got turned upside down.
Pharaoh gave him his signet ring (how cool is that, its like the LA lakers giving you their champion ring or manny paquiao giving you his boxing belt). He was dressed with linen robes (hey thats like wearing Armani or a wedding gown by Lhuiller). He was given his own chariot (thats the jaguar in the old times) and men shouted "make may!" every time he passes by. Those are A-1 perks of life! Pogi na nga si joseph eh di lalo na after all these!
Truly, when some rains fall in our land.. we should not focus on the damage it will do. The best attitude is to wait eagerly for the thousands of flowers that will bloom afterwards.
Ay naku, i love philrice from now on! Pakner, love mo na rin clsu? hehehe
I.T.
Psalm 119 v9: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."
v11: "I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches."
I pride myself in my collection of books. I remember thinking that if I devote this much time reading and finishing novels, I must devote far more time in reading God's words. If I take my time learning and following the handbooks and manuals, I must be more vigilant and on guard in following God's laws.
No other love surpasses the love that God has for us and His love is manifested in His laws which purposes are for us to be better children of His kingdom. It's for our own good.
Are we becoming better citizens day by day?
J.B.
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with Ptr. Jon Almusara (3rd from left, front row)
Two ladies from Lakas-Angkan,N. Ecija share their insights on each quiet time that they have ever since they heard about "ampalaya".
DO SOMETHING
"Faith that does nothing is dead!" (James 2:26)
Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right. God is always near and always available. Just waiting for your touch. So let him know. Demonstrate your devotion:
Write a letter.
Ask forgiveness.
Be baptized.
Feed a hungry person.
Pray.
Teach.
Go.
Do something that demonstrates faith. For faith with no effort is no faith at all. God will respond. He has never rejected a genuine gesture of faith. Never.
---He Still Moves Stones
Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right. God is always near and always available. Just waiting for your touch. So let him know. Demonstrate your devotion:
Write a letter.
Ask forgiveness.
Be baptized.
Feed a hungry person.
Pray.
Teach.
Go.
Do something that demonstrates faith. For faith with no effort is no faith at all. God will respond. He has never rejected a genuine gesture of faith. Never.
---He Still Moves Stones
SOLE PROVIDER, SOLE COMFORTER (from The Applause of Heaven)
As long as Jesus is one of my options, he is not an option.
As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don't need a burden bearer. As long as your situation brings you no grief, you will receive no comfort. And as long as you can take Him or leave Hin, you might as well leave Him, because He won't be taken half-heartedly.
But when you mourn, when you get to the point of sorrow for your sins, when you admit that you have no other option but to cast all your cares on Him, and when there is truly no other name that you can call, then cast all your cares on Him, for He is waiting in the midst of the storm.
As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don't need a burden bearer. As long as your situation brings you no grief, you will receive no comfort. And as long as you can take Him or leave Hin, you might as well leave Him, because He won't be taken half-heartedly.
But when you mourn, when you get to the point of sorrow for your sins, when you admit that you have no other option but to cast all your cares on Him, and when there is truly no other name that you can call, then cast all your cares on Him, for He is waiting in the midst of the storm.
Single Professional Fellowship
with Ptr. Jon Almusara (3rd from left, front row)
visit the LAKAS-ANGKAN website!!
Amena Brown: Ressurection
What's AMPALAYA?
Ampalaya or bitter gourd is a vegetable which has a bitter taste but very high in nutrients and said to be good cure for anemics. For Christians, it is devotion, the essence of your faith - that which Christians almost never like. It is the reading and meditating on God's word. Our faith may be focused on good deeds and making the world a better place, but it is nothing without ampalaya.
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