When hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, I was glued to the TV, wondering about my favorite state (I've never been there but I love it because it's the Jazz capital and I love Jazz). I looked at the pictures, heard the victims' stories, got mad when there was an issue with relief operations. I knew the statistics.
Last weekend, when typhoon Ondoy was raging, I was busily doing something else. We have the power up in this part of the province and it was just like an ordinary rainy day. I wasn't even watching the news. I wasn't aware that the city, about four hours drive from here was being savagely hit by the typhoon and that there were, and still are, a lot of people who are affected. It was the first time that the city had ever experienced that kind of flooding. Compared the Katrina, Ondoy turned out to be worse - a month's worth of rainfall in just six hours.
Was I being apathetic? When I finally saw the news last night, I realized how heartbreaking it had been for many Filipinos. Considering that there are more people living in poverty in Metro Manila compared to Louisiana, it must take a considerable time for them to get back on track.
What could someone like me do? If I don't personally know a victim of the typhoon, how can I encourage? Would a few pesos deposited to a bank account that helps the victims even make a difference?
"Thank you, dear God, for protecting us. May you look upon the victims of the typhoon with favor and grant them the comfort and peace that could only come from You."
J.B.
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I am a man of prayer (psalms 109:4)
Wouldn't it be great if i am known to be a woman of prayer? Somebody who is famous and looked upon because of that? Someone whose looks, degree, work are secondary because he/she is more known to be a person of prayer?
I wonder what romyne, my cell leader, would have said if that is the dream i wrote in the form she gave me? I am sure she will be surprised but happy.
I do pray that i will learn to kneel more and grow from there. Learn to close my eyes more and trust that God will lead my ways. Learn to pray first before anything else... before questioning...before grumbling...before getting hurt. Learn to listen as God talks to me.
I.T.
25 September
Ephesians 4:32
32Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
C. Swindoll posted two questions on his article entitled "Expecting Perfection and Accepting Humanity" :
1. How can something as marvelous as forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation be free?
2. How can that person claim to be a Christian and act like that?
Very interesting. There are things that we own and value on this earth that don't come in cheap (a pimped ride, elegant house); hence, we are likely to think that something as precious as heaven involves a big price to pay. And we are also likely to think that that payment is something that we have to shell out, out of our own "righteous" ways - but we're wrong. When Jesus died on the cross, there is already a redemption. Romans 10:9 states the availability of salvation, and there are only a couple of verbs - confess and believe - which tells us of the only action and state of being. . .our only righteous ways.
Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
It says "believe in your heart" which is not the same as merely having an idea about the atonement of Jesus. When we believe in something so profound, it entails commitment like when we believe that our parents or friends or spouse loves us, we commit ourselves into not taking them for granted, commit ourselves into being the best person for them, commit ourselves into not hurting their feelings. Do we have that same commitment to God?
When we commit ourselves to God, we focus solely on Him. There are times, however, when we become disheartened by people around us who couldn't care less, whom we think exist only to contribute to the heartaches and distress. And yes, even our brothers and sisters in church can cause such distress! When we see other Christians behaving in a disagreeable way, we lose heart. We tend to judge the church even. But when we commit ourselves to the Lord and allow Him to live in us, He then allows us to partake in His wonderful promises, one of which is found in John 16:33
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
The Lord says, "I have overcome the world." Just Him. Nothing else.
Branching out:
Take a look at the books on your shelves. Can you possibly count the number of pages of all the books that you've read? Get a bible and find out how many pages it has. Does it even come close to the number of pages of the other books that you've finished reading?
32Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
C. Swindoll posted two questions on his article entitled "Expecting Perfection and Accepting Humanity" :
1. How can something as marvelous as forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation be free?
2. How can that person claim to be a Christian and act like that?
Very interesting. There are things that we own and value on this earth that don't come in cheap (a pimped ride, elegant house); hence, we are likely to think that something as precious as heaven involves a big price to pay. And we are also likely to think that that payment is something that we have to shell out, out of our own "righteous" ways - but we're wrong. When Jesus died on the cross, there is already a redemption. Romans 10:9 states the availability of salvation, and there are only a couple of verbs - confess and believe - which tells us of the only action and state of being. . .our only righteous ways.
Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
It says "believe in your heart" which is not the same as merely having an idea about the atonement of Jesus. When we believe in something so profound, it entails commitment like when we believe that our parents or friends or spouse loves us, we commit ourselves into not taking them for granted, commit ourselves into being the best person for them, commit ourselves into not hurting their feelings. Do we have that same commitment to God?
When we commit ourselves to God, we focus solely on Him. There are times, however, when we become disheartened by people around us who couldn't care less, whom we think exist only to contribute to the heartaches and distress. And yes, even our brothers and sisters in church can cause such distress! When we see other Christians behaving in a disagreeable way, we lose heart. We tend to judge the church even. But when we commit ourselves to the Lord and allow Him to live in us, He then allows us to partake in His wonderful promises, one of which is found in John 16:33
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
The Lord says, "I have overcome the world." Just Him. Nothing else.
Branching out:
Take a look at the books on your shelves. Can you possibly count the number of pages of all the books that you've read? Get a bible and find out how many pages it has. Does it even come close to the number of pages of the other books that you've finished reading?
18 September
On our prayer meeting last Wed, the speaker emphasized how we should yearn for Christ's word like how we yearn for our favorite food. . . naisip ko, oo nga ano! Jesus says that He is the bread of life. Ang ganda nung parallelism kasi bread = food and Jesus is not just ordinary food because He is the food that nourishes and gives us eternal life. kaya na-check ako dun. Gaano ba ako kaexcited na "kumain" o mag-partake sa bread of life?
Ang ganda nung storya ni Abraham sa Romans 4 kasi kahit na si Abraham ay simpleng tao lang, he became the father of many nations. Ang laki nung pinromise ni God sa kanya and it's not because Abraham had done extraordinary acts but it's only because he trusted God.
Sabi nga dun sa isang translation ng Romans 4: "If those who get what God gives them only get it by doing everything they are told to do. . .that eliminates personal trust completely and turns the promise into an ironclad contract!"
Meron tayo tendency to rely so much on how obedient, how good, how pure we have been and then somehow expect God to recognize that and in return, we expect Him to make our lives pleasant. The thing is, first of all, there must be Jesus. He must live in us first. And Him living in us is what makes us obedient, pure, holy. Mahirap magpakabuti ng tayo lang. Sabi sa Matt 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. E yung mga Pharisees di ba mga pari na noon yung mga yun?
"Seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well."
Yung "Things" which will be added to us are God's promises. And because God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow - He is consistent - He can make the same great promise to us like what He did to Abraham! Isn't that great?
J.B.
Ang ganda nung storya ni Abraham sa Romans 4 kasi kahit na si Abraham ay simpleng tao lang, he became the father of many nations. Ang laki nung pinromise ni God sa kanya and it's not because Abraham had done extraordinary acts but it's only because he trusted God.
Sabi nga dun sa isang translation ng Romans 4: "If those who get what God gives them only get it by doing everything they are told to do. . .that eliminates personal trust completely and turns the promise into an ironclad contract!"
Meron tayo tendency to rely so much on how obedient, how good, how pure we have been and then somehow expect God to recognize that and in return, we expect Him to make our lives pleasant. The thing is, first of all, there must be Jesus. He must live in us first. And Him living in us is what makes us obedient, pure, holy. Mahirap magpakabuti ng tayo lang. Sabi sa Matt 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. E yung mga Pharisees di ba mga pari na noon yung mga yun?
"Seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you as well."
Yung "Things" which will be added to us are God's promises. And because God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow - He is consistent - He can make the same great promise to us like what He did to Abraham! Isn't that great?
J.B.
17 September
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8
Am I too concerned with my own idea of what I'm going to be in the future?
According to O. Chambers, what makes a strong saint is when we surrender ourselves to Jesus and place no conditions on the brokenness that will come.
This was also the point in Ptr. Lapiz's speech last night and I was reminded of how I never get out of my comfort zone, how I worry when things get inconvenient, how complacent, how immobile I can be.
When we follow Jesus, it is written, that we take our cross. If I'm afraid of a little inconvenience, what goo am I?
J.B.
Am I too concerned with my own idea of what I'm going to be in the future?
According to O. Chambers, what makes a strong saint is when we surrender ourselves to Jesus and place no conditions on the brokenness that will come.
This was also the point in Ptr. Lapiz's speech last night and I was reminded of how I never get out of my comfort zone, how I worry when things get inconvenient, how complacent, how immobile I can be.
When we follow Jesus, it is written, that we take our cross. If I'm afraid of a little inconvenience, what goo am I?
