life momento

A Prayerful Day for all of us

2012-01-24T01:57:00.000-08:00

In the New Testament Paul admonished Christians to “ pray without ceasing” (2Thesallonian 5:17), meaning unstoppable or we could aptly say that everyday is a prayerful day for all of us. Prayer is simply connecting your mind to God. It’s like running an internet where connection remains on plugged. While we remain connected with God, His power flows within us. Prayer is like speaking our mind with our most trusted friend. First and foremost, prayer is talking to our Father in Heaven and getting to know Him. It is the process by which we intensify our relationship with Him. Conversing with Him about the most important things in our life; our family, relationship, business, our plans whether big and small.

Tell God all that is in our heart, as somebody unloading his heart to a friend. Tell him our joy, that He may temper them; tell Him our troubles, that He may comfort us; tell Him our temptations, that He may shield us from them. tell Him our weaknesses, that He may strengthen us; tell Him our sinful ways that’s bringing us to a pit and He will cleanse and purify us.

We should be straight to God tell Him both good and bad, adopting the attitude of openness and spontaneity. It means we should be willing to commit everything to God and set aside our own agenda. More than we know God is very much interested in our life. He wants the best for us. Ironically we scoff at what God’s intended best for us. We usually want what we don’t need and need what we don’t want. As what Jesus said, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8). But how do we know what God wants for us? It is a matter of adopting a right attitude when we pray. Jesus pointed out “ Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receive; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” Matthew 7:7-8). When we ask it shows that we have a need. In order to achieve a positive result, we should be specific and test our need if it is accordance with God’s will. We may ask ourselves these questions:

1). Is my request in line with God’s Word. (Bible).? Don’t ask God to let you win the Lotto or borrow money from usury. Somebody said, if God had answered my prayer I would had married a wrong man.

2). Will it draw me closer to God? Find out if the work you’re applying shows sign of irregularities.

3). Is it fair and helpful to everyone concern? Will it be beneficial to the majority?

4). Will it blend with my talents? Will I enjoy the work I’m applying? Will it runs with my interest?

After having examine yourself honestly, then commit everything to God and let Him works in you freely. Print the picture of your request in your mind as happening. Hold the picture firmly in your consciousness. Work hard to attain the realization of your request. Acts on it as in the process of seeking while being attentive to God’s guidance , Be persistent. As what God requires us to do, ”knocks and the door will be opened.” God honored our persistence and greatly blessed our obedience. Maintain this positive attitude; ask, seek and knock.

Finally, when we learned to pray with all our heart, we could able to obey what Paul says “pray continually” and these will start to deepen our relationship with God. .

Christians in Restricted Country

2010-05-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

I'm back in the country after my temporary stayed with my daughter's family, taking care of her first child, a healthy baby girl. My Christian experiences in Saudi has strengthen my faith in Christ a lot. The OFW's (Oversees Filipino Workers) has showed so much tenacity and faithfulness despite so many restrictions living in exactly a different set of people and culture. Christianity has been more defined in the life of the believers during their struggles living in a strange land away from their families and friends. Those were the days when you need comforts and encouragement somehow Christians have Christ in them to hold on to. And having the spirit of Christ alone could able a believer to overcome longings from their loved one.

I've seen how the Christians in restricted country could bind together and prayed for miracle in their lives. The spirit is alive and there were so much enjoyment to celebrate about. The worship and prayer meeting were mostly a spirit- filled event. Blessings are kept pouring in and every believer has their own spirit-filled life to share.

2010-05-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

Overcoming Temptation-The Christian Way

2009-07-09T12:30:00.000-07:00

Temptation is a desire or craving to do something which you think is wrong. Temptation in a loose sense may indicate a lack of self control. Every human being living on earth is vulnerable to temptation. Satan is the schemer of temptation. He is always on man’s path scheming ways he can trick and ruin him. Since the time of creation he is in paradise with Adam and Eve. Even Jesus Christ when he was in the flesh was not exempted from being tempted but he did not succumb to temptation. Christians should learn from our Lord how to resist temptation. Although temptation is common to all man God will not allow his people to be tempted beyond what he can bear and he will provide a way to escape. That is if we surrender ourselves to Him and resist the devil, the devil will flee from us. In some instances it is our own decision to succumb to temptation, more especially in a time when we are caught in a crossroad and are given the option to accept or resist a tempting offer. Temptation measures the strength of our faith to hold to our conviction to do the right thing. The decision of Joseph, the son of Jacob to resist the invitation of his master’s wife to lie in bed with her ( Genesis 39:1-23), is one good example of a man with a strong conviction that could able to resist temptation. Overcoming temptation requires the strength of our mind, the power of our will and the resistance of our body to run away from the point of temptation.

Temptation start with our curiosity; the curiosity to try something that are illegal or prohibited or something branded as bad or malicious. A thrill seeker person would always want to antagonize. The same with a men’s pleaser, he is easily enticed and be pressured by his peer group. He lacks the will to resist because he has no faith in God nor confidence in himself. Once we feed our curiosity and develop the satisfaction to do it once again, we develop our indulgence to stay with it. The next thing is, we found ourselves being hooked into it, then the habitual indulgence become a vicious cycle. Until such a time when a tiny smoke develop into a big fire and we are to pay for the consequences.

Temptation is a normal thing happens in our life if we succumb to it, we could always ask for forgiveness to God and bounce back never to do it again. Then our merciful God will find a way for us to escape if there would have another attempt by Satan to tempt us.

By being born again, God has renewed our spirit to follow our Savior’s example when He was on earth. But it doesn’t mean that we would never fall to temptation just like our Lord Jesus. We are still on our flesh, the Bible says, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is wiling but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41). We need to be attuned with the words of God in able to strengthen our conviction to please God and resist temptation. When we know God’s words and live by it, we will develop a strong vigilance to identify the alluring temptation and before it clouts us we could readily pray for them to get away from our path.

My Travel Experience

2009-05-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

It was month of April when the travel agency has called me up to confirm my passport ready. I was sponsored by my son-in-law to visit their first baby. My daughter has just given birth to a healthy baby girl in Saudi Arabia where the couple has been working for the past two years. It's their first baby after three years of marriage. Though their were excited to have a baby they would be saddled with the burden of caring for her and this saddened my daughter because this would mean she might stop working. It's the reason also why I was asked to speed-up the processing of my passport. I'm doubly excited to tackle the task of being a nanny to my grandchild and to travel abroad for the first time. I arrived here in Saudi last May anxious to find out how the procedure is going and how I should adapt to their culture. My lady co-passengers mostly Filipinos are already putting on their abayas when the plane has touchdown and we were advised to be alighting from the plane sooner. My daughter has called me up on my mobile phone, they were already on the arrival area to fetch me. I was still on the ground waiting for my baggage to pass the x-ray machine. After I got hold of my baggage I was finally relieved. I know I have nothing to worry about I have not brought anything illegal or banned materials but still my being first time traveler to totally different culture like us ,it make me shrink.

Contrary to the negative picture of how Saudi's strict culture has been projected in my mind, I was met with group of smiling and contented Filipino workers upon my arrival to the rented house of my daughter. Some of them have stayed in Saudi for more than ten years with their family and children renting on one big mansion sharing together with other Filipino families with each occupying a big room space with common kitchen and comfort room. A room space is as big as or a little bigger than the row house being sold for a low-income earner in the Philippines. All rooms are air-conditioned and all families are enjoying a comfortable lifestyle owning necessary automatic electrical appliances and cars. Electric bills are very minimal almost negligible to the budget compare to the Philippines. The temperature outside is hot dry above 40 degrees centigrade and there is an occassional sand storm. With contrasting temperature of hot dry outside the room and cold dry inside, we all experience dryness of the skin and everybody are applying the petroleum jelly to moisturize the skin and our sweat gland remains intact.

So far the places I have visited is the mall and hospital. We went shopping at the Riyadh gallery last Friday. The week end days here are Thursday and Friday so my daughter have to plan all the necessary outing and shopping during those days. The mall is superb big and full of lights. Friday is the day for family. Women are not allowed to go out without their abayas on and also to walk alone without their husband or children. Single women have separate days of malling allowed only during Monday. Supermarket occupies a very large space and grocery items have a very low cost with plenty of promo items and they are usually be bought in bulk.

My daughter has a work during Saturday. It's a vaccine day for my grandbaby I was with my son-in-law to take their baby to the hospital. We already have a contact Filipino nurse in the hospital so we can well be accommodated. We were welcome by our smiling Filipino nurses. It's a private hospital and most nurses are Filipinos. I take pride for them they are smart and friendly.

Spiritual gifts - exploring one's gifts.

2009-03-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

I began to explore myself when I attended a seminar on Spiritual gifts that God has given us. It's a new discovery to myself, though I have indulged so much on self-reflection and introspection since I was converted to Lord Jesus and became a member of Christian church nevertheless, I've never been aware of such gifts, if ever I have it. That's how I downgrade myself and at times doubted my own abilities. I have been limiting myself to the thought that there are only chosen few who are gifted with talents and that exclude me. Though I refuse to be taken aside, once in a while I join the group where the action is. I accept challenges for my ability and this I'm sure of myself because I never shun from responsibilities delegated to me. Though I'm the passive type who just waited for the project that comes.

When I found my new home church, my concept of myself has given a new shape. I have attended a number of seminars that focus on ministry. "Ministry in the church" means using whatever God has given us to serve Him. That's where I explore my other "abilities" or describe in the Bible as "Spiritual gifts"

I Peter 4:10

"As every man receive the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Do you know that there are around 500 to 700 "abilities" that an average person has? One believer may have a kind of ability which the other person does not have.

I Corinthian 7:7

"For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man has his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that."

Before one discover his spiritual gifts he should know first the donor of the gifts.

Exodus 31: 3

"I (Lord)... have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. "

Once the person becomes a believer of Christ he should find a home church where he could make use of gifts that he has and serve God as well.

You should be willing to work or be an active member of the church by accepting responsibilities. As your work progress, you will discover several other abilities or "gifts" that God has given you.

The value of not giving up

2009-03-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

This is a forwarded message. I posted it for others to read and encourage people to continue living for God. If there is one last hope that is God.

Don't ever ever give up......
One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... in fact I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light.
I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth.
Its brilliant green covered the floor.

Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.

But I would not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would
not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant. ..But just 6
months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots".

"I would not quit on the bamboo.
I will never quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others."
He said.
"The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern.
Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come", God said to me.
"You will rise high"
"How high should I rise?"
I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and brought back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
Never, Never, Never Give up.

Don't tell God how big the problem is,
tell the problem how Great God is!
Heavens door opened this morning, God asked me... My CHILD...
what can I do for you?" and I said "Protect and bless the one reading this message.
God smiled and answered ... "request granted ............

This message is now in your hands.
What will YOU do with it?
send this to at least 10 people so they too will have their
lives in God's hands
You never know when GOD is going to bless you!! Good things happen when you least expect them to !!!!!!!!
If You Value Someone, Give them Your TIME. Nothing Else Matters AS Much >>> Never ever give up till the last moment, May be that moment can change your life <<<

Marriage Encounter- Scrutinizing its essence and value

2009-02-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

(Photo by smoothdude from flickr)

Why a lot of marriage fail? Let's have a marriage encounter -scrutinizing the essence and value of marriage as we try to picture a married couple. But first let me have this important reminder:

"Marriage is one sacred union between man and woman tied by a common vow to cleave to each other till death separate them." Whether you agree with me or not, marriage is instituted by God. He is the author of marriage, thus, He alone has the power to snatch one partner from the other. Or let them stay in love with each other for as long as they live. The common situation nowadays, is nothing else than a temporal union. There are lot of young couple today separate as early as three years of marriage or even lower. It's very unfortunate that marriage is no longer consider as sacred but something a couple (wants to experiment and undone after a whirlwind romance.

In contrast, I witness a couple as old as 80 years of age, married for about 50 years but their bond had grown stronger in time. There is no special secret, like other young couple today, these old folks had also gone through lots of quarrels, disagreements and incompatibilities as common to others. Their marriage had also been swayed for sometime, but managed to stick together. They had of course, undergone the test of time. And this test of time is one factor that many couples agree in fulfilling a lasting relationship.

Old couples who have been married for more than 50 years belong to the era when they experienced, hard manual labor, scarcity of foods, post war damages, emotional depression and spritual struggle. These things made the couple cleave to each other even more for comfort and solace.

When Adam and Eve were banished from Eden, they had no one to turn to , thus clinging to each others arms, they accepted God's punishment quietly. They have stopped blaming each other but took their responsibility to each other as husband and wife also as parents to their children.

In parallel situation, the financial hardship a couple is experiencing may drive them closely together as they eager to solve problems on their own. As they perform their task together they discover the significance of each one. Compare to the affluent who have their rich independent jobs and almost tied down to each jobs that they have no time for each other anymore. Where you spend most of your time is where your passion develops and too much of it can blow your head off-balance that can be absorbs by your partner. Such negatives traits as greediness, selfishness, insecurities, jealousy, may come to the picture and ruin the couples' relationship. Sad to say, most of the separated women I talked to were the active, independent type who were left to handle the responsibility of being a single parent.

I read a book on "A Biblical Portrait of Marriage" by Dr. Bruch H. Wilkinson This is a kind of workbook that is being used in course on establishing a God-controlled marriage. The teaching were all based on the Bible on its portrait of Marriage. I just one to take the brief discussions on the course with some pointers to follow:

1). The Role of the Couple - to leave the parents domain and live as one flesh.

Genesis 2:18, 23-24

"And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh

Matthew 19:4-6

"And He answered and said to them, Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female." and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

2. The responsibility of the Couple - To cleave to each other

Hebrews 13: 4

"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge"
I Corinthians 7:3

"Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband"

3. The role of the husband as the head

Ephesians 5:23

"For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the bod. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her"

I Corinthian 11:3, 8-9

"But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. For man is not from woman, but woman from man. Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man"

I Peter 3:7

" Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered"

4. The role of the wife as helper

Titus 2:4-5

"That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."

5. The responsibility of the husband to love his wife

Colossians 3:19

"Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them"

Ephesians 5:28-33

"So husbands ought to love their own wive as their own bodies; he who loves is wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church, Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband"

6. The responsibility of the wife is to submit to her husband

Ephesians 5:24,33

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

I Peter 3:1-3

"Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear."

The couple may not achieve the ideal or the perfect marriage but abiding on God's Word would guide them towards achieving a lasting relationship.

God isTesting your Faith

2009-02-11T03:29:00.000-08:00

The hard days maybe the time God is testing your faith With a lot a discouraging news on work condition and downturn of economy, the thought of it might have a depressing impact on your future planning. Some may have already felt agitated especially those who have been directly hit by the recession. But lucky enough the recession was not like a sudden bomb that exploded without any warning at all. Perhaps, we could just be going through a testing of time and start tightening our belt a little bit. I was in one government office waiting for my papers to release. A man in microphone who is calling out the names of those released papers made his overture, "you know we, who already experiencing poverty will no longer affected by the recession, because we have been used to it, unlike those who are in an affluent status, they could be badly stricken if ever." I chuckled, in approval, as he looked at me. I was sitting in front of him. I'm sure this man knows the way to endurance and patience, I told myself.

I was reminded of the Jews during their 40 days in the wilderness. There were lots of complaints along the way as they experienced fatigue, hunger and thirst. Yet, the ever faithful God, never abandoned them. They were fed and given water to drink. God sent them pillar of fire during the night and pillar of cloud during the day, to make them feel comfortable. But the people don't realize God's blessing to them and continue to bicker among them and yearn for those days they were in Egypt, where foods are visible and material things are within reach.

I would like to think, that there would be two things which may possibly happen if the recession continue to persist; it's either the people would seek God more or stray from God even more. At any rate, God is not asleep. He knows that everything would have its own time and season... and for his own people God will make it pass

Hebrews 11:1-3

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Teaching Bible Truth to Children

2009-02-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

Bible truth should be taught to children at an early age. I was given the chance to teach Sunday school to children of school age. This coming Sunday will be my 4th Sunday teaching. The teaching comprises; children gospel song, Bible story-telling, memory verse and a a dash of fun activities like coloring, drawing, paper cut-outs and Bible games.

Reminiscing my college days when I had my first encountered with Christian missionary group, I was readily introduced to God's gift of salvation which then was a strange knowledge to me. Though I had been a regular church goer during my early school days my knowledge of Christ were nothing more than a skimpy story of Bethlehem and crucifixion. The bulk of activities we had in my daily church attendance was the recital of rosary in chorus, the prime Catholic teaching. As I walked in Christ for my renewed faith, I totally felt a different person. I was the youngest and first born-again Christian at home, being so, I knew God had in-stored for me a special task of opening the gospel to my family. Since we have a loose Catholic faith, it worked well to easily win my parent's heart to Christ. I was not met with blatant indignation from any member of my family as could had happened if I have a strict and conservative religious root.

I set my own mission of teaching the gospel truth to my nephews and nieces, that was my enjoyable days in my life. Then I volunteered to teach in Vacation Bible School of the Baptist Church. I lost contact with the family of my brother when I established my own family and settled a few miles apart from my brother's residence which means I couldn't follow-up his children from their faith. I knew I failed to win my brother and his wife to Christ and so I thought there wouldn't have the chance for their children to live up to Christian faith. But am I missing the lines that says "some planted, the other waters and some others reap.." When the children had grown-up I was informed that they were all active in the Christian Church service though, my brother and her wife remained in their old faith.

Filipino families' quarrel over inheritance

2009-01-21T07:02:00.000-08:00

The common dispute among Filipino families is the partition of inheritance among siblings. A quarrel over a piece of property surface when one sibling outstretch his occupied boundary or else deem it as his already acquired portion disregarding the rest of the siblings. When couple have acquired a small property under the name of the dead spouse and the living spouse wanted to dispatch the property or decided to divide it among her children, a dispute would somehow be expected.

I have witnessed a number of such situation, mainly the causes of disagreement is the squabble over the property division. Take this one case I know very well. Since the rest of the siblings have already a house of their own, the less fortunate one then decided to stay on the parent's compound and built his own house and do business. While enjoying his business, he stretched further disregarding his mother's disapproval. He presumed that his other affluent siblings would not be interested with the property, so when the time comes he could finally take it as his own.

The fate came to mother's weakening health, medical expenses has reached to staggering high prices and the support coming from other fortunate children can no longer suffice. The only solution of the sick parent is to sell half of her property and that refer to the portion occupied by the sibling. As expected, there was this long argument on the disgruntled occupant. He even challenge his other siblings about the legality of his right to property and demanded a payback from what he had spent on the structured and placed the value of his house to the present price of the house he is going to buy when he transfer. Considering the almost dilapidated structured of his house while the amount he demanded is equal to the value of an expensive newly-built house around the city, it sounds absurd. The other siblings then recognized greediness which then decided to summon a lawyer and a municipal assessor to interfere so the dumb sibling would understand his boundary and his claimed right.

From the words of the lawyer the law explains that in case where a couple acquired a property under the name of the dead spouse and they have children, the living spouse maintain her right to the property, she can have the right to dispose the half of the property and the other half would be divided equally among her and the children so the right of the children to the property of the parents becomes slimmer while there still one parent that lives.

After the lawyer's disclosure of the sibling's legal right to the property, the disgruntled child admitted that it was against his will not actually what he knows about legality. The lawyer advised him to talk with the mother and make amends from his hostility and seek the console of other siblings.

After the conference with the lawyer, came the municipal assessor and made his rounds of assessment. The assessor placed the value of the house way below the present value. Though the sibling pointed out those newly- built structured attached to the wall which is inside the house, the assessor maintains that it can't be meted out to the value of the whole structure as per the price of the house.

The pride was still there, the haughty child remained obstinate, not heeding the advice. He even remained aloof to the rest of the siblings . Since he can't anymore insist his will, he accepted the fact that he has to go. While awaiting for the buyer, he just instructed his wife to talk with his mother about his displacement and beg for the piece of lot where he can build the dwelling for his family. He wants to clarify if his mother would still allow him to stay in the compound since there was this heated argument at one time between them, when the mother thrown a bitter word on him, shooing him away from her vicinity. Yet, the mother has this soft heart for the son that he was allowed to stay in the compound but with a certain limit in space.

The other siblings hope that disgruntled brother would approach them with low-profile and swallow his pride, so that they could design an appropriate step to help him. But so far it remains something to be hoped for since the proud sibling continue to serve as a pain in their neck.

