""Come now, let us argue this out," says the Lord. "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool."
Isaiah 1:18 NLT
"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT
One has to come to the Lord with an honest to goodness, sincere repentance and ask forgiveness from the Father. When He sees that your heart and intentions are all pure He will restore the broken relationship and then forgive. Blessings will then and God's loving embrace will again be felt.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Like Dominoes
"Have you ever felt as though the problems in your life were like a series of dominoes? One domino falls down, and it sets off a chain reaction that knocks down the rest of the dominoes. David felt that his problems were going from bad to worse—his enemies had surrounded him, waiting for his ultimate demise. David could see no way out. But even in his despair, he knew there was one whom he could always trust to help him. He turned to God, confessed his sins, asked for forgiveness, and pleaded for mercy.
When we are separated from God because of our sins, we need to repent and ask for forgiveness. Then, with a clean heart, we can come before him and ask for help. He will hear and answer us "for the honor of his name."
Being separated from God would lead you to no where, its actually one wrong decision or option to take, because no matter how one hard to try to turn his back from the Lord, the more one realize how much we needed Him, with all these things happening around. Truly its like the chain reaction of dominoes, life seems not doing well - the more we shut out our need from Him the more we need Him. Challenges in life and even sinfulness would lead us more closer to Him, we cannot go on without Him, we need Him and even you don't want to, He will just be around simply because He love us so much. You may turn your back from Him, but He will never turn His from us.
Dear God, for the honor of your name, please forgive my many, many sins and have mercy on me. Pardon me for turning my back on you...the more I move a way...the more I realize how much I needed You my Lord and my God. Amen.
When we are separated from God because of our sins, we need to repent and ask for forgiveness. Then, with a clean heart, we can come before him and ask for help. He will hear and answer us "for the honor of his name."
Being separated from God would lead you to no where, its actually one wrong decision or option to take, because no matter how one hard to try to turn his back from the Lord, the more one realize how much we needed Him, with all these things happening around. Truly its like the chain reaction of dominoes, life seems not doing well - the more we shut out our need from Him the more we need Him. Challenges in life and even sinfulness would lead us more closer to Him, we cannot go on without Him, we need Him and even you don't want to, He will just be around simply because He love us so much. You may turn your back from Him, but He will never turn His from us.
Dear God, for the honor of your name, please forgive my many, many sins and have mercy on me. Pardon me for turning my back on you...the more I move a way...the more I realize how much I needed You my Lord and my God. Amen.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Forgiveness
In the Bible it says when one forgives it should be seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22)...its actually no limits, forgive so that you will be forgiven. It's freedom from guilt, anxiety, anger, fear and uncertainties.
Forgive in your heart so as the Lord has forgiven you with all your debts when He offered freely His life as a ransom for your sins. As He have forgiven you blamelessly, so who are you not to forgive?
I'm broken and I'm hurt maybe somehow the Lord intended this to happen to purify me to show me how imperfect the world is, our community is and am I ready to embrace the kind of life that its gonna be?
If we want mercy shown to us we must be ready to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Do you hold any grudge or resentment towards anyone?
"Lord Jesus, you have been kind and forgiving towards me. May I be merciful as you are merciful. Free me from all bitterness and resentment that I may truly forgive from the heart those who have caused me injury or grief."
Forgive in your heart so as the Lord has forgiven you with all your debts when He offered freely His life as a ransom for your sins. As He have forgiven you blamelessly, so who are you not to forgive?
I'm broken and I'm hurt maybe somehow the Lord intended this to happen to purify me to show me how imperfect the world is, our community is and am I ready to embrace the kind of life that its gonna be?
If we want mercy shown to us we must be ready to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Do you hold any grudge or resentment towards anyone?
"Lord Jesus, you have been kind and forgiving towards me. May I be merciful as you are merciful. Free me from all bitterness and resentment that I may truly forgive from the heart those who have caused me injury or grief."