J.B.
12 September
Ps 50:13-15: "Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
Thank you, Lord, for your graciousness and mercy that you express your great love for us, telling us that we can be secure in You. You also show how just you are, Lord, and warn us against forgetting you, which I must've done a million times. Forgive me, Lord, and teach me how to sacrifice thank offerings to you.
In Ps 50:17-20, the Lord mentioned ways where man can forget Him: when we take no heed to His laws, associate with thieves and adulterers, and here's my favorite-when we speak continually against our brother/sister.
Ptr. Ed Lapiz preached about a man's tendency to talk against others, especially brothers/sisters in church who have fallen or sinned. It can be really tempting to talk about that person behind his/her back. I may even think that I'm just sharing the story to a very close friend of mine but I am in danger of slandering that person.
It was emphasized in the speech that we must guard ourselves and not talk against our bro/sis no matter how tempting it may be and may seem oh, so innocent. The first thing that we must do when we receive that sort of info is to pray for our brethren. And if we're the receiver of the information, stop your source from being in danger and instead intercede. There must be alot of other things to talk about.
J.B.
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Song of Songs 8:5 Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her lover?
Am i leaner or am i leaned on?
I believe i am more leaned on when it comes to my family... and sometimes in my work environment. My two older sisters lean on me when they need to pour out something. They make me a sound board with their life :-) My parents lean on me financially and whenever they need to talk to somebody seriously. Kevin leans on me when he makes lambing. In work, my staff leans on me to direct the division. Truly, I sometimes groan!
However, in my christian life, I see myself as a leaner. I need God to support me! I lean on Him (full weight) when I am confronted with family decisions that tears me apart. When I am on my wit's end on how to handle family issues. I leaned on Him fully when Kevin got kicked out from school, caught doing something bad, when he got somebody pregnant. I lean on Him when i am so full of work, when deadlines are unending, when crucial decisions have to be made and i am at a lost on what to do. I lean on Him so that the burden is shared or becomes manageable.
Come to think of it... maybe those are the exact reasons why my family and division lean on me. God, i should try to be more patient with them. And God, i should be more obedient to you because i am not the only one leaning on you. I only have my family and work... You have the whole world.
I.T.
Thank you, Lord, for your graciousness and mercy that you express your great love for us, telling us that we can be secure in You. You also show how just you are, Lord, and warn us against forgetting you, which I must've done a million times. Forgive me, Lord, and teach me how to sacrifice thank offerings to you.
In Ps 50:17-20, the Lord mentioned ways where man can forget Him: when we take no heed to His laws, associate with thieves and adulterers, and here's my favorite-when we speak continually against our brother/sister.
Ptr. Ed Lapiz preached about a man's tendency to talk against others, especially brothers/sisters in church who have fallen or sinned. It can be really tempting to talk about that person behind his/her back. I may even think that I'm just sharing the story to a very close friend of mine but I am in danger of slandering that person.
It was emphasized in the speech that we must guard ourselves and not talk against our bro/sis no matter how tempting it may be and may seem oh, so innocent. The first thing that we must do when we receive that sort of info is to pray for our brethren. And if we're the receiver of the information, stop your source from being in danger and instead intercede. There must be alot of other things to talk about.
J.B.
----
Song of Songs 8:5 Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her lover?
Am i leaner or am i leaned on?
I believe i am more leaned on when it comes to my family... and sometimes in my work environment. My two older sisters lean on me when they need to pour out something. They make me a sound board with their life :-) My parents lean on me financially and whenever they need to talk to somebody seriously. Kevin leans on me when he makes lambing. In work, my staff leans on me to direct the division. Truly, I sometimes groan!
However, in my christian life, I see myself as a leaner. I need God to support me! I lean on Him (full weight) when I am confronted with family decisions that tears me apart. When I am on my wit's end on how to handle family issues. I leaned on Him fully when Kevin got kicked out from school, caught doing something bad, when he got somebody pregnant. I lean on Him when i am so full of work, when deadlines are unending, when crucial decisions have to be made and i am at a lost on what to do. I lean on Him so that the burden is shared or becomes manageable.
Come to think of it... maybe those are the exact reasons why my family and division lean on me. God, i should try to be more patient with them. And God, i should be more obedient to you because i am not the only one leaning on you. I only have my family and work... You have the whole world.
I.T.