Proverbs 16:18
18 Pride goes before destruction. And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Loving Care for Retarded Woman

2009-01-12T06:22:00.000-08:00

I wasn't able to update my blog for the past weeks, the reason; I was confined to give a loving care for a retarded woman, Ellen, a 41 years old, the youngest sister of my husband. Also the only girl in 7 brood. This will be my longest time to pitch in the work of a care giver while the contracted care giver was out for vacation with her own family. It was December, 2008 when I was asked by my in-laws to do the job. At first, I was hesitant but after realizing that I'm the most eligible and available to do it, I gave in to their request.

My mother in-law, the only living parent of my husband is being treated of cancer that means she would not be capable to give her full support for Ellen. God may have a purpose for this unfortunate things

As I learned about caring for retarded person there were no common methods of caring. In the case of Ellen, the cause of her retardation was a neurological disorder which is classified as profound mental retardation. She was detected of having a post meningitis during her 11 months old after succumbing to high fever for almost a week. The profound mentally retarded person needs a pervasive support which calls for daily supervision and hands on support for most adaptive areas, like spoon-feeding, personal hygiene and nursing for her waste elimination.

With well-pampered life under the care of my mother-in-law, she has grown into a full-sized woman, too heavy to carry herself giving problem to her care giver in guiding her walk. She used to stumble every time she step backward during her tantrums. So her space has to be cleared from hard furniture and sharp objects. She sleeps in a wide soft bed and provided with low soft couch. Her toys and stuff were all made of plastic and cotton. Her sort of pastime is listening to radio and watching television program. She cries and shouts in reaction to the scene of drama or violence in the tv program. Then follows the tantrums which usually hard to stop. So I have to cajole her by making funny faces so she could switch mood.

Also as an after effect of meningitis she has a long life of epilepsy disease, which causes a seizure attack most of the time. So she is given a daily dose of dilantin to prevent her from the said attack. She has a speech impairment. She can only utter single word. She has a weak right hand and feet thus she has difficulty lifting her feet and holding a thing. She is not capable of wearing any flat slippers. So the flooring is covered with vinyl to prevent her feet from touching the cold cemented ground.

I was advised to limit her intake of carbohydrate by the family doctor to prevent the rise of her blood pressure and also to minimize the seizure attack. Caring for her requires a sacrifice for all of us. It was not an easy task. I was just fortunate to be a part of a family that utilize a concerted effort, when every sibling shares for the good of everyone.

Holding a Family Reunion as Filipino Tradition

2008-12-21T03:21:00.000-08:00

The good thing about having an extended family is the fun of holding a family reunion. It is one Filipino tradition where a great number of family members hold a one day family togetherness. Infusing a lot of fun activities during the celebration; first there is the introduction of kid’s name to elderly member, welcoming the newly-born to the family clan and acknowledging the eldest living member of the clan, then followed with parlor games, singing contest, dances and gift-giving. These are things that make the reunion an exciting event to remember. There is this spirit of bonding that kindle family relationship. Most reunion are held during Christmas vacation where there is long period of vacation from school and work.

Characteristic of Filipino Family

Filipinos has a closely-knit family ties. The member will try to search for his family root and find ways to meet a distant relative, introduce himself to create familiarity and invited the newly-known relative to his home to meet other member of his family. When I was a kid my father used to bring us to his hometown to meet my cousins and we were introduced to them. We would take a vacation for one month to familiarize ourselves to our uncles and aunts and to the rest of the relatives. In one occasion, I remember that one customer in our store happened to be my mother’s distant relative. Upon knowing it, he invited my mother’s family to have dinner with them. It seems that there is this leap of joy when somebody discovered that he has distant relative on a certain place.

The spirit of “bayanihan” or cooperation within a Filipino family is one exemplary value and tradition that enable them to surpass any crises that may befall on them. An office mate of mine unluckily has his house burned down with nothing left on them., but his brother’s family came to his rescue and temporarily housed them in one of their guest room, until he can afford to separate his family from his brother’s home. Other relatives also extended help by providing his family of their necessities.

The family-first mindset is a strong Filipino value that embodied in his heart and mind. The saying that “blood is thicker than water” is very much true to Filipino tradition, that is the practice of giving the first priority and favor to the member of his family than the rest of individuals who are also in the same queue

Get the Message of Christmas- the Love Gift from God

2008-12-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

(photo from flickr by Brungrrl)

I don’t know if lots of people understand the message of Christmas which is the Love gift from God.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He sent His begotten son that whosever believe on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Though December 25, remains un-established fact, it is a universal truth that once upon a time God lived among the people in physical terms. The angels of God announced to God’s chosen people the birth of the Messiah and the joy of His coming was exuberantly felt by those who have witnessed His birth.

During the onset of Christmas season Christians around the world culminate the birth of Christ, there is this feeling of love that seems to kindle in us. Every time we hear the Christmas carols or see those Christmas symbols that gleefully hang on every street and in most homes, the spirit of joy somehow, leaps in our heart. The spirit of Christmas encourages giving among the people not only materially but it also stir in us the joy of love, bonding and reunion, It is during Christmas that we tend to remember those departed loved ones and sometimes we get surprised for the unexpected visit of the long lost loved one. These are only few of the countless incidents that we all wish to happen during Christmas. Remembering the good memories and dispelling those hatreds we have kept in our hearts for so long, are two things that we should do if we want to receive the abundance of God’s blessings this Christmas.

It is the will of God that everybody should come to Him for repentance and be saved from our sins. It is by receiving the gift of God, which is the forgiveness of our sins through the spirit of Lord Jesus that one experience the renewing of mind and restoring the joy of salvation in our hearts. If you have not taken the step to ask forgiveness from all your sins and receive Christ to come to your heart and ask Him to renew your mind and make you a new person, this is your day now. If you have been tired of solving problems by yourself or been overloaded with burden of this world, you may not know that God is calling you right now.

II Corithians 6:2

For He says “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29”Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30”For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

You only receive Christ once and expect the joy of salvation throughout your life. Though how much sins you have or if you perceive yourself as somebody who is hopeless and unforgivable. You have a great hope in the Lord.

Isaiah 1:18

“Come now, and let us reason together.” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Help in Receiving Christ

You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. God knows your heart and is not as concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. The following is the suggested prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”

If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, the Spirit of Christ will come to your right now
Accept the gift of love and message of God this Christmas.

Learn from Thanksgiving Day Story

2008-11-27T03:26:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day in U.S. is observed every fourth Thursday of November This was first proclaimed by President George Washington in 1777 and later renewed by James Madison during the war of 1812. Since then, Thanksgiving Day has been a significant feast day for every American home. If we dig deeper in the history of the pilgrims and the story behind the Thanksgiving Day we can learn so much from their experiences. I got this beautiful story of the writer;

By Barbara Curtis

I'd stuffed many a turkey before I really understood Thanksgiving. Oh sure, I knew we were supposed to be thankful, and once I became a Christian I knew who we were thanking. But it wasn't 'til I taught my children at home that I really got the whole story.

Unfortunately, these days that story keeps getting harder to find.
For years, many public schools have left God out of Thanksgiving, teaching instead that the Pilgrims gave a party to thank the Native Americans or Mother Earth. Even more current are claims that the first Thanksgiving was a copy of European harvest festivals or a stolen Native American custom, or just a repeat of thanksgivings by other explorers.

But the Pilgrims' own writings, and the historical events leading to the first Thanksgiving show the traditional accounts (available in pre-1960 books and encyclopedias) to be authentic. Thanksgiving was not as an isolated event, or an imitation, but a uniquely inspired Christian celebration -- the culmination of a long journey of faith in which the Pilgrims had relied on God and trusted him through many adversities.

If the story is not to be forgotten, it is today's Christian parents who must pass it on.

This year, make sure your celebration of Thanksgiving includes this portrait of God's hand in history bringing people together to accomplish specific purposes -- as well as the lesson of 1Thessalonian 5:18:
Be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.

Tell It

In the early 1600's the Wampanoag (Wam pa NO ag) Indians covered the coast of what we now call New England. They raised crops, living close to the ocean in summer for seafood, moving inland in winter to set up hunting camps. Their encounters with Europeans over the years were mostly friendly.

One exception: In 1614 Captain Thomas Hunt captured several Wampanoag, along with a Patuxet named Squanto, to be sold into slavery in Spain. A Spanish monk purchased Squanto's freedom, taught him English, and introduced him to Jesus Christ. In 1619 Squanto returned to his native land, only to find his tribe wiped out by an epidemic. Thereafter he made his home with the Wampanoag.

Meanwhile, in 1608, a British group called the Separatists fled to Leyden, Holland. There they found religious freedom, but also poverty, grueling work hours, and a secular culture that threatened to undo the values they had carefully instilled into their children. In 1620, they sold everything and indentured themselves for seven years to finance their journey to America.

On the Mayflower, the Separatists were joined by those seeking the new land for other reasons; these they called the Strangers. The two groups, 102 altogether, were called the Pilgrims.

Their journey lasted nine weeks. In one of those "accidents" which change the course of history, the ship lost its course and landed far north of its destination at what we now call Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Once outside the territory covered by the King's Charter, the Pilgrims became responsible for their own government, and so they wrote a set of laws called The Mayflower Compact.
On December 21, 1620, they began their new life at the place they named Plymouth.
It was a devastating winter -- whipped with wind and sleet and snow. Half the Pilgrims died. Still the Separatists clung to their faith; not one chose to return to England with the Mayflower that spring.

But spring brought unexpected relief with the help of a noble and generous Christian brother -- Squanto. He taught them how to grow corn, use fertilizer, stalk deer, and catch fish. William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth, wrote of Squanto that he was "a special instrument sent of God for good beyond their expectations."
And so their first harvest was good. Governor Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving to God and the Pilgrims invited their Indian friends. Chief Massasoit and ninety members of his tribe came, along with Squanto, bearing venison and wild turkeys for all to share. Together in harmony w the Pilgrims and the Indians feasted, played games, ran races, and showed their prowess with bow and arrow and musket.

How thankful were the Pilgrims? The first Thanksgiving took three whole days!

Jobs for Christians

2008-11-20T06:48:00.000-08:00

Analysis says that recession is just starting to be felt nowadays and worst is yet to come. In America there are thousands of workers who are lay-offs almost everyday.

Fortunately, there are also some companies which are on hiring. I have posted one of them in my other blog, twitter you can check the site for updates on jobs opening.

Here is a good news to Christian workers who are looking for job. The Christian job site has a list of jobs opening. I subscribed for their newsletter and I regularly receiving their newsletter describing the new jobs opening on various field. If you feel working in Christian organization you can check the site. If you are Christian American you are most welcome.

God's Words on Favoritism

2008-11-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

(photo courtesy of Webshots)

I was raised in a big family. I’m the youngest in the brood of 9, but though I’m the youngest, I never been treated as special nor had the feeling of being favored more than the rest of my siblings. It was our parent’s way of fair treatment that nobody of us could pinpoint who’s the favorite one among us. If my mother would be asked who’s her favorite child. She easily retorted, “I treat my children fairly because they all came from me and they are all part of me,” a good piece of wisdom from a beloved mother.

On the other hand, my mother-in-law is so vocal in declaring to her children about her favorite son, a second to the eldest among her seven all boys children. Unfortunately it’s not my husband. Everybody knows even the relatives about her favorite son, oh ye, even the in-laws know it and I just feel sorry for my husband, but he doesn’t mind at all. My husband happens to be the third to the youngest. He would just say, “it’s her choice.” But there is every reason why my mother-in-law had picked the second to the eldest as her favorite. He has brought honor to the family, a consistent honor student, a very dignified man, humble and has mellowed and tender voice, I never see him blowing his temper which is common attitude in other siblings like my husband. But I would say either, that it’s not a valid reason to be impartial in dealing with others much more with your children.

I came to understand that every child that though, they belong to same parents have distinct personality which is unique with each other. Each one has its own gift and talent given from above and it is every duty of the parents to inspire their children, to harness and use the talent for his success with no impartiality dealings and favoritism.

But the favored one will always lost from the parent’s sight as base from my viewpoint with reference to some of the story in the Bible

Rebecca made a way for her favorite son, Jacob to run from his brother, Esau’s anger and sent him to her brother, Laban in far land for his temporary dwelling, From then on Rebecca never see her favorite son again.

Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph was separated from him for almost ten years when he was sold by his envious brothers to be a slave and brought to Egypt.

My brother-in-law, the favorite son likewise has bore a family in distant place where they permanently stayed for more than 25 years and seldom come home to visit his ailing mother.

Do God intentionally remove from somebody the one she adored, to let her suffered the pain and enabled her to let go of the impartiality, obsession, idolatry and favoritism. God wants us to direct our hope and inspiration to His son, Jesus Christ alone. When you chose to give much of your love to your favored child you’re blocking God’s blessing which is intended for other children?

Acts 2:34
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality

Malachi 2:9
9 “Therefore, I have made you a contemptible in the eyes of all the people, for you have not obeyed Me, but you let your favorite break the law without rebuke.”

Experiencing the Joy of Teaching in Sunday School to Kids

2008-11-10T07:37:00.000-08:00

Sunday school are non-academic schooling that teaches Bible truths in every Christian Churches. It is usually held every Sunday morning inside the church. Mostly catering to children from pre-school age to juniors, the teaching hour goes simultaneously with the adult during worship service. The Sunday schools are provided with separate room so they would not destruct the ongoing church service for the adults. Children learned on their own way the basic Bible truths. Teaching them at an early age the custom of worshipping the Savior is something I really miss and pondering on taking the ministry once again.

I have experienced teaching in Sunday School during my college years and I can’t explain the joy of teaching the kids on basic bible truths, story telling about popular Bible stories and letting them learned some creative activities like coloring, drawing and games,

Mark 10:13

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.

Mark 10:14

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Life Momento - my first baby

2008-11-10T06:03:00.000-08:00

When I was creating what the title of my blog should be, it readily came to my mind the word life, since I would be touching topics about Christian life which is a broad subject. Every moment I would think of good title and it took me really one whole day to come up with a nice one, so here is my blog Life Momento, which was my first baby.

Momento is a Spanish word for moment. Also it is momento in Brazil and Italian. I could preferably use moment to be better understood. But Spanish language is my choice to sound more romantic and lovable. Spaniards has been known for their romanticist and since Filipino has Spanish influence, it somehow dig the tinge of romanticism in me.

Since I surrendered my life to Christ, I could feel how the spirit of Lord Jesus Christ have been alive in every momento of my life.

Forming Women Ministry group of the Church

2008-11-04T05:23:00.000-08:00

Right now I’m thinking of the name to submit for the women ministry group. Last Sunday all married women were convened by the woman elder of our church and announced about the plan to form Women Ministry group. It’s not new to me anymore, I have been an active member of the women ministry in my former church and there are lots of things to miss about; the fellowship of other Christian women, the camaraderie, the Bible teaching, the activities, the fun and the joy of being in one Spirit encouraging and praying for each other.

The Christian church I’m serving now is on the infancy stage. We have just celebrated our 2nd anniversary last September 7, and there are still many activities on the way. As the number of member grows so is the multitude of responsibilities. Women have been doing an important role in the church. If there is festivity and celebration being held in the church, the women are the busy bodies in the kitchen, table preparation, the attendance and others. Teaching in Sunday School and mothering the children are usually attended by women. Given these vital responsibilities the women should be equipped with wisdom and knowledge of the Biblical truth This is one purpose of forming the Women Ministry. Where women converge to talk about activities their camaraderie and spiritual love for each other are enhanced since they are working together for the common spiritual goal.

Experience the life-changing miracle by Christ

2008-10-31T21:49:00.001-07:00

There could be one precious miracle that anyone would ever experience and this is the life-changing miracle by Christ. Nowadays people are anxious to witness a miracle, the reason why some people are led to believe a hoax miracle, a deceit of some sort like a statute of Mary which was said to shed tears of blood or water; when in fact it was done craftily by sculptor to deceive the people. Another thing is the blotted paint, shadows or clouds that has formed to an image of Christ, or a corpse which failed to decompose for over a month then the barrio folks started treating the corpse as miraculous and regarded the owner of the body as saint, which they believe the liquid coming out of the corpse could heal them. Yes, these are only few of devil’s tactics to deceive the people of their faith.

The Lord Jesus Christ has been performing miracles during His ministry on earth. Such miracles have been witnessed by multitudes of people during those time and was recorded by His disciples; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John which were known as four gospels in the New Testament. The Lord performs miracles to prove His authorship as the Son of God. His detractors who oppose His deity would have no chance to receive miracles. Faith is an important element to receive miracles from the Lord Jesus by believing alone in your heart that Jesus is the true Son of God and desire Him to transform you into a man of love and wisdom, everything else would He performed in you and will keep you in awed and wonder. The Bible says that multitudes of people came to Him in various needs. Many asked for healing of their sicknesses and disability, some for release from devil’s possession and few for the assurance of heaven. The story of Christ miracles in the Bible were not just a recorded history, the miracles of Christ still continue until today as He promise

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.

If He has done miracles during His time on earth, He can do miracle at this present times. His spirit is alive forevermore. Try His spirit and be transformed to a kind of person that pleases God.

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Message of the church of Philadelphia - Revelation 3:7

2008-10-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

In the book of Revelation there are 7 churches that is being mention. Among the seven churches, only the church of Philadelphia is found to be worthy of emulation. God has regarded this church as pleasing to Him because it has remained faithful, have not disobeyed nor deny His name.

Revelation 3:7-13

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, "These things says He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”,

8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept my word, and have not denied my name.

9”Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie- indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

10 “Because you have kept my command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial, which shall come upon the whole, world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

11 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

12”He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, And I will write on him My new name.

13”He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Tracing back to its root, the church of Philadelphia mentioned in the book of Revelation is nowhere to be found, if we are to locate its exact place dating back to the ancient city; it is located in Asia Minor which is now the Republic of Turkey. I presumed God has purposely banished all those ancient locations so that we would not be idolizing nor worshiping any physical edifice. But instead, we should look at the symbolism, the message and spirit which embodies in every verses of the Bible.

All churches or member of the body of Christ will experience trial and persecutions in varying degree at the end times, but blessed are those who persevere and remain faithful to Him for their reward will be great in heaven.

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Mark Schultz of Reaching Out for Jesus through Music and Song

2008-10-27T04:52:00.000-07:00

There are various ways where we can share our God gifts to reach out to millions lost souls for Jesus. Mark Schultz, a contemporary Christian music singer/song writer uses his talents to reach out for Jesus. Born September 16, 1970. He grew up in Colby, Kansas and graduated from Kansas State University where he finished his degree in marketing. He delved in sports such as track and football during his high school but music tend to be more appealing to him. When He moved to Nashville he became a youth leader at First Presbyterian Church where he was inspired to write songs about people in the congregation. He held weekly concerts that drew more crowds Those numerous concerts has led to his signing a contract with Myrrh Records which released his self-titled debut album in 2000 He has been nominated to several Dove Awards then finally won his first Dove Awards in 2006 when his CD/DVD Mark Schultz Live: A Night of Stories and Song was named Long Form Music Video of the Year.

This singer/song writer has a special love for the orphans being an adopted boy himself at age two weeks, he is actively participating in the ministry of reaching out for the needs of the orphans by providing support to the James fund –a non-profit organization founded by Family Christians Stores to meet the needs of orphans and widows who are in distress.

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Focusing on the last Signs of Jesus Christ Second Coming

2008-10-15T03:16:00.000-07:00

Many religious people have written about the signs of Jesus Christ Second Coming, touching about the signs and wonders, which the Lord Jesus Christ spoken during His ministry on earth; the emerging of false prophets, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, increase of wickedness, persecutions of Christians but as what Jesus Christ said, these are only the beginning of sorrows, the end is not yet. I would like to focus on the last signs of Jesus Christ second coming.

Matthew 24:4-14

4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.

5 For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Christ, and will deceive many.

6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must

happen, but the end is still to come

7 Nations will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

8 All these are the beginning of birth pains

9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.

10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.

11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people

12 because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold

13 but he who stands firm to the end will be saved

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Notice that the last signs Jesus Christ mentioned is the spread of the gospel throughout the world. The gospel will be preached to all nations, this thing must be fulfilled that no one would give an alibi that they have not heard the gospel.

It was 1973 when I converted to Christianity, as a new believer I was so zealous to join in the street evangelization, giving tracts to those people frolicking in national park near our school. The word “born-again” was so unfamiliar, so it makes nice opening words when I start sharing the gospel with somebody, repeating the very words of Jesus Christ John 3:3 “…. unless one is born-again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

During that time our favorite topic was Christ Second Coming, we would be warning our friends, family relatives and those people I’ve met and shared with the gospel. We were that anxious for the coming of the Lord. That time communication was so obscure, there were scarcity of telephone, television and most office works were done manually so data were so slow to attain. With those things I wonder how prophecies in the Bible would take place. Let say, the mark of the beast, Revelation 13:17 – And that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. I was wondering how can this thing be made possible. Now with the rapid growth of technology, this thing will no longer be impossible. Advance computer technology will do the work. Electronic chips embedded in the body could collect data from the person himself; his whereabouts would be known and his movements could easily be detected.

Revelation 11:3-9

“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”

7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.

8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves.

Note that seeing their bodies by all people of the world would be impossible to accomplish in just three and a half days during our time. But you see, with the presence of cable tv and satellites nowadays there is nothing impossible.

Now, how close are we in the end times and the coming of the Lord? We are very close in fact, the time is so ripe that spreading of the gospel throughout the world have not been so easy and attainable than these present generation.

Growth of Christianity in forbidden countries.

When communist ideals has loosened grip on its followers, people inside the communist countries could very well experience the saving grace of Christ.

In communist country like China, who boasts of their 1.3 billion people it is now growing to its roughly 30,000 Christian converts a day. The estimates accounts to those Christians who live their faith underground.

In Cuba, the evangelical movement is growing at a pace of 6.5% outsmarting population growth which is only 0.7 percent annually. Sufferings and persecution inside Cuba have refined the works of Christian evangelists. They were gifted evangelists and were doing well in Cuba.

People in North Korea were made to believe that there is no God that after death all is finished. Their god is their leader, Kim II Sung, The concept of trinity, which is Juche philosophy is indoctrinated to all North Koreans from birth which has similarity with Holy trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is Kim II Sung, his mother Kim Jung Sook and his son Kim Jong II. There are official two state-own churches in Pyongyang, set-up by government but these are only for a show. Those that go there are state-ordered believers. There are minimal knowledge of underground churches in North Korea those Christians who were found practicing their faith are immediately faced execution.

Missionaries’ Work

The Gospel of Christ is definitely not for those people who already have the knowledge of salvation but reject Christ, Aside from those countries where Christianity and Bible are strictly unwelcome, there are still part of the earth whose inhabitants have no concrete knowledge of God, heaven and salvation. In developing countries like Philippines, which is vastly covered with forested mountains and clustered islands, there were tribes of people who remained untouched by civilization; These are people who thrive in the deepest part of the jungle in mountain caves and remotest islands.

I was listening to the testimony and presentation of information in a seminar conducted by Philippine Christian missionaries and I was astonished by the boldness of the two young ladies who started the missionary work in remote island in the country and was able to break through the tribe’s cultural beliefs and norms. They taught the islanders to write using an obscure knife, practical knowledge on sanitation, herbal and alternative medicine and of course the gospel of Christ. .

Today with more than twenty uncivilized tribes there are already more than half of the number which were administered and presented the gospel of Christ. Bible were distributed translated in their own tongues

Christians throughout the world are faced with challenge of spreading the gospel if we want to hasten Christ coming let’s do our work; sharing the gospel with our friends, neighbors, family and relatives.

Matthew 9:37-38

37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the workers are few.

38 “Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

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How can Philippians 4:13 of New Testament be significant in your life?

2008-10-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

The book of Philippians of New Testament contains the letter written by Paul and Timotheus, to all believers in Christ in Philippi. This place is located about 10 miles north of Mediterranean Sea and Neapolis founded by Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. Philippi is the first European city where Paul preached the gospel

In his letter Paul encourages the believers to preach the gospel with more boldness and reminded them to make intense their love for each other as they keep themselves in dwelt in the Spirit of Christ.

Paul who was once a great persecutor of Christians was transformed to become the defender of the gospel. He had suffered persecutions the same sufferings he inflicted to the believers before yet, he remained humble and accepted with gladness those sufferings because he strongly believe in the power of Christ.

Philippians 4:13 –

I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.

If Paul can do all things through Christ you can make this verse significant in your life too. The Spirit of Christ is alive even today. He is near to those who call on His name. He is just waiting for our invitation so he could come into our heart and let our life be transformed with a renewed mind of Christ.

Knowing the Good News of New Testament

2008-10-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

The good news always carries an uplifting story that would bring happiness and excitement to the recipient. The good news of New Testament likewise brings hope and inspiration to those who would accept the message.

The Bible is composed of two books, the old and new testament. The Old Testament comprise various stories of God’s own people and His chosen leaders; their ascension and fall, their deviation and remorse, their slavery and sought for freedom. God’s promise of messiah or the one who would free them from bondage is given in the Old Testament, hence the fulfillment of the promise in the New Testament.

Old Testament- the promise of God was given
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God. The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

New Testament – Fulfillment of God’s promise

Matthew 1:23
Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The New Testament revolves around the life of Jesus Christ on earth, His birth, His ministry, His death on the cross, His disciples, His commandment and His second coming. This signifies that the promise of God to send a messiah on earth was fulfilled on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is just frustrating on the part of the chosen people of God, the Israel who rejected the ministry of Jesus Christ. They didn’t understand that the savior they are waiting for is Jesus Christ Himself. They presumed that the messiah is one who would champion their cause and who would liberate them from the rule of Roman Empire, thus, when Jesus Christ presented himself to them; as a meek, humble servant of the masses, friends of the criminals, seeker of the lost ones, the stumbling block to the hypocrites and obedient to death hence, Christ crucifixion on the cross.

The death of Christ on the cross, His risen from the dead and His ascension to heaven is the good news of the New Testament. Through His death we were able to receive salvation from our sins that is what his being a Savior implies. Accepting this free gift is what God wants us to do. If we don’t accept it, we are rejecting the gift just like the Israel did. To accept the gift is to confess our sins:

Romans 10:9-10
That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.

10 – For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

God wants every believer to spread the good news of salvation to all the people of the earth. The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ brings us peace, joy, love and prosperity.

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Feel the Spirit and Message of Amazing Grace

2008-10-09T23:44:00.000-07:00

My husband once brought home a CD, a collection of Classic folk song by Judy Collins, included in it is the song Amazing Grace, and he repeatedly played the song. I remember the first time I heard the tune of Amazing Grace, I was already a born-again Christian, the message of the song really seeped into my heart, the song has got spirit and causes my goose hair to stand. Having Christ Spirit alive in my heart and knowing Jesus Christ personally I can feel the power of the song. I can understand every meaning of the words. The first stanza says: I once was lost, but now I’m found . Was blind but now I see. Yes, before my friend has shared to me the Words of God, I was lost in the world, I felt my life was empty, no meaning at all. Christ has found me and answers all my needs and questions in life. His graces are really amazing and wonderful.

Can you sing the song?

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

***

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

***

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Twas grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

***

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

***

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

***

The world shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun refuse to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine.

***

When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun.

Warning on the Sin of Idolatry

2008-10-08T00:37:00.000-07:00

It has been an ancient issue. If there is one thing that God hated most, it is the sin of idolatry. Didn’t God writes it in the tablet as the number one commandment given to Moses? The sin of idolatry has caused the people of Israel to be in bondage for 400 years in the land of Egypt. They were forced to make bricks and works with bare hands in building pyramids. Even if there were few people of God who intervene for their freedom, God made them suffer as long as they keep their idols, God won’t listen. When at last it’s time for them to move, the Israelites abandoned their idols and move where Moses leads them. In the wilderness God shows His mighty powers, providing them with pillar of clouds by day and pillar of fire by night. The greatest miracle performed in their very own eyes is dividing the red sea giving them the passage through to escape the pursuing chariots of Egypt, Did they forget their idols? During the time that Moses was communing with God in Mount Sinai for 40 days, the Israelites returned back to their idols, blaspheming God by performing all sorts of sins. This angered God and put to death those guilty of idolatry.

In this modern day, idolatry continues with more sophistication, hiding them in lieu of arts appreciation, memorabilia, souvenirs and traditions. To understand better, we should define the extent of idolatry and how God hated this sin.

Idolatry- is worshipping of an image, whether it is an image of an animal, man or non-living things as long as you kneel down , pray or lay your offering to it. It is an act of embracing an idea, concept and person whom you revered and putting him in pedestal whom you look up to, trust, serve and follow blindly.

Deuteronomy 29:18 (NIV) Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.

2 King17:40-41 (NIV) They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. Even while these people were worshipping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did.

Ezekiel 6:4-6 (NIV) "... I will slay your people in front of your idols. I will lay the dead bodies of the Israelites in front of their idols, and I will scatter your bones around your altars... your idols smashed and ruined, your incense altars broken down, and what you have made wiped out."

Nations who are guilty of idolatry are still in the state of poverty and curse

Ephesians 5:5 (NIV) For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Jonah 2:8 (NIV) "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be

1 Peter 4:3 (NIV) For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry."

James 4:7-10 (Phi) Be humble then before God... You are sinners: get your hands clean again. Your loyalty is divided: get your hearts made true once more. You should be deeply sorry, you should be grieved, you should even be in tears. Your laughter will have to become mourning, your high spirits will have to become dejection. You must humble yourself in the sight of the Lord before he will lift you up.

Ezekiel 36:25 (NIV) "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols."

1 Corinthians 10:14 (NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.

God wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth without the aid of graven images.

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I've Got a One-month Old Puppy

2008-10-03T00:07:00.000-07:00

I was surprised yesterday when my daughter brought home a one- month old puppy, given by her friend. It’s a female puppy from a family of small dog, it’s a cross breed of two different kind of terrier. I don’t know exactly what group of dog it belongs. Its distinct exotic look makes it expensive and attractive. I know it would require a delicate care, though it could already eat solid food its teeth is just starting to spring up with only two grown-up front teeth, which visibly gleaming every time it opens its mouth. We gave a rug doll that serves as its teether for the meantime. It’s no different from a baby, that it always seek the warmth comfort of human body. I told my daughter that she would have to clasp the puppy to her breast or put it to her lap while giving her fine stroke, definitely it’s a mother instinct in every woman and my daughter understood what I mean. When my husband came home, though he was also surprised he didn’t care at all. We have had our first pet dog before, a dachshund, a super sweet dog, we had it at six month old already, so we didn’t have problem rearing a puppy during that time. Actually, I don’t have a mastery of knowledge in rearing a dog; I just feel what the dog needs and observe their instinct.

Having a pet dog has a lot of advantages. It somehow minimizes a stressful day. Dog antics really cause lots of laughter at home and funny stories that we dig and share together most of the time.

When my dachshund dog died, all of us had dwelt on those sad days. We have had a strong emotional attachment with the dog, that when it died, it’s like a big doom to all of us. Somehow it gave me a lesson that I wouldn’t strongly attach my emotion with my pet dog. But I doubt, could I make it happen? I’m not sure at all. Dog always have a special space in man’s heart.

Loving the Unlovable

2008-10-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

Loving the unlovable is one challenge for Christians to abide by the Word of God. This what makes Christians different from the natural man. Loving the person who treat us well and who returns the love is an easy task but what if the person has been unkind to us, who tramples our dignity, abuse us, gives us problem and causes us many heartaches and pains. The usual reaction is to treat him the way he treats you, expel him from your midst or pretend that you never knew him or he never existed Yes, there are so many ways to get even. Just how other people regard it, “give him his worth” Does this make sense? This is the law of man before Jesus Christ time;

Matthew 5:43-48

43“You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor” and hate your enemy.

44 But I tell you : Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that

47 And if you give only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect.

Though perfectly sounded, it seems too hard to implement, that is if you are still at lost with the world. For everything in this world are pride and selfishness. Oftentimes we keep grudges; we plant hatred and collect bad memories. Would you think it’s time for us to extinguish those rubbish that long embedded in our hearts?. Of course, we can’t learn to love those people whom we have hated for so long. But if we continue keeping those rubbish how can we love God more? God is love, if you lack the love in your heart or nothing at all remember the sacrifices that Christ had done, the pains and wounds he bear and the blood that He shed because he love us and because of His love for us we can learn to love even the most unlovable person on earth.

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Count Your Blessings

2008-09-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

Counting your blessing is one good way of lifting up your spirit especially when you’re down and troubled. It’s more than re-energizing those rustic neurons in your brain that needs lubrication. More likely when there’s an impending problems in life we tend to anticipate the problems with worry rather than lifting them up to God and let Him work in our life. Trust God to direct your life and see how your faith can move mountains. If this is not enough count your blessings, you’ll find out how God have blessed you throughout the past and continue blessing you and He will be with you all the days of your life.

I would like to share with you the following verse,

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

I know all of us have gone through difficult times in a varying degree, some may have experienced a severe fall or to others it’s just a slight pain in the neck, If you consider yourself a child of God, your Father in Heaven would take chance to correct you, Those failure in life maybe counted as the consequences of running our own decision deviating from His own plans for us, hence we reap; failure, fall and misfortune.

Again this is the time to count your blessings. Go, thank God for those possessions, the good values you instill in your family, the honor you received, the camaraderie that you earned, the good health you enjoy, the environment where you live and many more.

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Know the Meaning of your Child's Name

2008-09-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

The coming of new baby brings so much joy to the parents. The feeling of excitement is one great experience especially for the newly-wed couple much more for the long time married couple who have been barren for years for them the long wait is over. So the next and surely the first preparation to expect for the couple to do is cook up for a nice name, Our names bear our destiny or so I believe it is. The Bible cites a lot of instances where names have been changed to suit the person’s character or maybe title of position or assigned mission and responsibility. Let’s take that of Abram which was changed to Abraham because God is grooming him to be the “ father of all nations.”. Isaac, the son of Abraham was given such a name that means “laughter” because God has made Sarah laugh since she gave birth to Isaac at the very old age. Jacob, was changed to Israel which means “grasper” because he lie, steal to get in on God’s blessing. “The Lord Jesus was given name above all name, meaning “Christ”, the Savior of Mankind, hence the name should be honored, revered and worship. Sadly to say, that some people give their sons such name after the Lord’s , that could make a bad impact or tarnish the name of Lord Jesus when they turned to be bad guy and being yelled at and despised. Do you ever know that it belongs to God commandment:

Exodus 20:7 You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

So watch out in giving name to your child The common mistakes is giving their child with long name, such that child would have a hard time writing them down especially during his early years in school. Today, children were given at least two different names the logic behind it, is to avoid duplication or simply evade being indicted with charges that belongs to somebody else with similar names. The World-English is a record of names and meaning of each that could make a good reference to those intending to find out the meaning of the name before they give it to their children.

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Join Christian Carders | Quiverfull Family

2008-09-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

Join Christian Carders | Quiverfull Family

Your First Day Work Experience

2008-09-21T00:24:00.000-07:00

It’s your first day of work. Finally, you made it to the last ditch effort of sending and getting good impression with your application letter and resume now the hunt is over and you are up and ready to meet your boss. This is your first work, the thought of it may excite you although it’s normal, it should not caught you off-guard and might forget to watch your behavior when interacting with people whom you will be meeting for the first time. The point is, your dress should be appropriate for the workplace, fill your bag with those necessary supplies and personal paraphernalia like comb, ball pen and notepad Be tidy and punctual, have an ample time allowance so you’ll not be rushing to catch up for the Bundy clock or show up in the workplace panting profusely. Remember, “first impression lasts” , make a polite entrance but don’t overact, a nice smile and slight vow of head will surely gain a welcome approval from your workmate. When getting instruction, maintain an eye contact communication, be attentive. This is not your time for day dreaming, set aside those personal hang over and focus on your work.

Do’s and Don’ts In the Workplace.

A workplace is like a community, it is full of various people with unique personality, As a newcomer, don’t be overwhelm by all the niceties that your workmate are showing you. Calculate their motive and never disclose to them whatever personal and confidential matter you have with your boss, say your boss has given you a salary favor, Don’t hasten yourself to look for a good friend. It’s too early to pick out for one.. A good friend developed in time. Just don’t give your full trust and withhold your negative comments or judgmental remarks on somebody. You may not know that the person is just taking advantage of your being an innocent newbie. Don’t brag or make a show of your achievement. If somebody is doing the same in front of you, just gladly listen and accept his niceties. It is better to take yourself off from their shenanigans than to be thrown in a hot seat. In this way nobody will be pointing a finger at you. Maintain that secretive and good composure while learning the flow of business matter in your workplace and develop the enthusiasm in your assigned work. Show all your best and enjoy your job.Get inspirations from the Words of God.

Colossians 3:22-25

22 Servants, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord,

23 Whatever, you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men

not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

24 Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Jesus you are serving.

25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong and there is no favoritism.

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Marine Life Abounds in Philippine Seas

2008-09-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

First, I thank God for having a beautiful country. The Philippines being a group of island country comprising a 7,107 islands is rich in coastal and marine resources. According to International Marine scientists, Philippines is the “Center of Marine Biodiversity” in the world, surpassing the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Naming the best marine sanctuaries in the country, is the Verde Island Passage located between Batangas and Mindoro islands which has been declared as the Center of Marine shorefish Biodeversity where a vast species of fish abounds, this makes the place as the home to captivating vast marine life, refuting the former study that Indonesia holds the highest fish diversity. Another study of this biodiversity is the Sulu-Sulawesi corridor at the sea border between the Philippines and Indonesia which is heart of the so-called “Coral Triangle,” connecting the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea that home to great variety of species of marine resources. The coral Triangle has 600 species of corals, 1200 species of fin fishes, 700 species of algae, 33 species of mangrove, five out of seven known species of sea turtles and at least 24 species of crustaceans. Holding the said distinction, the country is taking a great international responsibility to protect and conserve its rich marine resources because the possible degradation and lost of marine life in the islands would also affect the rest of the world.

Travelling through another island is the Bohol Marine Triangle (BMT) spans over 112,000 ha. And includes the three islands of Panglao (9,000ha) Pamilacan (200ha) and Balicasag (25ha) in three municipalities of Baclayon, Dauis, and Panglao. This area within the triangle vicinity that connects the said islands was significant in terms of biodiversity; that includes the 22 species of marine mammals in the Philippines, three of the world’s eight species sea turtles, rare and endangered species of pelagic fishes (whale sharks, mantas and singrays), seahorses and giant clams, rare shells and migratory birds.

With the combine efforts of the government and NGO (Non government Organization) , a number of measures that would protect and conserve the vast marine resources of the country and also find ways to benefit from these resources have been long implemented. To mention a few of these projects are the creation of jobs and income generating opportunity for the residents of the area. Also making the area as the tourist attraction which could generate income both for the municipalities and the business sectors, Such activity for residents are; fishing, gleaning and seaweeds farming while for the business sectors are hotel and resorts, travel tour, whale watching, scuba diving and beach activities.

Philippines is endowed with natural beauty, every island in the south is considered a paradise in itself, with its rain forest, shoreline, seas, lakes, rivers and all living things abounds in the area. Having a country like Philippines I just awe and wonder at the multitude of blessings God has bestowed on these islands.

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Pasalubong- a Filipino Tradition

2008-09-16T05:29:00.000-07:00

Pasalubong is a distinct Filpino tradition, I don’t know if there is a counter part English term for the said word perhaps the closest term is a “presence” or “token” For those non-Filipino who may just be curious to know, pasalubong is the peculiarity of Filipino to bring something to give when visiting a friend, returning home, or just dropping by. I used to bring home some goodies, every time I arrive home from work, a pasalubong for my kids. I didn’t know that I’m curving a family tradition for my child to follow, When my eldest child was starting a grade school, she used to bring home goodies for her younger sister, which she bought in school out from her allowance. This is her pasalubong to her three year-old sister. Then soon my youngest child turned to start her grade school too. I allowed her to join the school’s field trip. In the afternoon when the school service dropped her to our house, we were laughing to see her holding a box of buco pie as her pasalubong to us, which she bought in her field trip. With all those instances I knew I’m injecting a good values for my family, to think that I’m playing as a role model to my kids, is a responsibility that should be taken on seriously.