10 September
I was reminded of God as our Father last night. The speaker told an account of how his nephew would go straight to his office after school, climb up his lap, on to his table and just sit and stare at his face until he would take the time off work and spend time with his nephew, telling a story or going for a walk, until the little kid is satisfied. What more would our Father in heaven do for us? For surely He'd be glad to take the time off and spend it with us; if in our hearts we truly would want to spend time with Him, be with Him, abide in Him.
Abiding in God is waiting on Him. The speaker emphasized mastering the art of being still and meditating on the word.
Now why don't I ask Jesus for a date? That sounds like a lot of fun! We'll talk of our childhood accounts over breakfast, listen to Christmas songs, maybe learn a few worship tunes on the piano!
J.B. (listening to "Oh Holy Night")
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Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.
Isn't this a great promise for us? Truly the Lord is gracious.
He will not leave us hanging. He will not get fed up on our unfaithfulness. He will not forsake us when we fall for the wrong person. He will not allow us to be broken forever.
Like a clay potter creating a vase, where every detail and design is masterfully, patiently and lovingly done....it is the same with our God.
He will fullfill His purpose for me.
I.T.
Abiding in God is waiting on Him. The speaker emphasized mastering the art of being still and meditating on the word.
Now why don't I ask Jesus for a date? That sounds like a lot of fun! We'll talk of our childhood accounts over breakfast, listen to Christmas songs, maybe learn a few worship tunes on the piano!
J.B. (listening to "Oh Holy Night")
=====
Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.
Isn't this a great promise for us? Truly the Lord is gracious.
He will not leave us hanging. He will not get fed up on our unfaithfulness. He will not forsake us when we fall for the wrong person. He will not allow us to be broken forever.
Like a clay potter creating a vase, where every detail and design is masterfully, patiently and lovingly done....it is the same with our God.
He will fullfill His purpose for me.
I.T.
4 September
"Common sense and faith are as different from each other . . . as impulsiveness is from inspiration."
It would be impossible to have faith if I don't know Jesus and if I don't have the right relationship with Him.
Faith is trusting what Jesus says even if "it appears to be irrational." How can I listen to what He says if I don't know him?
Faith must be rooted and grounded. How a tree grow its roots in silence, not instantaneously but ever so slowly, so our faith must grow and expand to hold us together, allowing us to branch out in the outside.
J.B.
It would be impossible to have faith if I don't know Jesus and if I don't have the right relationship with Him.
Faith is trusting what Jesus says even if "it appears to be irrational." How can I listen to what He says if I don't know him?
Faith must be rooted and grounded. How a tree grow its roots in silence, not instantaneously but ever so slowly, so our faith must grow and expand to hold us together, allowing us to branch out in the outside.
J.B.
3 September
Tonight, Ptr. Ed Lapiz talked about our Body, which is God's temple. Since we were paid for a price, not out of Jesus' sympathy for us but because of His holiness, giving Him the right to own us, allowing His perfect will, which always wants the best for us to work in our lives, our best option is to let go of our own will.
I've been telling myself that and I realize that I have been falling short. It is indeed hard to let go of desires - to have someone to love us (a husband perhaps), to do whatever we want (since this is my own body!) - but it is harder to live a life where I claim I am a Christian and yet hold back and disobey because I already know and I am definite of where I want to be and that is with Christ and if i continue living a life of a lie, then I am making a fool out of myself. Everything I do will be meaningless since it is not going to that place where I want to be.
Focusing on God and God only - not on His blessings. He may bless me with the best husband in the world. I bet He would want His children to be with someone whom they could share His love with. It's such a blessing. Am I ready to divert my attention on such kind of blessing and just focus on God? What does it mean to really focus on Him?
J.B.
I've been telling myself that and I realize that I have been falling short. It is indeed hard to let go of desires - to have someone to love us (a husband perhaps), to do whatever we want (since this is my own body!) - but it is harder to live a life where I claim I am a Christian and yet hold back and disobey because I already know and I am definite of where I want to be and that is with Christ and if i continue living a life of a lie, then I am making a fool out of myself. Everything I do will be meaningless since it is not going to that place where I want to be.
Focusing on God and God only - not on His blessings. He may bless me with the best husband in the world. I bet He would want His children to be with someone whom they could share His love with. It's such a blessing. Am I ready to divert my attention on such kind of blessing and just focus on God? What does it mean to really focus on Him?
J.B.
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