The tradition is so strong to Filipino families that even in foreign land, you’ll find Filipino in the airport with the most loaded hand-carry baggage, exactly as you think those are pasalubong for their family, relatives and friends. The same thing with those recipient of the pasalubong are indeed awaiting for the arrival of the goodies. A little token just a piece of soap or hand towel is enough to bring a bunch of joy to everyone.

Be a Child's Role Model

2008-09-10T01:11:00.000-07:00

(photo from kmatau album, Webshots.com)
Whatever the adult does, the children usually follow suit. It is the adult that is made as model by children. The children usually acquire his behavior through his environment, whatever he sees around doing by people around him he imitates it, copy and live by it. If the adult won’t bother to correct his child at an early stage, the child would be left to his wrongly acquired ways.

I’ve known a father who always brings along his five years old son to drinking spree with his friends, when asked why he takes his child with him, he retorted,” it is better to expose my child to bad ways so he would know early that it is bad.” Oh, I should say this is the thinking of an irresponsible father. If we take a look at the Bible it says:

Proverbs 29:17
Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; he shall give delight unto your soul.”

When the said child has grown to adolescent stage he chose to hang out with his winebibbers buddy within the neighborhood, his buddies were the notorious trouble maker and there was a time that he landed in prison cell. The poor mother has no way to correct her son, while the father is now old and suffering from lots of illnesses due to organ dysfunction.

Meanwhile, the eldest son was raised in his grandmother’s house with his uncle and aunt’s as his company. He grew up to be a respectable man, a hardworking guy and a model brother to his younger siblings. Needless to say, environment and the people who raised a child would have a great impact on the behavior of the child and his future. So the parents and guardians play a vital role in shaping up the destiny of the child.

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September- the prelude to Christmas Season

2008-09-09T03:16:00.000-07:00

In the Philippines where there is a long Christmas season celebration, the onset of the ber-months which start at September announces the first tick for Christmas countdown. The season brings an unusual feeling of nostalgia for those life momentos of the past year and somewhat sets the joy of expectation for better life in this Christmas year.

It has been Filipino tradition to spend Christmas on their home town that’s why many of those overseas contract workers are indeed awaiting the season for the grand visit to their family at home country. This also means a big influx of dollar coming in the country from the purse of many kababayans working abroad. Somehow the country's economy will experience a slight boom in the flow of markets in terms of commodity. The lively celebration of Christmas from the homecoming visit of million Filipinos abroad will somehow kindle the family togetherness. This is one tradition that impact a Filipino Christian spirit. A Filipino never abandon his root, in whatever circumstances he presently enjoy, the bond of family and the smell of home will forever haunt him to visit the country.

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Admitting Our Fault

2008-09-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

Everytime a news on accident would flash on tv, grilling for the offender appears to be a tough job. No one is admitting the fault and while investigation is on going, the blame starts whirling around passing from one person to another. If somebody found guilty he would invent all scheme of denial and even bribe the authority to stand for him. This would be the worst scenario ever, to let the guilty one slip away especially when the accident was intentional.

It was my first time to witness a church offender being presented to the congregation. As the pastor pronounced the person’s guilt, the offender undauntedly face the congregation in total silent; submitting himself to church’s forgiveness and prayer. My heart leaps with joy for witnessing a man who has the courage to strip himself of the pride in front of the congregation considering that not all the people attending the church are members, some maybe attending for the first time and myself included. I have been to other Christian churches and been a member of quite a number already since I became a believer but I hadn’t heard any tradition, policy nor witnessing such scenario inside the church. The irony , a faction is taking toll on the church instead. Those hidden guilt that supposed to be exposed serves as a defensive wall, no one is admitting the fault until the faction starts to eat up the portion of the church.

Admitting our fault is one step to stripping ourselves of the pride.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction a haughty spirit before a fall.

Pride is the sin that caused the fallen angels to banish them from the kingdom of heaven. It is pride that caused the horrible death of king Herod. Pride continues to attack every man’s sensibility.

What is the price of swallowing our pride? The guilty offender was prayed over by the congregation, he was not condemned and instead extend their mercy to the offender. Yet the offender has to undergo testing of time, he has to take seminar on correcting his behavior and was relieved from the post he presently hold. He gladly accepted all the consequences. When passed the test, he was installed for a new position with a renewed spirit. This how the body of Christ called the church works amazingly with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

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A Woman's Curiosity

2008-09-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

I got this beautiful prose in my inbox. The prose is entitled “The Husband Store”, at the end of the litany it pick on woman’s impossibility to please. You may and may not agree, but I rather change the inference to woman’s fickle mindedness couple with her curiosity to test for the validity of the premise. Read on.

The Husband Store

A store that sells husbands has just opened where a woman
may go to choose a husband from among many men. The
store is composed of 6 floors, and the men increase in positive
attributes as the shopper ascends the flights.

There is, however, a catch. As you open the door to any floor you may
choose a man from that floor, but if you go up a floor, you cannot go
back down except to exit the building.

So a woman goes to the shopping center to find a husband.

On the first floor the sign on the door reads:

Floor 1 - These men have jobs.
The woman reads the sign and says to herself, "Well, that's better
than my last boyfriend, but I wonder what's further up?"

So up she goes.

The second floor sign reads:

Floor 2 - These men have jobs and love kids.
The woman remarks to herself, "That's great, but I wonder what's
further up?" And up she goes again.

The third floor sign reads:

Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love kids and are extremely good
looking. "Hmm, better" she says. "But I wonder what's upstairs?"

The fourth floor sign reads:

Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love kids, are extremely good looking
and help with the housework. "Wow!" exclaims the woman, "very
tempting. BUT, there must be more further up!" And again she heads up
another flight.

The fifth floor sign reads:

Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love kids, are extremely good looking,
help with the housework and have a strong romantic streak. "Oh, mercy
me! But just think... what must be awaiting me further on?" So up to
the sixth floor she goes.

The sixth floor sign reads:

Floor 6 - You a re visitor 3,456,789,012 to this floor. There are no
men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are
impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at The Husband Store and
have a nice day
Adapted from unknown author

Yes, a woman’s curiosity and fickle mindedness could lead her to sin and succumb to temptation. Eve tasted the fruit of knowledge given by the Serpent in her curiosity to test the validity of Serpent’s premise that she could be equal with God in knowing the good and evil. Woman’s curiosity can be a dangerous signal.

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Getting Out of the I, Me and Myself Syndrome

2008-09-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

When I was young I often hear this kind of phrase; "I Me and Myself" from my senior peers who seem to ostracize an egoist and branded him as “I, Me and Myself “kind of person. I didn’t understand what was that mean, I thought it was just common for a person especially for a young man to brag about his achievement much more if he intent to make a show for the girl he pursue, yet the overuse of the word I, me and myself could be annoying and obviously irksome. As I matured, I have mingled around with different kinds of personality, I began to realize that those “I, me and myself” syndrome are plainly called egoist and suffering from a vaunted self.

I know man is more egoist than woman, the fact that they were endowed with more muscle which boast of their physical supremacy over woman and that could blow their ego. In most cases woman are expected to act more humbly and caring, distinct quality which a woman is gifted for. But being a weaker sex does not exclude a woman from being an egoist. Can you find a woman who brags everything about herself? She’s doubly irksome than the male counterpart.

There is some level of spiritual maturity in man, regardless of religions, Man is ought to get out of his ego encampment. I happened to read an inspirational book about this spiritual leveling or maybe called a spiritual hierarchy in some form and it’s worth sharing. It says man ought to move and get out from his ego shell which is common to all. Man’s purpose in life maybe determine by his goal. Where does his life revolve? Or what occupies his thought most of the time?

1 - I and myself – his life is centered on his ego. His self is the most important thing. He devoted his thought on pampering his ego (self).

2 – I and the things – This man’s concern is mostly of the things that vaunted his self-pride, it maybe material wealth, his medals, his collections and other precious things

3 – I and others – This man’s concern is how he would please his love ones or other people close to him.

4 - I and Christ - This person sees himself as nothing in the eyes of God and is dependent on His power and mercy and thus, living a Christ-centered life.

Which would you rather have the kind of life to live.? Can you abandon your ego seat and let Jesus Christ sit on the throne of your life?

2Corinthians 12:9,10

And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses , so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

10 That’s why, for Christ’s sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. .

Why Should We Meditate On The Words of God?

2008-08-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

The Bible as the Words of God has been clouted with controversies, mainly because of religious indifferences. Those claim to be Christians firmly acknowledged the Bible as nothing else than the Words of God hence, meditating on it is a must for Christian believers. Meditation as part of spiritual exercise was practiced by other religious groups by turning their attention to inner self trying to reach out to the presence of God for the purpose of realizing themselves as also divine.

Meditating on one’s self without the aid of the Bible or Words of God can pose a more dangerous result, for the evil spirit may intrude to deceive an individual that he could also be divine as God. This is contrary to what the Words of God says; Roman3:23 – “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Can we really be divine? I stand to disagree, for the word divine should only be attributed to God, as a supreme being worthy of praise and worship.

Reasons Why Christian Should Meditate on the Words of God?

It is God’s commandment that a believers should anchor his life on the Words of God.

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Joshua 1:8
1 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

The needs to meditate on the Words of God should negate the claim of other sects that we should only be listening to the one who are called to preach the Words of God. This is another fallacy that aims to deceive the people and prevent them to come to the truth. How one could internalize every word and every verse in the Bible if he only relies on the words from the mouth of the preacher. God sends man to preach the gospel yet after receiving the words, the preacher should admonish the believers to meditate on the Words of God. According to the study ; by listening only 10% are retained in our memory after several hours, by reading 25% are retained in our memory with the same length of hour, 50% are retained in our memory by studying, and by memorizing and meditating we retained 100% in our memory with the same length of hours.

How Should the Bible differ from other holy book of other faiths?

Hebrews 4:12

12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edge sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account”

Ye, the Bible is the only book that reveals the mystery of God and can unfolds the hidden thoughts of man.

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How can we develop wisdom?

2008-08-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

There is a wide disparity between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is something that you can acquire thru association, investigation of facts, manipulation of objects, constant reading, experimenting, gaining experiences, studying and applying ideas, observing the environment and so forth and so on. In short knowledge is a branch of learning as how Mr. Webster defines it. Knowledge is a bunch of ideas that man desires to achieve. As the earth gets older, man’s knowledge expands. In fact it has gone out of boundaries stretching as far as the moon, reaching beyond earth and continues to explore the universe. The Bible says knowledge will continue to grow and increases. True enough the massive inventions and improvement in technology can very well attest to it. But while man dominates the universe, he remains a slave to himself, wanting to do the right thing but helpless to act on it. It is one of the instances where man ought to pay attention to his inner self and learn to execute judgment.

The right judgment and the rightful judge each one fits to each other. No man can take ownership of such qualities. There is only one rightful judge in the universe and that is God. He owns the universe. He runs it and controls everything in it including man. From his wisdom comes the highest of all judgment. So knowledge is for man but wisdom comes from God.

Can we acquire wisdom?

The Bible says:
James 1:5-8

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;

8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Yes, we can acquire wisdom by trusting God because we are a helpless individual, our judgment is not reliable

James 3:17

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

God’s wisdom has been preserved and contain in a book called, the Bible. Opening the Bible and reading it is one step of faith as putting our trust in Him. By constant reading and meditating on it while you come to God in prayer, you will be illumined. Ask Him for the spirit of enlightenment. Surely as you apply God’s words in your life, you will develop wisdom.

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Can you bridle your tongue?

2008-08-19T03:08:00.000-07:00

Tongue is the most untamable part of our body that most of the time we lost control of it. Human nature loves to criticize, to brag, to tell lies and to blame. God knows how fallible human nature is:

James 3:2-10

2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body

3 Indeed, we put bits in horses mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.

4Look also at ships; although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.

5Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

7For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.

8But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God

10Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

Yes, most of the time we stumble because of the words that comes out of our mouths. God says whatever is the content of the heart the same comes out of the mouth. If we are full of graces inside, we can speak about wisdom and good testimony from the Lord.

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God doesn't want you to be in debt

2008-08-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

There are points in our life when meeting both ends can be just akin to hanging in a rope. The opportunity which we were long waiting for is so elusive. Then comes hurdles in our life which we have to put up with.

When finances are really hard up, borrowing could just be an option. Borrowing is not bad after all, especially when money comes from good hands, from people who may just be around to extend help. But when borrowing becomes a vicious cycle then it could bore a stigma in your reputation. People who may be helpful in the beginning may well be hiding their faces from you, avoiding you and invent a lot of excuses.

God had given me the chance to alleviate financial difficulties that once my sister-in Christ was caught into such situation. She started borrowing necessity goods from the store nearby and sometimes she would turn to me for financial help. Of course, I won’t deny help especially for her; she had been a trusted friend. But when she started complaining about how the owner of the stores treated her, or say nasty remarks against her back, I realized then that my friend has been losing her sense of stewardship. I know her husband is earning a meager income and she is contented to be a stay-at-home mom, just waiting to receive salary share of her husband.

I know money had been playing a significant role in household or in couple’s relationship. The lack of it, could trigger a serious problem in the family union or the abundance of it may turn loose a closely knit-family ties.

Only when one turn to God for help can the piece of jigsaw be returned in place to complete the puzzle. I had a serious talk with my friend one afternoon to let her know that God doesn’t want her to be in debt. I know she is a hardworking person and have so much gifts that God had given her. She is resourceful, friendly, trustworthy and God fearing person. Combine these attitudes with those gifts that God gave her she could overcome difficulties without resorting to shameful vicious borrowing. I know God’s Word has been working in her, she may just be ignoring them. After a few days she opted to be a neighbors’ peddler, taking a commission for every goods she has sold. She learned to scrimp the little money that she have and God is continually blessing her, the friendly neighbors could just be around for help.

Romans 13:7-8

"Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor"

8 "Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that love another had fulfilled the law

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Complete Prescription Eyeglasses + Case at only $8

2008-08-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

A discreet buyer always looks for quality and aesthetic value of product. In zenni optical you’ll find both and more so at low prices. A line-up of various eyeglasses are indeed an Incredible stylish new frames from Zenni. At 1.57 High Index lens complete prescription, Zenni Optical $ 8 Rx Eyeglasses.

Zenni Optical has been a global price and volume leader in very affordable yet high quality and stylish prescription eyeglasses which they sell online. You’ll find huge selection of frames, with single vision lens, sun sensor (photo chromatic) lens, tinted sunglasses lens, bifocal lens and progressive lens. The secret to Zenni’s low prices is that they sell only their own manufactured frames direct to the customer, with no middlemen and virtually no advertising budget.

To show how popular the product is, Zenni optical was on FOX news! which is now making waves online.

The Joy of Motherhood

2008-08-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

From the time of conception to the time of giving birth to a baby, a woman’s emotion is a mixture of excitement, fear, joy and uneasiness practically because she would be entering motherhood; a blessed opportunity that a woman could have.

Having a child is a gift from God, A mother is given the responsibility to feed her child, to nurture, to caress and to guide till the child’s grown to make a life of her own.

A woman may have realized that her responsibility as a mother is inexhaustible, though she may learn the trade but being inexperienced of its demands could sometimes create a disharmony within her.

But despites the odds the mother never ceased to love her child, it is maternal instinct. The most intimate bonding of human experience is between the mother and the child. No one can ever influence a child greater than her mother and the mother would always demand the best for her child.

A mother who truly loves her child never stops praying for her, it is the only way that she could unburden herself of the constant fear she normally feels for her child.

Her consolation at last is to see her child grown up to be a successful person, serving God in exceeding gladness of heart. The training and wisdom that a mother bestowed to her child have not gone in vain.

Proverbs 31:11-2

The sayings of King Lemuel-an oracle his mother taught him:
2 “O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,”
3 Do not spend you strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.

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SING PRAISES TO THE LORD

2008-07-30T03:36:00.000-07:00

God is glorified when we sing praises to Him. Churches today are not only confined to classical tune being sung by church choral group. Loud music accompanied by rock band often fills the air of the whole church auditorium. This kind of music may not suit the old-fashioned personality especially for a first time visitor of the church who was imbibed in accepting solemn music as the sole sanctified one. The lyrics of the song makes the difference, if we sing praises to His name, rejoicing, thanking and putting the Lord’s name above high than God is overwhelmingly glorified. It is the joyful spirit in us which stripped us of all the shame and timidity and joyfully admonishes us to sing aloud in praising His name. Are there any excuses that restrain us from doing so?

In the old testament, when King David was able to bring back the ark of God into his city , he was exceedingly glad and was rejoicing and dancing in front of his people and servants. Dressed with linen ephod, he was dancing mightily unmindful of the way he appears to his people, and likewise his people were shouting with the sound of a trumpet. When Michal, David’s wife sew him, she despised him in her heart so after the people went to each own home, David went to his house to bless his household, but Michal greeted him with indignant words rebuking him of the shameful act he did in front of his servants’ people. But God’s wrath is upon Michal that He punished her by not giving her any child unto her death.

Somebody had told me, that it makes good and feel blessed when you sing praises to the Lord in the morning. I did and surely I feel God’s spirit is alive and He’s shredding off all the negatives thoughts in my heart. You may try it too.

Psalm 150

1 Praise the Lord!. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty firmament!

2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lyre and harp!

4 Praise Him with the tambourine and dance; praise Him with stringed
instrument and flute

5 Praise Him with loud cymbals, praise Him with clashing cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!

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Are You Guilty of Gluttony?

2008-07-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

There are no periods in history when obesity has become a prominent problem than these present days. Advertising billboards are filled with ads on slimming and dietary programs. These kinds of ads are coming up everyday in response to the growing number of obese among the people especially those in industrialized country. With so much food on the table and the presence of food stalls on every corner of the street, how can one evade from the enticing smells of foods?

What is gluttony?

Gluttony is an over indulgence in foods and drinks or eating and drinking so much in excess of what the body needs. A glutton person is unmindful of the consequences, he drinks and eats all his heart out what his appetite pleases and does not mind whether it is good for his health or not. A glutton has no control of himself, he is a voracious eater and drinker, he doesn’t practice moderation and in some extent he doesn’t think of tomorrow and is synonymous with greed. The Bible has a best picture of glutton person:

The Parable of the Rich Fool Luke 12:16-21

“ And he told them this parable. “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop,

17 – He thought to himself, “What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.”

18”Then he said. This is what I’ll do, I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.

19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”

20”But God said to him ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”

21”This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”

Although there is no mention of the word gluttony in the Bible, from its very definition the word entails a negative character and therefore consider a sin.

When a person has lost its temperance in consuming the foods and drinks he likes very much, he is not only inviting an evil control on his mind but in most cases he becomes addicted to it. That could produce an adverse effect in his body system.

The problem with the glutton person lies on his decision to exercise temperance and moderation in consuming foods and drinks. Drugs and Medical help can be available for support but only for the moment. If the core source of problem have not been addressed directly, it could become recurrent.

God wants us to submit every details of our life to Him. If we lost our self-control God can be our strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me. My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Treading the Path to Drug Rehab

2008-07-19T00:14:00.000-07:00

Drug rehab is the last chance for a drug addict to bring back the sobriety in his normal life after having succumbed to drug dependency and abuse. All efforts done outside drug rehab to beat drug addiction would be futile. This requires the prompt action of every member of the family to convince the drug victim to enroll himself to drug rehab program before everything else becomes too late. However, anyone enrolling to a drug rehab program should have to face the reality that there is a problem that he himself can't solve. He should admit his weaknesses and vulnerability and so one might incur difficulty to face the truth. When it happens don’t hesitate to do it, drug rehab has been working its purpose of bringing back the lost self-esteem, joy and hope and let the drug victim continue to enjoy vital things in life.

Drug rehabcan repair the damage and whatsoever cost the successful drug program might entails it's all worth it. The important thing is, the drug victim has fully undergone a meaningful drug recovery.

Taking into consideration the features and extent of professionalism by the personnel handling the drug rehab, I was given the chance to view the Drug Rehab Sunset Malibu, their center offer the most gentle and effective alcohol detox, drug addiction treatment and depression treatment. Their caring and nurturing staff is well-equipped to handle the needs of anyone suffering from the ills of eating disorder, pain killer addiction, or substance abuse. They are one of the top California drug rehab centers supplying the best in addiction recovery, as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

They have no standard addiction treatment, every program is tailored to the specific needs of each individual. They have designed the program unique for each person that means, the addiction treatment approach would be based on the data collected from the drug victim. The staff handling the drug victim is more than an expert and professionally trained personnel, they understand the drug victim too well because they have been in their situation.

We don’t know what’s going on through the mind of a drug addicts. Definitely this person needs help and the only person who can best give him the right prescription drug abuse is a person who is knowledgeable of all the necessary treatment requirements, one who cares and dedicated to helping the drug victim regain his full self

An Invitation to Homosexual

2008-07-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

One Sunday morning I was listening to a personal testimony of one of the members of the Christian Church. It was a heartwarming declaration of faith from a former gay as how the man described himself in front of the congregation. He was a sexual pervert, a drug addict, wine bibber, a confused and rebellious child, and an insecure helpless individual. There was nobody to turn to for assistance when his once abled body has gutted by illnesses due to concentration of alcohol and prohibited drugs in his organs. It was in that desolate state when a Christian friend made pronouncement of God’s healing power and forgiveness of sins. As he was being brought to the hospital, the sounds of his friend’s’s words were like a thousand watts of hope to his aimless mind. “God loves the sinners but not the sins”. The stray of hope seems to sparkle in his downcast spirit as never had he experienced before. After months of being confined in hospital and through the supervision of his friend he was physically recovered. But his mental, emotional and spiritual well beings were undergoing a transformation process. He started attending Bible classes and meditating on God’s words alone by himself. The Words of God is more than medicine to his spiritual illnesses that has guided him in his battle against sexual perversion.

I had also the chance to watch on television program the testimony of former gay who was so remorseful that God’s words of salvation came to him after he undergone a sex changed. It was a stupid thing for him to have done so. But turning to God’s for salvation was never too late.

Isaiah 1:18 - “Come now, and let us reason together, say the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow: though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

To my gay and lesbian friends; I don’t believe that it was normal to be a homosexual and live a life of a sexual pervert. God has a message for you.

Romans 1:21-32
21 For although they knew God , they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

22. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools

23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.

25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised. Amen.

26Because of this, God gave them over in shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.

27In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.

29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,

30Slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;

31they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.

32Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

The Words of God is very clear that He does not allow same sex marriage as this will be an abomination to God.

PREDICTION FOR THE WORLD

2008-07-01T22:01:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail from Filipino Christian group in Saudi Arabia. It was an alarming message about the impending disaster that would inflict the Philippine soil. It is a prediction coming from a reliable source, when I say reliable all those prediction this person prophesied have come true and there are still coming predictions that we have to watch. I would like everybody to pay attention to this.

please read on and pray not to happen...............

This was a forwarded email. It may be true or not but we know that our God is in control no matter what. He has a reason & purpose for everything.

Uncanny Prophesy: What will happen to the world and to the Philippines at 2008

Mr. Juseleeno Nobulega DaRoose is Brazilian, born in 1960, 47 years old now, his occupation is a teacher, he is a normal citizen, having a very poor life with his wife and kids. All the events which Mr. Juselleno predicted had clear indication of the year, month date of the disasters, incase any third party wants to confirm the facility of his prophesy, Mr. Juselleno always put the story which he predicted to the notarization office or post office for the approval.

Somebody asked him, how old did he start the prophesy dream, he answered: 9 years old, from 1969, he dreamed 3 events a day, sometimes 9 events, the times he dreamed is different every day. He said all the prophesy dreams were automatically in his dream. When Mr. Juseleeno was 19 years old, he met the famous Brazilian prophesy Saint Mr. Franciscoshabiz, after that the worldwide disaster events were increased in his prophesy dream. Mr. Franciscoshabiz was two times the candidate for the Nobel Prize, he is a very famous differential functional person, at the same time he is also the Charitarian. The events which Mr. Juseleeno predicted are already more than 80000, firstly let’s look at below a few big worldwide events and huge disaster from his prophesy.

July 18, 2008 - Philippines will get 8.1 earthquake, thousands of people will die.

PLS. LET US BE ALERT AND MARK THIS DATE JULY 18, 2008, FRIDAY. LET’S BE PREPARED,
AND

IF POSSIBLE: PLS. DON’T GO TO WORK ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH OFFICE LOCATED IN HIGH PLACES, BUILDINGS, CONDOS AND MALLS.

NOTHING TO LOSE IN THIS KIND OF REMINDER. MAYBE, THIS IS GOD’S WAY TO SAVE YOU, YOUR FAMILY , YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR OFFICEMATES OR LESSEN CASUALTIES.

LET’S ALL PRAY AND MARK THIS DATE.

PLS. FORWARD TO ALL YOUR CONTACT LIST TO WARN YOUR RELATIVES, FRIENDS AND YOUR LOVED ONES AND ALL PEOPLE LIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES .

AGAIN: REMEMBER JULY 18, 2008 – HAVE AN ALARM ON THIS DATE.

IF YOU WANT TO READ MORE….
　　
◎ Princess Diana was assassinated;
Mr. Juseleeno sent a warning letter to Diana via post office on 4th March,1997 “ I got the message from the God that someone is planning to kill you in the car accident, your life will be dangerous, 7 angels told me about this. You may die in this car accident and the specialist may close this case as a driving mistake, but they are totally wrong. The murder is close to you…. And it will happen before 2000”
Juseleeno also send this warning letter to the time, Darlytelegraph and Guardian etc. new agents in England , but never published. The car accident was happened on 31st August,1997, 5 month after the warning letter was sent out. Just as the prophesy said that the case was closed as driving mistake. The accuracy of this prophesy is not only to predict the huge event but also the truth of the intrigue behind the event. There are a lot of rumors after the accident, Diana was killed by the England royal family centered by queen Elizabeth.

The prophesy said it will happen before 2000, though there isn’t exact date on, but this prophesy was sent to the president(FernandoH enriqueSilvaCard oso) of Brazil 2 years before the accident and mentioned about “from 1997 to 98 that Diana will die” etc.
◎ The second attack of World Trade Center , it is 911
Jeseleeno sent the warning letter to the president of USA in 1989, the warning letter had also published at a notarization office which run by Mr. Klicheeba in the town of Palana . This warning letter also predicted that the World Trade Center will get the first attack in 1993, though there was no exact date on but the second attack was clearly told 11th September,2001. Everyone knew the result, the first attack was happened on 26th Feb.1993 three and half year after the warning letter sent out, the parking place was blow up and many people injured, the second attack was happened on 11th Sept.2001, 13 years after the warning letter sent out, it is the 911.

The exclamatory thing is, this prophesy also told about Afghanistan and Iraq war will start after 911, after Iraq lost, the president Haisan will run to Adawr the middle of Iraq etc. are all in the letter, like you all know, the events in the prediction letter were happened one by one.

◎ Sumatra Indonesia earthquake
Juseleeno sent the warning letter about Indonesia Sumatra Earthquake to the India Embassy on 16th September, 1996, about 8 years before the disaster. This warning letter predicted that there will be 8.9 earthquake in Aceh Indonesia in the morning of 26th December,2004. India and Indonesia will be attacked by the tsunami. He sent the warning letter to the president of Indonesia on 30th April, 1997, the letter is about “ I dreamed that 7:00am 26th Dec, 2004, South Asia will be attacked by 8.9 earthquake, at the same time will get the tsunami, the area will be Aceh Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maladiv, Bombay. And many people will be dead……
The result is- the earthquake was happened at 07:58am 26th Dec. More than 200000 people dead, the biggest tsunami was about 30 meters, a lot people were dead by the tsunami. He also sent the same letter to Indonesia , Philippine, Thailand and other Embassies. He also got the thanks letter from these countries.

The thanks letter from Meigawadi said “ about the 2004 earthquake and tsunami, to prevent the disaster, we must do a lot of things, but in another hand, we can do nothing”. The thanks letter from Indonesia Embassy said “…..we will send this letter to our government, if you have any update information, please let us know”.

From above information, Juseleeno already predicted that there will be more than 200000 people die in the tsunami and earthquake 8 years before the disaster, he sent the warning letter with detail date on to these countries, but nobody did any preventive measures.

The writer pick up a few events which Juseleeno predicted for the future.

2007
Tornado attacked Brazil , thousands people dead.
2007 or July of 2008 Japan will get earthquake and get 30 meters tsunami.
Japan will get earthquake and typhoon in October, He predicted that the huge typhoon will happen on 26th October in the warning Letter
USA will get the terror attack on 17th December.

2008
Will find the medicine for AIDS and Dengue
18th July, Philippine will get 8.1 earthquake, thousands people will die
The Empire State Building New York will get terror attack in September.
13th of September, China will get 9.1 earthquake in Nanning and Hainan, at the same time will get 30 meters Tsunami, millions people will die, the tsunami may go to Japan Directly.

2009
25th January. 8.9 earthquake will attacked Japan , Hundred thousands people will die.
November, Japan will get earthquake again. Thousands people will die.
Brazilian government can not pay the insurance because of the finance problems. Will get the riot.
24th August, Istanbul Turkey will get 8.9 earthquake. The road will be parted.
16th December, Sumatra Indonesia will get 7.8 earthquake. Thousands people will die.

2010
The temperature will reach 58 degrees in many countries of Africa , at the same time will lack of water.
15th June, the New York stock market will be
The temperature in Africa will reach 58 degrees, it is unbelievable number, but in May 2007, people who travel around Africa said the temperature in Greece and Turkey are already 39-40 degrees, Iraq and Arabia is about 45-46 degrees, it is possible to happen in the summer but not in may, we can imagine that in the summer of 2010, the world will become warmer and Africa will get the high temperature.

2011
Will found the treatment for Cancer. But another new cancer will occur.
A serious disease will occur, it will be called ALS, People will die after 4 hours get ALS
Bird flu H5N1 will infect to human, 7300000 people will die till 2013.

Mr.Juseleeno’s prophesy is not only for the disease and earthquake but also for the exact name. For example the formal US president Gore famous book “ An Inconvenient Truth”. The name of tornado which will attack Brazil, and thousands people will die, the name of infectious disease ( ALS), the name for San Francisco’s earthquake ( the Big One) and etc. events. ◎2012年
2012The area of glebe will be extended regarding the aridity and become desert, from 2015 till 2020, the trees will disappear in Amazon. From 6th Dec. the sky will start the black cloud time, it is called weather cloudy. Human start die because of the infectious disease’s overspread. 2013 Find the treatment for cancel except the brain cancel. Bahamas of West Indies, from 1st Nov. till 25th the Volcano will break out and bring the earthquake too, after that will be 150 meters huge tsunami, about 80 meters tsunami will go to Caribbean, About 15 kilometer to 20 kilometer to USA , Brazil and other countries. The sea will go down 6 meters before the tsunami and the birds will move away too. Mr.Juseleeno predicted that when the cats and dogs know the disaster is coming, they want to get away from the venue, they will have strange behaviors 24 hours before the disaster, so we can use that for the standard of judgment. 2014 The small planet will be closer to the earth and may knock together, the exist of this small planet will influent the issue of human live. 2015 In November, the average temperature will reach 59 degrees, many people will die, the world confusion will be bigger. 2016In the middle of April, huge typhoon will attach some cities of China , about one thousand people will die. The US president Bush will be in the hospital suddenly, has serious sickness. 2018 About the issue of small planet will be closer to the earth, the leaders of each country will gather together to discuss the countermeasure, Mr. Juseleeno already predicted in 2000, and informed the NASA of USA about the exist of the small planet. On 31st June,2002, NASA confirmed and called this small planet 2002ZNT7」。 2019 May find out the science power solution, if the small planet knock together, 1/3 population of the world will die. Mr. Juseleeno predicted that the percentage for the small planet knock the earth will be 60% . In June, the east sea of Japan will get the Tsunami, bigger then the Indonesia tsunami. ◎2025年

2025 Astronomer will find new planet, it may knock the earth again, the possibility will be 80%. ◎2026年

2026 In July, San Francisco will get huge earthquake, it is called “ the big one”, San Andreas Fault will be destroyed, California will disappear, a lot of crater will start again, the tsunami will be more than 150 meters. ◎2043年

2043 The world population reduced, about 80% people dead in the disaster. Will 2008 Beijing Olympic Game be held smoothly?
As above said, in 2008, China will get 9.1 earthquake and more than millions people will die, according to Mr. Juseleeno’s prediction that the earth quake will be 13th September,2008, and Olympic will hold on 8th August-24th, In this schedule, the earthquake will happen after Olympic, but before the big earthquake, there will be a lot of small earthquake, it will make the country and people upset.There will be a lot of small earthquake before the big one, although Juseleeno didn’t predict the exact date, but if we presume the small earthquake will happen one or two month before and it may be the period of Olympic, if so it may make the host and athletes give up. When the writer read this prophesy from Juseleeno, he suddenly remember the space time traveler John Titoer’s last word “ 2004 Athens Olympic Game will be last one”
But, if the earthquake is in the south of China , Nanning and Hai Nan, and there are no Olympic games, the Beijing Olympic Game will close successfully. But the problem is that China government is only care about the reputation and the success of the Olympic game, ignore the small earthquakes, and no preparation before the big one. China may control the report, closed all the news . If so there will be a big disaster as the prophesy said. In Mr. Juseleeno’s warning letter said “ if there is no preparation to protect the citizens, will get huge loss’
Mr. Juseleeno also predicted that glacier period is coming.
He also has the right prophesy for the weather, one of them is, in 2003, Europe got high temperature, 29th October, 2001, the warning letter said “ the nature world will beat back to the world, the temperature of France, Germany and Portugal will become higher, more than ten thousand people will die, this disaster will happen between 2003 and 2004” . the truth is, the temperature in the summer of 2003 had reached the highest one which they’ve never had in Europe, about 35.000 people dead, especially France and Germany , about 14,000 people dead in France and 7000 people dead in Germany .From Mr.Juseleeno’s prophesy, the earth temperature will get higher every year, till 2012, the temperature in Africa will reach 58 degrees and the same time will have serious water problem, after the temperature will be even higher, till 2015, the average temperature of earth will reach 59 degrees, a lot of people will die, the human will get frighten all over the world. If this is the truth, the countries will war against each other because of the aridity and not enough food, Mr. Jeseleeno also predicted that there will be some new wars because of the aridity, but he didn’t have clear prophesy, but he felt it won’t be the normal war.
Anyway, the temperature is getting higher is not like the aerography said ( the speed is very slow), actually very quick. However the warmness seems not always incessancy, after the high temperature, a big part of ice of Greenland and South Pole will be dissolved and go to the sea, the circulation of the sea will be lower and become colder, it means a new glacier time. In Juseleeno’s prophesy seems also said after 2027, there will be a new glacier. Details of the prophesy as below:The volcano of America yellow park will break out, the smoke and magma will go 1,600 kilometer far, Kansas , Nebraska , Montana will all get damaged. The break out of the volcano is not only in Yellow park, but also some other place in the world. these smoke will blot out the sun, the circulation of see will stagnate and active the cold phenomena.

Eir and kol got Nobel awardAs we all know, the formal president Gore dedicate on study of earth temperature, his famous book “ An Inconvenient Truth” was made to a movie and also get the Oscar award. Actually 19 years ago, Mr. Juseleeno already predicted about this, the phophesy had been published on Moon Magazine in June, in the end of may, before the publish, the editor told the writer about this, I really got surprised for a while..
According the letter which Juseleeno sent to Gore, this prophesy letter already inform Gore that from 1993 to 2001 he won’t be the vice president anymore, he will dedicate on protect the world environment activities, and he will write a book “An Inconvenient Truth” to become famous, the English letter Juseleeno wrote to Gore also told the books name and he will get the 2007 Nobel award, we will know this autumn, Let’s looking forward for the prophesy for Mr. Gorel. We can’t deny Mr. Juseleeno’s prophesy.
There are not much time for Human, from December 2007, the Black Cloud will extend all over the world, as Mr. Juseleeno predicted that if the human still keep the actuality, human will have terrible life from 2008 till 2012 , the black cloud will full of the sky before the disaster. If we want the disaster, and war stay away from us, the deadline for human is the end of 2007. Mr. Juseleeno expected the world consciousness will change in the end of 2007.
The situation is very serious now, if we still want to depend on other’s power, Mr. Juseleeno’s prophesy “ the black future” will happen. We must understand the serious situation, individual to individual, group to group, country to county, hold you own responsibility, take action, because the deadline will come soon.
Inability and tiny ability is totally different, inability is no matter whatever we do, it won’t help. But tiny ability mean more people contribute and the power will become strong. We have do start from ourselves, one people’s power is small but if we put everyone’s power together, It will be strong to change the future disaster.

Let us pray that our loved ones will spare from this disaster.

Understand the Meaning of Christianity

2008-06-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

As knowledge increases man’s restlessness to find meaning to life likewise increases, which pave him to search for inner peace and contentment; thus, the creation of religion born from man’s self- exploration of God or designing of his own god.

The Old Testament of The Holy Bible has various stories of man’s disobedience of God’s laws and his deviation from God’s own plan for human life. It is therefore, sin has been innate to man since the beginning of his creation. The Bible as the tenet of truth of God’s Word shows the ever rebellious character of man against God. And God knows the natural instinct of man to sin. To please God, man has designed his own way to impress his Creator. Take the story of Cain and Abel, from which Cain has chosen fruits from the soil as an offering to God and Cain offers the fattest from some of firstborn of his flock. God favors Abel’s offering than Cain. This thing angered Cain and he slain his brother Abel. And so Cain got his punishment. Pleasing God in man’s own way is the beginning of man’s religious act. Taking the definition of religion from the Bible,

James 1:26 -27 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep himself from being unspotted from the world.

Who have been pure, who have lived unspotted by the world? Can anybody claim his purity in the eyes of God? The Bible says,

Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God
.
To hide his imperfection man continues to reach for God and searching happiness and completeness thru various forms of religions, rituals and philosophy. Religion is a way of man to reach God through philosophy, morality and vast thinking. Man established religion out of pride, greediness and selfishness. They wanted to please God by their own ways yet they fall short of God’s glory. This is one reason why God the father has sent His only son Jesus Christ to save man from His sin. Man has no right to question His kindness and mercy. Christianity is way of God to reach man. There is no known person on earth who established Christianity whom the Christians exalts and glorify, except for one Son of God that has to be in the form of man so He could offer His life for the salvation of mankind. This is a gift from God and the only way that man should do is to accept the gift. We can’t reach heaven by our own way of thinking; we all stand in the mercy of God.

Jesus Christ as the only true messiah

Many have testified that Jesus Christ of Nazareth had really lived on earth and many have witnessed His miracles and glory. The history proved so and only God can perform such miracles. He is the only messiah that has lived died and risen. His death on the cross signified His finished job yet, He was resurrected that symbolized His triumph over death and that completed the gift of salvation to mankind. There are no greater sacrifices done on earth than the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Before He ascended to heaven He promised to His disciples that a comforter, the Holy Spirit will come down to them that will give them power to testify to men and be a witness of Jesus Christ’s glory to all the people of the land. And by the power of the Holy spirit they too have performed miracles in the name of Jesus Christ. These disciples were first called Christians in Antioch, (Acts 12:26) many have been baptized and was added to the church and new believers increased in number and as Christ commanded them to do, they spread the gospel to all parts of the world, reaching as far as Asia, Africa, Europe and America that which gave birth to the mission of Christianity. The history of Christianity was written in blood, as what Jesus Christ said, the follower is no greater than the master. The followers will also suffer what the master did. Many Christian martyrs were persecuted, they were slain and suffered in the name of Christ, but the sacrifices and sufferings did not go in vain; new believers were born, many eyes were opened to the truth, the oppressors become the oppressed, the tyrants transformed to become the defender of the gospel and there were such a great spiritual revival after the ascension of Christ to heaven. His crucifixion and obedient to death does not confirm the assumption of many non-believers that He is a weak God, but rather it shows the fathomless love of God to mankind, that He has paid the price of our sin, so that we can all have access to heaven thru His Son Jesus Christ. This is the good news of New Testament.

And as the gospel is being preached to all people in the world, all the believers are awaiting for Jesus Christ’s second coming.

John 14:1-3
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also In me.
In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

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Chinese' Show of Heart After Quake

2008-05-29T02:57:00.000-07:00

China’s quake is the biggest disaster to hit Asia so far this year. A month after Myanmar was ravished by cyclone which wrecked thousand of houses and human life estimated to have reached more than 25,000 death, China followed then with bigger blow after a magnitude of 7.9 in the Richter scale ripped the hills at Sichuan province on the afternoon of May 12. For the update the death toll has passed the 60,000 and expected to climb the 70 to 80,000 level as there are roughly 30,000 still missing. The workers have not abandoned the search but face the slim chance of salvaging lives. The disaster left 5 million homeless. The government has begun the urgent effort to reconstruct temporary homes complete with schools and garbage collection but there was a desperate need for more tents

I’m following news on China and everyday the situation is even worsening because of the landslide and debris that blocked the Jianjiang river above the town and county of Beichuan in mountainous Sichuan province. The blocked river has formed more lakes and after the major quake it was followed with numerous aftershocks that cause water from the lakes to rise higher and swollen and this poses an impending danger for massive flood. Government has evacuated more than 150,000 people living near the lake.

My conceived image of China as robust rising giant has altered dramatically after quake having read the show of subdued humility. These are copies of the news:

The government officials have welcomed the international medical assistance and a growing number of countries responded to the call.

As reported, a growing number of Chinese people have united in the country in an unprecedented way. Countless ordinary people in China are joining hands in relief work for Sichuan earthquake victims.

There were long queue of people in front the blood donation vehicle in every city including the skinny girl who weighed less than 90 pounds

Every individual opened his pocket and donated part of their hard-earned money to earthquake victims. A number of business owner have been donating large amount of money even without the benefits of tax-exemption system.

In one interview the Chinese farmer told the media : “This is part of Chinese virtues and spirit, if one suffers in other place everyone else helps.”

Flags in the country remained at half-staff and entertainment events canceled on the second day of a three-day national mourning period declared by the Chinese government, an unprecedented gesture normally reserved for dead state leaders. The Olympic torch relay also was suspended.

A group of devotees trooped to the government-controlled church to attend prayers for the victims of earthquake.

Amidst the growing nationalism among the young Chinese one worshipper, 58-year old retirees, Liang said disaster had changed her views on China’s place in the world and shown her that globally all share the same troubles. This shows that there are no banners, no nationalities when it comes to disasters.

China is faced with insurmountable and tedious work for the next years ahead as a result of the damage caused by the earthquake. This is the most destructive disaster in decades.

China needs your help:
Network for Good: Help earthquake victims
Mercy Corps: Donate online
Int’l Red Cross/Red Crescent Management
World Visions Sponsor a child.

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A PRAYER FOR THE WORLD

2008-05-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

(This prayer for the world was recited during the “Global Day of Prayer” attended by different Christians congregations in Manila, Philippines held on May 10, 2008)

Almighty God- father, Son and Holy Spirit, together with believers all over the world, we gather today to glorify Your Name. You are the Creator of heaven and earth. There is no one like You, holy and righteous in all your ways. We submit to Your authority as the King of the universe. We pray with one voice to enthrone You in our hearts and to honor You before the world.

Our Father in heaven, thank You for loving the world so greatly, You gave Your only Son to die on the cross for our sins so that we could be reconciled to You. We are grateful to call You Father and to be called Your children. Nothing can separate us from Your love.

Lord Jesus Christ, You alone are worthy to open the scrolls of history, for Your were slain and have redeemed us to the Father by your blood. We confess that You are head of the Church and Lord of all heaven and earth. May people from every tribe and language become Your followers so that Your blessing brings transformation among all the people.. Let Your kingdom be established in every nation of the world so that governments will rule with righteousness and justice. And may Your Name be great, from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Father of mercy and grace, we acknowledge that we have sinned and that our world is gripped by the power of sin. Our hearts are grieved by injustice, hatred and violence. We are shamed by oppression, racism and bloodshed in our land. We mourn all loss of life in murder, war and terrorism. Our homes are broken and our churches are divided by rebellion and pride. Our lives are polluted by selfishness, greed, idolatry and sexual sin. We have grieved Your heart and brought shame to Your Name. Have mercy on us as we repent with all our hearts.

Spirit of the living God, apart from You, we can do nothing. Transform your Church into the image of Jesus Christ. Release Your power to bring healing to the sick, freedom from the oppressed and comfort to those who mourn. Pour out Your love into our hearts and fill us with compassion to answer the call of the homeless and the hungry and to enfold orphans, widows and the elderly in Your care. Give us wisdom and insight for the complex problems we face today. Help us to use the resources of the earth for the well-being of all.

Lord, tear down strongholds and ideologies that resist the knowledge of God. Remove the veil of darkness that covers the people. Restrain the evil that promotes violence and death. Fill us with courage to preach Your word fearlessly, and to intercede for the lost faithfully.

King of Glory, come and finish Your work in our cities, our people and our nations. We lift our voices in unison with believers from Africa and Asia, from the Middle East and Europe, from North and South America and from Australia and the Pacific islands. As Your deeds increase throughout the earth, and as Your blessings abound to all the nations, they will seek You, asking “Who is this King of Glory?” Together we will answer: “He is the Lord Almighty Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” Come fill the earth with Your glory as the waters cover the sea! Amen!

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On God's Purpose

2008-05-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

I’d like to give my apology to those people following my blog for the delay in my posting
There are things that need to be fixed; financial, family and all that. Every weekend I give my personal caring for my mother-in-law who already needs care at the age of 80. She was detected of stage two cancer, though the tumor found on her intestine was already removed, another tumor near the anus is found. Chemotherapy is not an advisable cure at her age and only the herbal and food supplement are the hopeful alternative medicine to give her and these are to be given in larger dosage. Needless to say, these could amount to a little lesser cost of chemotherapy.

A poor woman fighting for her life-I admire her for being a strong-willed woman. I couldn’t forget the words she whispered to her son as she was driven to the operating room, that she wanted to live. The cost of operation and hospital bills were really staggering but who doesn’t want to let her live. Her children of 6 boys all of them were already family-man started contacting each other on how to settle the bill and each one contributed their money and efforts. It’s another scenario worth emulating, the concerted effort of the children to prolong their mother’s life. .

She is now home with the 7th youngest child, a retarded woman at the age of 41 though she is trainable she couldn’t perform a delicate task for herself and my mother-in-law has no capacity at all to give her usual caring to her only daughter. They now both need a care giver. It’s an additional burden for her two family-children living within the compound of her home; the other siblings who are living apart are also extending help to their one and only living parent.

I have one remarkable word to describe my mother-in-law she was a “disciplinarian” mother who never tolerate her children’s mishandling of each own family. All her six boys have been a good husband and father to each of their children. She devoted the long years of her life in caring for her retarded child, after her late husband died of cancer when the child then was nine years old. With only a small store as the source of her income and meager help she was receiving from other children she was able to nourish her daughter and given her a clean, sanitary and well pampered life. The retarded child should have grown into a beautiful attractive woman had she not succumbed to meningitis during her 11th months old. The cost of brain surgery was too expensive for the couple to handle. The child was left to retardate growth.

Were all these things on God’s purpose? This is the question that’s lingering my mind. As I look at the face of a retarded woman, a face of an innocent child in a woman’s body I could only smile back at her and would like to tell her some words, but I know she won’t understand, so then just whispers them to myself, “you are blessed because you are loved and pampered and you are not affected by the trouble in the world.. But no, I won’t wish to be in your place, I would rather feel the pain, the happiness, the boredom, the stupidity of the world and the joy of being in tune with God”

My mother-in-law would wish me to be with her, she is a woman of good wit and humor. She wanted to tell stories of her younger years and I wanting to listen. So I make a point to be with her every weekend. She wouldn't mind her condition of being driven in a wheelchair, she can manage to do some personal task for herself except for the waste plastic bag that attached to her tummy which making her feel uncomfortable. For her own good the children prefered not to tell her the true medical findings of her illness, and this has worked well to her advantage. She still maintains the good composure and positive outlook in life.

Ecclesiates 3:9-14
“What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil- this is the gift of God I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing can be taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him”

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BREAKING THE OLD HABITS

2008-04-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

They say breaking the old habits is laborious task to do. When you are accustomed to doing the things you love to do, it will never occur to your mind of stopping them, unless you find them not serving your purpose anymore. But then, it will not be that easy to switch nor to welcome change, for the long years those habits have maneuvered your daily functions and they almost have sprang into a vice. My friend has finally come to her senses and stopped her habit of borrowing things from neighbor. She said that she has started hearing nasty remarks and felt being shunned by people whom she regarded as friendly neighbors. The good thing is, she have realized that her negative habit is ruining her reputation as a friendly neighbor indeed.

Men suffered the hardest degree of altering their habits, or those habits that have developed into vice. My friend in college was already a widow at an early age; her husband had died of liver malfunction which he got from being an alcoholic for almost twenty years. It just started as spending a merry hour with his buddies for some drinking spree in restaurant after office hours. And soon they have it frequently. He would even take two or three bottles of beer before bed time and since then became habitual and before my friend appeal to him for a halt, it was too late; the alcohol has eaten up the portion of his brain. He declines any reason at all. He was too helpless to stop. This man was once an efficient manager of his company, with a good record standing and has bright future but all those assets have become incoherent to his reasoning. My friend quietly took the role of being the bread winner of the family after his husband remained bed ridden for a year. She maybe capable of meeting the primary needs of her family but definitely medical expenses for her husband was amply burdensome. Her husband have regretted those able times he had on hand when he should be enjoying happy days with his children rather than spending idle hours with obstinate habit.

We may not aware of it, but there are habit in us that unknowingly dragging us to the pit of death. The best thing to do is to crack it at the earliest time, before it engulfs our reason to quit. We should not let helplessness to pin us down. God cares, He is interested in every aspect of our life. One day when we face our creator, we would be accountable to whatever things we have done to ourselves.

I Corinthians 3:18
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him’ for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.

How many of us know that our body is sacred thing to God. We are the best and unique creature that God created because we were created after His own image. He has given us the free will, the only thing in us that God can’t touch. So that we can freely choose between good and evil, what is useful and harmful to our body and reap the fruit of our labor or else, the ill consequences of our willful acts.

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CAN YOU IMITATE CHRIST CRUCIFIXION?

2008-03-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Every year we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. And while Christians around the world remembers Christ death, there are still few who insistently exhume the already buried tradition of nailing themselves on the cross duplicating what Lord Jesus Christ did. I like to point out here some of the reasons for following the tradition:

they deny Christ gift of salvation,

they are convinced that they can repay their sins

they are totally ignorant of God’s law

We can’t duplicate what Christ did on the cross. What can be considered as a valid purpose of their seriously following the tradition is merely for a show as a tourist attraction. For me that sounds better.

The Bible says, (Hebrew 10:14) “Because for one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” If we may go back to the Old Testament, the Jewish rituals describes that there are several male bull or lambs of no blemishes which are being slew and burnt as an offering to God for the remission of their sins. But God has offered His Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross once and for all for the salvation of mankind. Needless to say, nailing on the cross was already done by our Lord Jesus, and this is the gift of God to us. If we want forgiveness for our sins, we can just surrender our life to Him and accept the gift of salvation. God is just waiting for us to come to Him and ask His forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness is not just a sheer blurting out of our woes and destitute condition but to ask Him intently to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let God take the driver seat of our life and let us be led to the right path where God purpose us to go. Is that easy? Of course, all that God requires of us is our wholehearted remorse and firm decision to dispel our old sinful nature so that God could start working for our new Christ-centered life.

If you have seen the movie “ The Passion of the Christ” directed by Mel Gibson, you would just imagine the great sufferings and pain that the Lord bore up to His death on the cross, can anybody dare to duplicate and imitate the same? Even the Father God couldn’t stay to see His Son bearing the sins of mankind, the reason why the Father temporarily turned His back from His Son. Being in the form of man, Jesus Christ could normally feel the wounds and pain on his body not only physically but emotionally, that He cried out loud;

Matthew 27:46 – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

But the good news is the Lord has risen after three days, simply put it, that He triumphantly passed from death to life. The same victory would one sinner experience if he commits his life to the Lord.

IICorinthians 4:17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

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How Should We Pray?

2008-03-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

How many times you commune with God? A religious person says, she always recites the rosary almost everyday. Is this your way of talking to God? To commune with God is to communicate intimately. One does it thru prayer, but prayer should be direct, brief and precise. Christ teaches man how prayer should be:

(Matthew 6:5-9) “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogue and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen, then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans for they think they will be heard because of this many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

Christ also gave a pattern on how one should pray, (Matthew 6:9-15)
“Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, you will be done on earth as is in heaven” Christ says, in your prayer you should address God as your Father and acknowledge His kingdom. This somehow emphasizes the contrast with the devil who is also called as the father and prince of this world. So it is important to address God as the Father who is in Heaven honoring Him as the Most High.

‘Give us this day our daily bread’ God is our provider so by asking Him to give us our daily sustenance glorify God.

‘ Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgave our debtors.’ God answers the prayer of the righteous and to be righteous in the eyes of God is to ask His forgiveness for our sins including the cleansing of our heart from all hatred and grudges. If you are holding grudges against somebody God will not forgive you also of your sins. You don’t come to God when your heart is full of hatred.

‘And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one,’ When you return back to God, the devil will lose his grip on you so he will try everything to win you back, he will try to find your weaknesses and tempt you. So as a child of God you should always ask God for protection and shielding from any temptation. (IPeter 5:8) Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary, the devil as a roaring lion, walk about, seeking whom he may devour.”

Lastly, we should ask the Father in Jesus name. (John16:24) In that day, you will no longer ask me anything , I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name Until now you have not asked for anything in my name, ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. Jesus Christ is our passport to Heaven, He has done one great sacrifice of His life for the salvation of mankind. In Him we received the spirit of adoption whereby we can cry to God as our Father which should have been exclusive only to Jesus Christ as He was the only begotten Son of God Through Christ we were able to reconcile with God the Father. And how the Father God honor His Son? (Philippians 2:5-11)
“Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God.
But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also have highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name;
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This is no surprise why Jesus Christ is being upheld overwhelmingly to this present age by all Christians around the world because He is the only messiah who died and has risen to symbolize his triumph over death
Jesus Christ is not the name to be feared but rather he is to be our hope, our freedom and our love. There is no need for a man to call for somebody to take the job of a mediator between Christ and man. Christ himself is the mediator between man and the father God.
We are missing a lot if we set aside the opportunity of turning to Christ for all our needs and salvation.
If God can care for the flowers, for the birds in the sky, for the living creatures under the sea and all the plants and trees how much more significance our life to our Heavenly Father.

OUR GREATEST HOPE IN THIS WORLD

2008-02-05T22:46:00.000-08:00

Something I observed from interacting with people, they have common woes; being in a situation of economic instability everyone seems to complain about the hardship of earning a living and worst, they always have somebody to blame. I do admit I am not a good counselor, or a keen problem solver. The least I can do is to empathize with them, and being a weakling myself I sometimes been carried away by their gripes and distress, I used to play a heroine in my eagerness to help, having to sacrifice my own financial needs, and so I ended up penniless with bigger problems to deal with. One thing I learned from this, that before anything else, God should be the first resort to ask for help. I realized then, that helping others and showing generosity without pointing to them the real answer to their deepest needs, or by failing to introduce them to Christ is like denying them the graces that they should have. The deed of kindness is commendable but I am just doing the same thing what unbelievers could do, and not doing what I can do. Somehow, my experience has taught me to become choosy in picking a friend.

I have a friend whom I met ten years ago, she started as our customer then slowly develop our friendship, we are of the same status, as being married to different faith also have two daughters. She is a Catholic and her husband is a son of a Baptist pastor while I’m married to a man with exactly an opposite belief than mine and whose doctrine was of a Deist. My former church was Baptist before I married my husband. My friend had an occasional visit to my place and we talked about our married life and family. But all those years I maintained my silence on Salvation, it’s because I was also having my own struggle against my husband’s religion and in her case, she admitted that she never find a spiritual truth in her husband or showed any difference from his buddies whom he frequently hang out for drinking spree. Though my friend has commended me for my being kind and generous, she never bothered me for financial help and so do I. I wanted to introduce Christ to her but I felt I was ineffective; having lost my testimony as solving financial problems by my own insight has hampered my growth for spiritual maturity.

God has His own way

When finally the Word of God has gotten in my senses, I firmly hold on to His promise when He said (Matthew 11:28-30) Come to me all of you who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yolk upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” I focused myself on the hope that God would ease my burden, indeed He fulfilled His promised. My husband has received a commissioned work with big pay enough to cover all the outstanding balances we had on our creditor and set aside for the education of my children. God had shown me His faithfulness, when I was starting to drift away He brings me back to His fold. After a few weeks, I was able to find a home church and actively participating in its activities. My friend who had witnessed my struggle has opened her heart to the call of salvation when I finally shared to her the gospel and gladly heed my invitation to come with me in the church.

Words to Meditate:

Proverbs 3:5-8)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

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Yearning For The Good Old Days

2008-01-25T00:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we tend to reminisce the past, there were those things in the past that we would like to go back to or trying to recall in our minds those pieces of events that we regretted to have occurred; or so, trying to convince ourselves that if we could go back to the past we could have fixed those mistakes. But sad to say, going back to the past happens only in the movie. For those whose minds have been stuck in the past yearn for the “good old days” which for them seem to be better and happier; that means, better government, glorious era and nobler people

Moses in the Old Testament was destined by God to lead the ancient Hebrew out from Egyptian’s bondage. But the same people failed to see the wonders that God had shown them. Many of them wanted to go back to Egypt even though it may mean their lifetime slavery under the ferocious Egyptian’s Pharaoh. They regarded the little difficulties they encountered on their way outside Egypt as more grievous than the cruelty they experienced in Egypt. They shortsighted God’s promised. Little wonder God have cancelled their passport to the Promised Land. (Number 14:23-29)

We may look at the past as our reference to the decision we are going to execute today as some would say “history repeats itself” and counting the blessings we had in the past reminds us of God’s faithfulness. Learning from the past mistakes is better than yearning for the glorious old days. For those whose lives are fixed and centered in Christ the good days are our daily trusting in God and the best days are always yet to come

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DEALING WITH THE IMPOSSIBLE PEOPLE

2008-01-19T03:31:00.000-08:00

There are times that our patience are being pushed to the limit with people who are seemingly impossible to deal with. We spent most of our time interacting with people by just being in a job for eight to ten hours or even longer and stayed with bunch of divers’ individual. How can one get along with somebody who is; insatiable, impatient, and wrathful.. I had the chance to work in a research and survey company and was assigned in the field to gather data from interviews with random sample group. After my training I was let loose in the field together with the supervisor. Upon looking at the indignant face of my supervisor I can already infer the kind personality she has and I was right then, she always repealed what I earlier discussed with the interviewee or chided me right in there only to magnify her presence. We were on our way finishing the last few interviews with repetitive scenarios. I was in total restrained to blow my top every time she would show her character while I keep praying that God hold my temper even more.

The following day I was thinking if I would quit my job but changed my mind when I was given a different task and alienated from my supervisor. I was informed later on that my co-workers have the same string of complain against my supervisor

It is in the workplace where you can find various characters and may at times taught you a lesson or at most drained your energy, that though how good and satisfactory your work it always run short to your boss or client’s liking.

It was my daughter’s first week of work and to her dismayed she has to deal with a wrathful old man boss of her who is in rage all the time and seems to threaten them to expel from the office every time he blows his top. It’s a second job for my daughter in Arab country at the onset of this year. I do admit that I’m a bit disturbed since my daughter has to deal with a totally different culture, faith and labor policy. I just entrusted my family to God in prayer that my daughter would able to deal with the situation.

I suppose a lot of you out there have encountered the same difficulty and problem in the field. Would you mind sharing your piece of advice, comment and experience?

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Looking Back To My First Internet Experience, E-Mailing and Blogging

2008-01-15T06:05:00.001-08:00

How I am amaze by these new tech coming up in the market today. First, we have a computer at home which was requested by my children to aid with their homework. I was also the busy user of computer and because of my typing skill I easily adapted myself into it, then after a few years my eldest daughter signed up for internet connection following her going abroad. My curiosity to try everything new has paved my way through the intricacies of internet, surfing opportunities and e-mailing were for my self-exploration then soon I was into blogging.
My blogging experience for the past five months was really a go-go not bad after all, considering my newbie in everything. I’m just happy to see my blog taking off , steadily gaining knowledge from other experienced bloggers and internet expertise just like bloggingmix, jackbook and the rest. Enjoying this activity is one therapeutic adventure to me as I become callous to other financial and household problems and also being analytical in my Christian living because I’m sharing this part of my life. Besides equipping myself with substantial knowledge from my internet searching, I have started discovering and accidentally able to surf some earning opportunities which is worth sharing with others. You can link to http://www.blogvertise.com/ for earning potential. Just like doing the things you normally do in your blog the blogvertise.com will pay you for doing the task that will be assigned to their member, it’s like writing a review of a particular product or just mentioned them in your blog. I’m sharing this to you to return the goodwill that was also referred to me by those generous bloggers I’ve known in the blogging community.
I’m certain that this year would be better than the past year much more for the people who trust God in every aspect of their life, and doing favorably for the good of others. Planning for my blog thoroughly and reviewing its weaknesses and strength is one key that I have learned and gained from other bloggers. I’m just excited to share new things not deviating from the Christian norms that I have been doing in my blog. Meanwhile for more earning opportunity I’m still into surfing for some others.

HONESTY IN THE WORKPLACE

2008-01-12T21:10:00.000-08:00

One could cook up some draft of dishonesty and casually charge it to just one gaga experience. I chuckle at the story of my niece’ friend who works in a packaging section of food processing company; she was able to sneak out those half-cooked prawns which she supposed to assort them for packaging but instead it went straight to her mouth. After her working hours, she ended up in a toilet bowl for sudden diarrheic attack.

I’ve known a girl whose favorite excuses for her absences in the office are the stomach ache and headache alternately. The following day after submitting her excuse letter she was interrogated by her superior and was asked about her condition, she overreacted by cringing her head intending to support her excuses, but she got a sarcastic retort instead. Her superior read to her the letter she made and she was utterly embarrassed for it was stomach ache the one she mentioned in her letter. As a punishment she was compelled to extend her leave of absence for one more week without pay.

These maybe some of the honest display of dishonesty (never mind the redundancy of words) which due to a miscalculated play of situation it fires back to the offender. These maybe consider petty offenses but to the offender the recipient of the damage is nobody but herself.

Thanks to some of the generous company that gives recognition to their outstanding employee, somebody who is honest deserves the award.

I once had a boss who exudes a very distinctive personality besides being immaculately clean and well polished all the time, he is an early bird never been late and seldom been absent in the office. He has clean reputation, diligent in work and cool. I’ve never seen him getting frantic on any situation. All the rank and file employees respect him; even our Director is being overwhelmed by his honesty and integrity. Yet, still there are few others who delve on playing up stories against him.

It could be hard for the person to emulate somebody who seems to be nearly perfect. Can there be any rule to attain perfection? I guess none, because we are distinct with each other. There is only one thing that God reminds us to do, that to please God should be our ultimate goal, yet we are not obliged to exert efforts for ourselves. God knows that we can’t because we are still in bondage of sin. God offers His love to us, that even though how imperfect we are we can be perfect in His eyes. Let us all be honest in ourselves we can’t please all men but we can please God.

(Colossians 3:23 )– “And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men”.

ANY WISH THIS YEAR, 2008?

2008-01-03T03:34:00.000-08:00

The usual way of welcoming the New Year is creating loud noises that go with firecrackers, sirens and all disturbing sounds that believed to drive away bad spirits also to dispel all the stubborn dregs of negative thoughts that refused to go. Somehow these noises help me ward off those unpleasant memories and experiences of the past year. Completing the celebration of the New Year’s eve after watching and be awed by the spectacular display of fireworks, we had this traditional sumptuous midnight dinner or the so called “media noche” with family and guests. Banter, jokes and humorous stories are part of the scene at home as whiling away the time in waiting for the strike of 12:00 midnight so we could start producing all kinds of noises as loud as we can. Celebrating the evening bring about a ray of hope expecting that something better is coming forth.

What’s up now this time?, What this year would bring to my family? These are queries that linger in my mind as I ask God in prayer. I was alone in my room, my daughter has just bid goodbye to her neighbor friends and went to bed after our midnight snack. My husband was with his bed-ridden mother together with other siblings at the house of my in-laws.

As I recollect my life for the past year, it was not so good in fact I was in low ebb lately for the past months thinking of our financial situation. But this is not the time to brood over everything; the beautiful thing is we had overcome those financial setbacks. I’m glad we have God that watches us 24 hours a day and God that never fails.

The past 2007 was a turbulent year for us, at the start of the year we transferred abode to our new home which is far from the capital city, I had to give up our former place where I also had my novelty store. It was not fit for residence anymore and besides it was up for renovation by the owner. Our new place is purely for residence only though I put up for sale those left over goods which I had on hand, I can only expect for a meager income. My eldest daughter who was newly married was petitioned by her husband to be with him in Saudi Arabia and worked. As both of them were first time immigrant they had to live up with stiff finances and begged off that she couldn’t be of help to us. My husband’s income as a full time artist was short of sustenance, the art market was on the rock bottom. My youngest daughter was in her 3rd year college and her study was foremost in our budget. It was the latter weeks of November when my mother-in-law was rushed to the hospital for emergency operation of her tumor in the intestine. At her age of 80 she still have the strong will to live. She survived the operation but was bed ridden with plastic bag attached to her tummy to replace the intestine. My husband would share his time and money with other sibling to attend to her mother’s needs. It was an additional burden and problem for us to handle. Our lacks of financial sources persist but God continue to bless us. There were those uncalled friends who would extend help to us. And every time we decided to discontinue my daughter’s study, my husband would receive a commissioned work. I know it was God’s way of teaching us to be patient and to put our trust in Him.

This year my daughter would be in her fourth year in Hotel and Restaurant Management and would start her practicum if God wills it, for as of this moment we still have no money on hand for her enrollment this coming week. I don’t know how God would provide. One thing I’m sure, He will provide.

I wish and pray that this 2008 would be a much better year not only for my family but for the whole world. God is in control He just want us to trust in Him.

Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

What Does Christmas Mean To You?

2007-12-12T23:24:00.000-08:00

As Christmas approaches, the shopping malls start to flood with colorful Christmas decors, toys, apparel and furniture. Sales and gift-giving are typical events during this season. In some Christian countries like the Philippines the countdown for Christmas starts at the onset of ber months starting with September. This means Christmas carols would be audible during this month: similarly, preparations could be underway, shops and bazaar are taking its cue to plan for the season’s extravaganza, employees are looking forward to salary bonuses, children are awaiting for new dresses, shoes and toys. Schools are concocting for stage shows and parties. With lots of hoorays and jubilees expecting to come, this should be the much awaited season for all Christians around the world.

When I was a kid, Christmas used to bring about a tinge of excitement in me; I would start dreaming of chocolates, dolls and new dresses. My thought was confined to things that other kids revel. But my perception of Christmas became more humanly defined as I reach the puberty age. I would start thinking of Christmas presents and gifts that I intend to give to my love ones. Exposing myself to biblical truth my definition of Christmas has suddenly took a different perspective; as I walk through a new horizon in my life, I found out that what I’m celebrating for the long months of Christmas season is nothing but mere materialism and vain glorification of the Christmas symbol. In the first place, date of Christmas has pre-occupied our minds, giving lavish importance to it and depriving the very One whom should be glorified, Christ Jesus.

Knowing the Biblical truth and facts surrounding the birth of Our Savior.

Scholars do not know the exact date of Christ’s birthday; perhaps God doesn’t want us to put emphasis on the date but rather to the Spirit. For more than 300 years people observed His birthday on various dates. During the time of Bishop Liberius of Rome about 354 A.D. he ordered the people to celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25 to coincide with the celebration of the Feast of Saturn, celebrating the birthday of the sun. Christians honored Christ instead of Saturn as the light of the World. The Christians in Egypt and members of the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrated Christmas on January 6.

The Bible says that angels appeared to the shepherds on the hillsides, some argue that the month of December is the coldest and with heavy rainfall in Palestine and therefore to find shepherds on the hillsides must have occurred during the summer months from June to September, but according to the Missnah, the traditional Jewish doctrines; these were not ordinary shepherds and their sheep. They were the shepherds appointed to tend for the temple flocks which were destined for sacrifices and the flocks stayed in the fields throughout the year. The birth of Christ was announced to these shepherds to signify the coming of the replacement for the sacrificial sheep, the so called Lamb of God who would die for our sins once and for all.

Traditionally there were three wise men who traveled from the east to pay visit to infant Jesus, but the Bible have no record of the number of these wise men but mentioned the type of gifts that they brought with them; the gold, frankincense and myrrh. These wise men known during that time as the magi, these were religious group who held an influential power to choose the king over their realm, which was then known as the Parthian Empire. Their inquiry to king Herod about the newborn king have caused uneasiness to nervous king thinking it might take his throne and so reminded the magi to return to him once they found the infant. Yet the angels appeared to them and warned the same to travel on another route.

The Bible had not told on how these gifts of the magi would the infant Jesus expected to do with them. The guess has to do with financing their flight to Egypt. What these gifts signify: the gifts of gold is the gift of royalty which is only suited for the king. If gold adorned the palaces and the crown of the king the frankincense were used by the priest It was the gift of worship (Lev. 2:1). It is known as the perfume of love, the adoration of king for his bride (Song 3:6). And if frankincense was the gift of worship, the myrrh was a gift of suffering. This myrrh was mixed with vinegar and was given to the suffering Christ on the cross to ease His pain. Nicodemus has brought this myrrh to anoint the body of Jesus after He died.. The process of obtaining myrrh denotes suffering, because the bark of the plant is pierced so that the plant will “bleed” a white gum turns red in contact with the air.

The spirit of Christmas does not only signify giving material things but receiving the gift of salvation that is freely given to us by our Father in Heaven. Receive His gift as this is the will of God that everybody should be saved and make your Christmas more joyful and significant

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Ephesians 2:8,9
For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.

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BEWARE OF NEGATIVISM

2007-11-28T08:41:00.000-08:00

When I got married and had my first baby, I was constrained to resign from my job and put up a small novelty shop right in front of our rented home so I could better look after the needs of my family. Every morning before I open my store I would pray for God’s blessing that I could have plenty of sales during the day. I employed one sales lady to assist me. She was my friend’s niece. I have no complain about her service, she was hardworking, honest and had a good customer rapport. We had a good deal about her workload and assignment. I took every chance also to share with her the gospel. I didn’t find it hard for her to accept the Word of God and she was baptized in a Christian church later on. From then on we had a good fellowship together. But sooner she started complaining about her auntie whom she was staying with. Then I advised her to transfer place and separate home. She did follow my advice, she felt happier at first but later turned back to her usual litany of discontent but against a different subject this time; about her landlady, her board mate and even her financial condition. I told her if she could find a high-paying job then grab it since I have no way to increase her pay.
I expected she would have a nicer life this time since she was employed in a bigger company but then she would visit me and groaned about her boss, her co-employees and the company policies. Her habitual groaning over everything began irritating me, yet I hold my cool or perhaps I thought she just chose me to vent her frustrations since she was a little privy when dealing with others. I advised her to seek God’s wisdom by reading the Bible more often and attending fellowship. She admitted she has a slim chance to do all those things I said because of her tight schedule . I realized then that she was still in bondage of negativism and her obstinacy to heed God’s direction was prominent in her. I made her realized that God has been blessing her, with her new job which she enjoyed was a proof of God’s blessing which she should be thankful of. Her salary was intact because she has no obligation whatsoever, She was still single and no one to support. I remembered I told her to save her groaning and complain for the time she get married, because the burden of family would be more difficult for her if she would not learn to heed God’s Word.

2Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

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The Essence of Woman

2007-11-16T01:03:00.000-08:00

What is the essence of woman? This is a frequently-asked question whenever I watch a beauty pageant. The word essence refers to the ultimate nature of an individual and its importance. I was prompted to review the story about creation of man from the Holy Book. Adam was the first human nature created by God after God’s image. He was placed in a garden called Eden which is splendidly arrayed with nature of water, air, sunlight and plants. With all those creation Adam maintains his loneliness so God formed all birds of the air and beasts out of the ground and brought them to Adam so he may give them names. But none of those companions has appeased Adam’s loneliness. And so when Adam was asleep God made a woman from his rib and when he awoke he saw the woman and said: (Genesis 2:23)
“ This is now the bone of my bones and the flesh of my flesh; so shall he called woman, for she was taken out of man.”
And God united the two and became one flesh. This is the first marriage bless by God.. I want to pause here for a while to give way to a notable distinction for a woman as some would say, ‘Behind the success of man is a woman and before the fall of man is also a woman.’ How true is the statement? If I would take my view from the Bible, there is some truth in it. The first fall of man started from Woman, God instructed them that all the fruits in Eden are allowed for them to eat except the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. But the woman has inclined her ears to the serpent and succumbed to temptation, her impulsiveness and curiosity to test what the serpent induce her to believe has caused the woman to disobey God. And Adam too was enticed by the woman’s word and he just proved it to be one with her. When God asked the two about their disobedience Adam quickly retorted by putting blame to the woman and the woman to the serpent. As a punishment for their sins they were banished from Eden and God declared that from then on Adam would eat from the work on the ground from which he was taken and the woman would bear great pain in child bearing. Perhaps it is the reason why man has given more muscles than a woman so that he would be the bread winner and the watch guard of his family from the harm of other creature on earth. And the woman was given more endurance and tenacity to withstand pain and also the ability to nurture her children and care for the rest of the family. Adam named his wife Eve for she would become the mother of all the living.
After the fall and the origination of sin, the status of woman was never been the same; the idea of marriage has been twisted wife is no longer regarded as partner by the chauvinist husband, “To love and to cherish becomes to desire and to dominate”, the couple’s vow to each other has been replaced by man’s struggle for dominion. Though Christian nations has a higher regard for women than its pagan’s neighbor, yet women chiefly consider as second to men. But not the women in the Bible such as Sarah, the wife of Abraham whom God favored her decision and so Abraham was instructed by God to listen to his wife to sent away her maidservant and her son to desert. Women in the Bible proved to have strong characters, they have the mind of their own and can greatly influence men in their decision. We can mention some of the popular women in the Bible, Rebekah, mother of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27:13) , Deborah, a military leader, poet, prophet and judge. Seldom have we found in the Bible a versatile leader male or female than Deborah, she could be an inspiration to active women of today’s era. Certainly God also uses woman to channel His greatest plan of salvation for mankind thru a virgin woman called Mary, the mother of Jesus on earth.
Woman was regarded as weaker sex considering the physical strength and built. She is fragile, soft and pleasing. Her eyes can mesmerize, soothe and plead that can enthrall man’s physical strength. Her voice can appease, irritate, command and entice that may greatly influence the decision of her male counterpart. Her weakness is the strength of man and what a man lacks the woman completes. So who could say a woman is lower than man. She was taken from the ribs of man nearer to the heart that she may not be trampled down nor be a slave.
Man is to be respected and served by the woman but the woman should be loved and protected
So what is the essence of woman? Then I should say, woman is a store house of beauty, she is an art form whom man cherish and delight. Woman is a symbol of love whom all the children of every man revered. Woman is a channel of God’s gift to mankind, whom God’s promised of salvation was fulfilled. Man build an altar but woman sanctified it.

Who find a virtuous woman for her price is far above rubies? (Proverbs 31:10)

My First Love

2007-11-02T04:15:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful feeling being immensely in love for the first time. It was cool, it was fun and this indescribable feeling was taking me to the 7th heaven.
The wish of every woman is to feel the excitement of being pursued by her dream guy, taking her by the hand offering roses and chocolates and dating her to the fine, cozy and expensive places which she never experienced before and giving her all the best that suits her. Nonetheless all the fancy things will soon fade and fleet away. The real thing would be unfolded, the differences of both will resurface and what matters is each own self, the focus of love is each own ego after all, it was only the emotions that engulf both of them.. . This love experience was driving me crazy. And as we part ways, I suddenly felt that the love of my youth has drifted away. It was not an easy terms, I was locked in myself reflecting on things I possibly faltered, I want him changed; I want the best for him. He told me he doesn’t deserve me, that I was too good for him. Should I believe him or he’s just giving me an honorary dismissal so as not to hurt my feeling. I refused to accept yet I kept holding on to my self-esteem, I’m a woman I should ceased my pursuit on him. He must be right. I don’t deserve him after all, I was cheating myself, he was not my dream guy, he has many flaws and his vices seem incorrigible. But my emotion was pounding on me. I was downhearted, I cried oftentimes within myself. My friend came to my rescue and extended help as she said God has better plan for me, this might be my hour, the Lord is knocking at my door and my friend guided me to God’s abundant graces. I’m helpless, I want a release from my emotions and God lifted up my spirit. I had a dose of God’s Word:
1Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always perseveres.

This is a perfect love and I must admit I don’t have those qualities and to say that I’m deeply in love was all a fantasy expedition in my dream world and the truth is. . .God is Love before we can feel a genuine love for others God’s love should manifest in us first.
Absorbing this truth I found myself in total surrender to God’s indwelling Spirit. There is no greater love than the sacrifices done by the only God’s Son, Jesus Christ to die in a cross for the atonement of our sins. Realizing how sinful and helpless I am, I ask God to drive my life to the path He plans for me. And that’s how my reason overpowers my emotions. I turned to my Lord and let Him be my first love instead.
My youthful years had past and God has worked in my life tremendously. I fully understand now what genuine love means and how should it be.

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Knowing Jesus Christ Personally

2007-10-25T03:07:00.000-07:00

Most people I’ve met admitted that seldom they had a serious talk with God or maybe in some instances when they are in grave trouble or been immersed in insurmountable problems that the way out seems almost impossible. Yes, they consider God as their last resort. My friend, Regina once asked me.
“ Please guide me in prayer for ‘am really helpless I don’t know what to do.”
She was my classmate in high school and also my best friend. We were in sophomore year when she eloped with the man who is now her husband. She used to visit me in the office, I was 24 years old then and still single, had a good job and some petty networking on the side. I knew they were financially hard up and I used to extend help to her in whatever way I can afford. Once in a while I share about the gospel but my words seem to fall on her deaf ears. But now she was seeking for God’s help. My human nature would have chided her for being so unfaithful but I know we have a merciful God and there are times also that He uses those troubles and problems in our life so that we could acknowledge His presence. I asked her that we pray together so that we could bring her problem to the Lord. I knew she was in deep trouble when I opened the Bible to her and read a verse that says “ When two or three are gathered together in my name, says the Lord, I am in the midst of them.” She believed and agreed to what I’ve just read to her. Her faith was enough to receive God’s promise. This time the door of her heart is ready, her mind is open to accept God’s word. The Lord said, “Behold, I stand as the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20) God’s invitation to come into everyone’s heart requires an absolute remorse for the sins we have been keeping to our hearts or else surrendering our sinful nature to Him and accept His absolute pardon so that He could continually dwells in our hearts forever. As I lead her in prayer and ask her to agree with me, she started crying. I could sense her wholehearted remorse that time and I could also feel that God’s Spirit was really present in our midst. After the prayer, she felt relieved and was hopeful that the Lord would interfere and soften the heart of her husband. I knew that after asking God’s forgiveness, my friend was determined now to divulge to her husband about her sin of infidelity that she was carrying her other man’s baby. With her problem, the only solution I can offer is the hand of God that could make way for her to get out of the illicit affair.
After a few months or so, we met again and I was happy to see her in jovial expression that which denote something that everything has been fine and indeed it was as according to her the situation in their married life was back to normal as if nothing had happened, her husband admitted that he has some fault to blame for being an irresponsible family man. He was jobless and there came to a point that one of their kids had to be hospitalized for serious illness, my friend had no one to turn to for help than to borrow money from a man close to her. She was able to pay the hospital bills; her husband doesn’t even care where she got the money. The man was separated and he also have kids to support from his legal wife yet he could still attend to Regina’s need and care for her children. Their relationship sparked into something intimate. It’s too late for Regina to get out of the affair, she was two months pregnant and soon her husband would discover the truth because her husband maintained celibacy for he couldn’t afford to have additional baby.
I met the couple in one occasion in our church when I invited them both. Regina’s husband had found it hard to recuperate, though he has forgiven my friend, he still harboring pain. I know it is just normal for a natural man to hardly forgive and forget the misgiving so easily. It would take the Spirit of our Savior and a total surrender of ourselves to Him so that we could find genuine peace and joy in our hearts that this world fails to give.
The last time I saw Regina was right in my own home when she really tried hard to locate our place. I was already married then with two children. I’m happy to know that she was an active member of the Christian church together with her two boys. And her youngest kid was granted a scholarship by the church and was doing good.
Sometimes when we are enjoying life we tend to wallow in its pleasantries without thinking what the next day will bring to us. Let us find God in the earliest time possible.

2 Corinthians 6:2
“In the time of my favor, I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you; I tell you now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Watch Out in Giving Name to Your Child.

2007-10-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Probably, the sweetest word one would ever want to hear is the sound of her name. In whatever way one would like to be called, her name is like music to her ears. I had experienced being in long queue for some paper releasing, when my name was announced I felt a heap of relief that at last my waiting is over. Our name is our official identification whether it sounds awkward or not we have to bear with it the rest of our lives. My mother derived our names from an old calendar with name of saints in every date in it. She believed that taking our names after saints would keep us from being astrayed or be totally at lost. In one way I thought she maybe right because nobody of us had been a bad child. But later on I brushed off that belief for within me was a pang of distraught over my name. In my early years in school as we were taught to write our full name I felt some discomfort on having a letter x in it and as the meaning of my name implies the first three letters of it denote hugeness which is totally opposite to my diminutive size. And every time we have a roll call my name sounded more of masculine were if not for an a on the last letter to imply femininity. I would always want to act like a sweet, delicate and subtle lady but the sound of my name forbids it so. Thanks to my bunch of friends who would rather call me by my nickname.

How important is giving name to your child?

Reading the Bible we could come across some known personalities that God have dealt with, name of a person was an important guide in tracing his character and the responsibility that the person would have to embark. Before Lord Jesus was born an angel of the Lord appear to Joseph in a dream saying that he will bring forth a son and he will call him Jesus meaning a messiah or a savior Matthew 1:20 for He will save men from sin. Our name influences a larger portion of our personality. Taking from the Holy book, God may change the name of the person as according to the kind of responsibility destined for him. Abram was his first name, until God promised him a son and along with God’s promised, He changed Abram name to Abraham, meaning he will be a father of all nations. Simon was a man of impulsiveness and a tinge of cowardice as well. He sliced off an ear in defense of Jesus and yet denied knowing Him when he was cornered. The Lord transformed him to a man of boldness yet of humility and given him a surname of Peter meaning cephas, a stone (John I:42). After Christ died Peter made a bold stand for the gospel of Christ and led a swift spread of Christianity among the Jews. Saul was no longer his name but Paul after he had a personal encounter with Christ through a voice from heaven. His stern aggression against the so called Christians was turned about to carry the mission of spreading the gospel before the gentiles. There are many names in the Holy book which does not only carry meaning but also responsibility how the person would live up to his name.

One day my sister asked me to accompany her to a clairvoyant, a woman in a nearby place of ours who was known to foretell a person’s future. I was adamant at first but later yield to her request just to appease her anxiousness. When we came to a place, I heard the clairvoyant woman telling her visitor to change her daughter’s name, for it denote a bad omen, the name of the child which imply somewhat of a prisoner’s cell would cause evil for the mother. The mother shook her head in approval I was a little terrified when I overheard it. I saw the mother’s face in uttered dilemma over her daughter’s aggressiveness. From then on, it stuck to my mind that the parent should take precautions in giving names to their child. When I about to give birth to my first baby, we already concocted a name for a baby girl, I preferred to give her a noble name that which will guide her to live up to. As she was growing, I noticed that she was always taking the role of a leader in her class. She has talent in oral speech and never turns down responsibility. She graduated being a top honor in the university. She has soft heart for her subordinate but tough in dealing with competitors. My second child was named after the most expensive and popular flower orchids. She was the opposite of my eldest child, though she turned out to be quiet yet she is attractive among her peers and though diminutive in size yet she resisted being bullied since in her earliest school years. She is persistent in her decision and refused to be swayed. I’m not in anyway regretted the names I’ve given them, even my children were so proud having a unique name but with substantial meaning in it. Giving name to your child is not a game of roulette wherein you just pick up everything that sounded pleasing to the ears, above all determine the meaning of name you intent to give your child and guide them in the way they should go.

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Money Is The Root of All Evil?

2007-10-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

Before I expound the headline let me tell you a story. There was this little girl who was with her playmates; she was sitting on the gutter of the sidewalk when she spotted a white envelope on the street after a man on a motorbike passed by. The girl concluded that it was accidentally dropped by the man on the speeding motorbike and so she hurried to the envelope and picked it. When she opened the unsealed envelope it was full of bills and checks, she blurted in surprise that which called the attention of her playmates and the rest of the folks nearby. And they started huddling her and each guy coaxing her to keep the money and some suggested that they divide the money among themselves. But the girl insisted that she would return the money and she went home to tell about it to her mother. The mother was a little confused of what to do; she knew that with the amount of the bills it could greatly help them to uplift their financial status. But the girl still insisted that she return the money. The incident has spread fast in the neighborhood and they began squabbling and bickering among themselves as if everyone is trying to outsmart each others’ opinion. The story ended with the girl returning the money to the right man who lost it. Finding the right owner was done through the courtesy of the radio network who announced the incident. What was the root cause of all these? In the simple analysis, it was all rooted from the money inside the envelope and the evil thought of possessing the money compounded. I began to think that having lots of money could cause a great evil to the person but in the contrary having none of it could also cause an even greater crime. Was money invented to cause havoc to society? I once had this plain simple conception of the money before I introduced to Bible reading.
I could hardly explain my own views on the status of money to a person but Christ has this clear and exact words of how one should treat the money, let me paraphrase it; The love of money is the root of all evil, there you have it. The Lord Jesus knew that above anything else money is the driving force to keep the society alive and everything else running smoothly and well. Christ even mentioned the separation of man’s law and Gods’ when He says, “ Let all that belongs to Ceasars be given to Ceasars and those that belong to God be given to God” Mark 12:17. Money was invented to serve as the medium of exchange for the goods that we want to posses. What was evil is when we let money rule our hearts and let ourselves clout with avarice and greediness to amass great money in exchange for power so that we can control other people. And because of one’s love for money his intent desire to have it could drive him to do anything up to the extent of committing crime. So how should money be a useful commodity. I have read several books on getting rich and they all pointing at the idea of letting the money work for you and not having yourself be enslaved by the money as if driving yourself to death in exchange for a small amount which is just right to feed you the 3 meals a day. Or having analyzed what the book says we are all immersed in the rat race of achieving wealth and some even consuming beyond the limit of working days of our life. Well, God also wants us to rest and give one day of our life to Him. The book further says make use of the mathematical process of multiplication instead of addition. We can all learn from successful businessman how the money have been their friendly partner in pursuing their dream. Guiding your attitude towards money could well help you achieve what you desire to have.

What Has Got To Be A Mother?

2007-10-08T11:05:00.000-07:00

There was this one occasion when I bumped with middle aged woman accompanied by her young adult daughter, they were a picture of a jovially- knit friendship. I dared asked the mother, what made their friendship shone The mother then replied; I took off my authority over my children and befriended them.
Playing with kids is a fun activity. When my kids were young we used to have a tutorial session I spent an hour tutoring them on reading alphabets- that was my intense attempt to upstart their early learning prior to their admittance to grade school. And when their formal schooling came forth I was on the round the clock guiding them on their lessons. I refused to take the guilt of coercing them, as much as I want them to learn I also want them to enjoy their childhood, so learning while playing was a good idea and soon I was taking the role of a mother hen during our playful hours. It has turned out to be good riddance since they were performing excellent in their school class. But school days were fast becoming a background story after a matter of ten years. My children were already grown-ups and ready to tread in for a new horizon probably for a much matured thinking. Hence, they started to take in more private space and gradually disappear from my vicinity. Those were the major changes during their entry to adolescent’s age. Well, I have gone thru it and I knew the kind of emotions befalling on them but my mother instinct keeps prodding me to insinuate in their private lives. But it was not an easy job both my two daughters were secretive and very private though they have an extrovert personality they maintain their self imposed rule on privacy and manage to reveal their emotions within their closest friends. This time I have to take the role of a friend and be a little generous in giving them their liberty. I somewhat encourage them to talk while I show them my genuine interest to listen and soon our discussions on issues about relationships became an open forum scenario where each words is seriously dig and analyze. There were no inhibitions whatsoever, when I offer my ears to them they obliged to treat me as their close confidante. I became more at ease to express my advice and cautioned them from the possible influence of the environment outside home. I knew I can’t hold their future and after I’ve done my part as a mother I just let God to be in control.
After a few years my eldest daughter and her fiancée have asked the permission of both of us their parents that they are heading for marriage. It was not a surprised revelation on my part for they have been confiding me everything about their plan to settle down. They were already both on their proper and matured age to form their own family. My daughter has served us the purpose of being a good child to us. She was a very systematic lady, her actions were always govern with an organized planning. Their wedding was well-planned at their own expense. Everything were set and managed orderly according to their planned. I couldn’t be as happy to see my daughter tread her path to a new phase of her life and after a year or so she will be taking the role of ….motherhood.

Entrusting Your Children To God

2007-09-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

As my children were growing up fast, my fear of shielding them from the wiles of environmental influence grew doubly faster. I knew I couldn’t keep them intact within my watch. My only confidence was the core value which I strictly imposed them to adhere to, but the same could grow thinner with the time. I expectedly knew they would start mingling with their peers and find their post in the circle. And what value they would be forming - the least I know.
Probably it’s the same fear which might have lingered into my mother’s mind disturbing her peace every time all of us nine children have not reached home yet at the wee hour. She would fall on her knees and intercede for us in prayer. She never missed any single day in prayer for our safety and good health. I knew very well that she found a place in God’s ears that we were kept protected during our life long years. None of us have gotten into trouble nor met any grave accident and serious illnesses. Her faithfulness has been rewarded. That was my mother’s silent teaching, she never vocally reprimanded us to follow suit, but I understand very well.
Today when I could hear a crime news on the street involving a young adult I can’t help not to be bothered but only to cling on God’s promises even more deeper. I firmly believe that He would be our shield and the great protector. And surely He made it to pass. I challenge you now, if you can’t entrust your children to God who else you think could better protect them. Some big names in the society hired a bodyguard to protect them and their family but Jesus Christ already paid a price for your salvation. Go on now and accept His protection which is freely given. Talk to Lord Jesus Christ in silent He is listening to you now and perhaps smiling at you with open arms waiting to receive you, and soon you’ll have the joy and peace that you never experience before.

The 666 Mark of the Beast

2007-09-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

Many prognostics on antichrist have taken toll on some history speculators and caused them to be frantic wanting to know who exactly owns the 666 mark of the beast. Subject of their speculations are some celebrated heroes in history such as Hitler, Pope, Kissinger and today computer tycoon Bill Gates. Whether it’s true or not let alone the Bible tells so. II Thessalonians 2:3,4 Let no man deceive you by any means, for the day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who oppose and exalted himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitted in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. It is just right to think that we are running closer to end times because many prophecies can be notified (Matthew 24:11, Many false prophets shall rise and will deceive many). They should be around these end times as they will array the world system in preparation for the reigning of the antichrist. Could it be that the antichrist is the son of Satan to an earthly woman for he would also perform miracles, (Revelation 13:13 This antichrist would also perform miracles he would cause fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of all men). In full view of all men meaning it will be seen by all mankind with the aid of the high technology of today’s computer and internet, satellite TV etc. From Bible Revelation 13:16 that says he would compulsory impose every man to receive his mark in their right hand or in forehead. This mark is the name of the beast or the number in his name. If they refuse they can’t buy or sell unless they received the mark. This could only be made possible with the coming of more sophisticated and high powered computerization system that no one can evade the hell of the antichrist. And woe to the fulfillment of this prophecy for there would have no much more dreadful scenario than having the antichrist reign. But God is giving us the true Christ, His Son, the Lord Jesus. He is continually inviting all men to come unto Him while He is near and close to everyone.

Getting Good Impression With Your Application Letter and Resume

2007-09-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

Landing for a job is not that quick and easy. You have a college degree fine, but there are millions out there who have the same college background as yours. Call it luck for the graduates who easily advanced to have an early job experience but to analyze further those lucky ones have proven themselves something not in common from the rest -one thing is they have succeeded in getting a good impression. What is it all about? Most company would rather prefer to ask their applicants to submit an application letter and resume, before they set a schedule for an interview. Among the tons of application letters they received, they would pick out at least three most impressive letters and included them to the prospective list of applicants. If you were able to receive a call for an interview that means you made a remarkable impression of yourself thru your letter and resume. You already have completed the first round; your interview, skill test and medical examination comes next.
Your application letter back-up with your resume could be your first ticket to land a job. We cling to the saying that “ first impression lasts”. That means you should leave them the good impression of yourself at the beginning because that would be their basis to consider you as a reliable employee. First and foremost you should bear in mind that applying for a job is parallel to selling your services. You should be able to get their trust on your services and that include citing the qualities you posses that may require for the job your are targeting such positive qualities like: perseverance, hardworking, reliable, dedicated, analytical, organized and orderliness. Don’t forget to write down your skill and proven experiences in the field. Make a confident show of words that you are the right person to fill-up the vacant position. As much as possible have a polite and courteous line of words to use that you may not sound like bragging. Make the impression that it’s the job which is looking for you and not you pleading for a job. And lastly indicate in the letter your eagerness to attend for an interview anytime they wish to.
Just like your application letter, your resume counts an equally if not a heavier weight of importance to your job hunting requirement. Don’t be satisfied with a resume that is simple, tidy but nothing in it except your personal data. First, be sure to have the right format for your resume. If you can line up some artistic arrangement of data and fonts then do it legibly. Your hiring company would likely be interested in your job experiences, the seminars you have attended and your affiliate organization. Your job experiences should include your job description and the innovation and valuable contribution you have done with your past employer. If you are fresh graduate, you can cite your on the job training or practicum in place of your job experiences. Also write in there your campus organization where you have been an active member. If applicable you can also include your achievement and honor received and lastly your referrals. You referral must be somebody connected with you school or company who knows you well and can give you credits and could also back you up once your interviewer contacted them for added information about you.

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Blogging for a Purpose

2007-09-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

Blog, blog, blog for a purpose. I blog what my heart intent to say and when I do, I felt relieved that finally I was able to empty-out my heart’s content. Sound poetic, but I found blogging as the best avenue to express myself. I’m a typical silent woman, I’m not good in conversation nor in group discussion the reason why I prefer scribbling words on paper. I usually jot down what I feel and I’m in my best skill during my emotional struggle and heart breaks. My words from my mouth comes from my mind and it may not always convey what really my true desires but the words I wrote down comes from my heart and it can’t falsify its true intention. When we had an internet connection thru the courtesy of my eldest daughter, I readily learned the intricacies of it all. Blogging serves the purpose of my communication line of interest. It is one way of journalizing my daily activities and sharing my thoughts about everything usually those favorite topics such as life, family, relationship, work, business, health, hobby and sensible topics and experiences. I’m fond of researching and reading and want to condense them on my blog. I hope you’ll find my blog worth spending your time. .

Take Time Out With God

2007-09-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

Nowadays everything we do seem to be in a fast paced, we tend to move in a speed as if trying to beat the remaining time we have on our hand. We buy food in a drive thru and eat it on the way to the next destination. We skim thru magazine and books, surf channel of television programs, watch news only getting a glimpse of it while doing something else, get opinions and advices of others, collect data, ideas, things, people, rich experiences but these things never really get into our sub consciousness. We disperse action quickly from one base to another with frenzy that burns us out afterwards. But beyond these things there are times when we stop, sit still, hold our silent for a moment and take time out to feel the breeze, listen to the whisper of one voice in your heart.
At this moment the best thing that you can do is to shut yourself off from your friends, turn off any sound of your phone and open the ears of your heart to the voice of God.
Prayer is two-way communication it is not only voicing your praises and petitions to Him but also keeping your silence and listening for whatever He may want to say. Simply believing that you have a relationship with Him and humbly eager to take His word. Enjoy this special moment of silence with Him and feel His presence in your heart as He refreshes you.

Learn To Laugh

2007-09-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

“Laughter is a good medicine.” I have heard this adage several times and true enough it has proven what it wants to convey. Definitely when we laugh we release our tension, stress and probably our pent-up emotional heartaches. It increase our level of happiness and able to get away from fear and some negative thoughts that have nestled in our minds. But mind you not all sicknesses are healed by laughter, usually those stress borne sicknesses and related to normal heart functioning are the main recipient of this laughter medicine. When we are so engrossed with our work and make a habit of cramming all the time, our stress level increases, people who have a weak heart have the possibility to break down.
I learned that in less industrialized countries, their people are happier and more contented. They have fewer suicidal cases and less family break-up and divorce. Why is this so? Probably one reason is, they learn to laugh. I’m proud to say that I have a country whose culture value laughter and humor a lot. Yes, even if we are in the midst of calamity our people can still manage to smile and laugh. I sew on TV how the strong typhoon lambasted a remote area of the country. The winds had torn down several houses in certain village, there was this man being interviewed and he was smiling as he says that the roof of his house was blown away. He was not happy of course with the situation, but he just find some funny thing in the way the wind flown the roof.. Can you beat that? Our country is located in a tectonic region; we have registered a number of volcanic eruption, earthquake and typhoon. But the people can easily bounce back after experiencing total devastation from their property and natural resources. The ingenuity of our people can always find ways to start anew. Yes, wits and humor is apparently been a part of our people’s psyche. There was a time when our country was branded as the texting capital of the world. Know what the text content?, Mostly jokes and inspiring quotations among friends and family. Even how serious the situation is our people always find time to crack jokes and laugh.
In our case, my husband and I have an opposite religion, but what makes our binding strongly together is our sense of humor, we always have funny things to discuss. Learn to laugh as long as you are not laughing at other’s mistakes and misfortunes you’ll develop a strong heart and win many friends. So that’s it. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!!!

Before You Freak Out, Take a Break

2007-09-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

You are swamped with heap of workload, you have deadline to beat and worst your communication line is disrupted. But before you freak out make all efforts to clear you mind. Though it might be difficult for you to do it yet it is the best way to ease your tension. Take a walk, read the paper for a minute , do anything that will help you relax..
Then review your work, prioritize the most important thing that needs your immediate attention and set aside for a while those work that you can deal with later on. If you need somebody’s help then delegate a portion of your work that calls for less mental scrutiny. Then focus on what you are doing. Don’t be sidetracked. Tell your household member not to distract you or can’t entertain visitors. You can also let your calls go into voice mail and turn off your computer’s e-mail alert so it will prevent you from being interrupted. Remember an organized mind pays a lot.

Start Your Day Right

2007-09-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

How would you like to start the day with full of joy and enthusiasm? As you awaken to a new morning, consider it as an added day to your life. Let me ask you, if this would be your last day on earth how would you welcome your morning rise? There goes the lyric of the song. "this is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it" Yes, God created the day and night. So I sugest that you offer this day to Him. Feel His presence and as soon as you get up say a brief prayer of thanks for surviving the day and ask His continued guidance and presence in your life. I'm going to share with you the prayer I've read in a book, you could make this prayer as yours too:
"Rule over me this day, Oh God, lead me on the path of righteousness. Put your word in my mind and your truth in my heart, that I could focus my thought on whatever is truth and honest. Protect me from all lies and falsehood, help me to discern deception whever I meet it this day. Let my eyes always look straight ahead on road you wish me to tread, that I may not be tempted by any distraction. And make my eyes pure, that no false desires maybe awaken within me."
Make God as your first priority in the morning. Believe me, He won't fails you.

Starting my Blog

2007-08-25T02:50:00.000-07:00

It’s been my habit to greet God in the morning upon waking up and say a little prayer, thanking Him for the whole night that passed by knowing that I’m still alive and kicking and ready to face the day again. Wouldn’t it be nice to commit your day to the Lord and lifting up to Him everything that might come to your life as the start of your day and ask Him to guide you in your plans and important decision to make? Oh yeh! God knows better than we do. He is more than willing to take our burden, didn’t Christ said, “ Come to me those of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and I will give you rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30. I may sound, religious but this is wise living. Knowing God who is in control of the universe, can take control of you life too given Him the permission to do it. God has given us the free will so that we can choose between bad and good, rejecting or accepting Him.
So just like unloading my thoughts of the trash and worries that may beset me during the day, I would also want to start my blogs with thanksgiving to God, giving Him all the praises, glory and adoration that He rightfully deserves. Please continue reading my blog for I would start writing about practical living providing you with quotations and verses that could be a wholesome guidance in compounding a tough decision in your life.