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
"If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault"
Today's Gospel hit me..big time as in. After that spiteful experience I have last Monday, I felt this hurt so much and it pierced my heart. Up until this morning I was actually trying to see where God is during those moments and what the Lord is telling me about such experience and so this message from Him very clearly and yet very strong:
"One is wounded and your hurt too, but your silence will not help...set aside your own injury but do not neglect your sister's wound."
When I got this message I said who is wounded and who is hurt, my pride says your wounded and very much hurt, she should feel that, after all she's much closer to the Father than me, she prayed a lot more than me and God knows how many times He used her spoke of His message, she should have sense it by now how hurt I am.
But I ask the Holy Spirit to grant me the grace to be more forgiving and help me put down my pride for awhile and say to the person who hurt you most to finally have a one to one talk and to settle things and probably iron out differences and move on.
I did actually and I felt so liberating even that moment that we are not yet decided when and where its gonna be then. I'd like to quote below this meditation I chance upon today on my scriptural reading:
Saint Augustine of Hippo comments on Jesus' instruction:
If someone has done you injury and you have suffered, what should be done? You have heard the answer already in today’s scripture: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.” If you fail to do so, you are worse than he is. He has done someone harm, and by doing harm he has stricken himself with a grievous wound. Will you then completely disregard your brother’s wound? Will you simply watch him stumble and fall down? Will you disregard his predicament? If so, you are worse in your silence than he in his abuse. Therefore, when any one sins against us, let us take great care, but not merely for ourselves. For it is a glorious thing to forget injuries. Just set aside your own injury, but do not neglect your brother’s wound. Therefore “go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone,” intent upon his amendment but sparing his sense of shame. For it might happen that through defensiveness he will begin to justify his sin, and so you will have inadvertently nudged him still closer toward the very behavior you desire to amend. Therefore “tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother,” because he might have been lost, had you not spoken with him. [Sermon 82.7]
Hope the damaged relationship I feel now will help finally be restored back again through the help of the Holy Spirit. And through its power teach me to be more humble, forgiving and to trust again.
Thank you Lord for helping me out, I really do plan to brood over this grievances and to kept my silence in years and let You do the job, bahala na. I'm still in pain please do help me.
"One is wounded and your hurt too, but your silence will not help...set aside your own injury but do not neglect your sister's wound."
When I got this message I said who is wounded and who is hurt, my pride says your wounded and very much hurt, she should feel that, after all she's much closer to the Father than me, she prayed a lot more than me and God knows how many times He used her spoke of His message, she should have sense it by now how hurt I am.
But I ask the Holy Spirit to grant me the grace to be more forgiving and help me put down my pride for awhile and say to the person who hurt you most to finally have a one to one talk and to settle things and probably iron out differences and move on.
I did actually and I felt so liberating even that moment that we are not yet decided when and where its gonna be then. I'd like to quote below this meditation I chance upon today on my scriptural reading:
Saint Augustine of Hippo comments on Jesus' instruction:
If someone has done you injury and you have suffered, what should be done? You have heard the answer already in today’s scripture: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.” If you fail to do so, you are worse than he is. He has done someone harm, and by doing harm he has stricken himself with a grievous wound. Will you then completely disregard your brother’s wound? Will you simply watch him stumble and fall down? Will you disregard his predicament? If so, you are worse in your silence than he in his abuse. Therefore, when any one sins against us, let us take great care, but not merely for ourselves. For it is a glorious thing to forget injuries. Just set aside your own injury, but do not neglect your brother’s wound. Therefore “go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone,” intent upon his amendment but sparing his sense of shame. For it might happen that through defensiveness he will begin to justify his sin, and so you will have inadvertently nudged him still closer toward the very behavior you desire to amend. Therefore “tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother,” because he might have been lost, had you not spoken with him. [Sermon 82.7]
Hope the damaged relationship I feel now will help finally be restored back again through the help of the Holy Spirit. And through its power teach me to be more humble, forgiving and to trust again.
Thank you Lord for helping me out, I really do plan to brood over this grievances and to kept my silence in years and let You do the job, bahala na. I'm still in pain please do help me.
Monday, August 11, 2008
If Words Can Kill
If words can kill, I already died now, but it doesn't have to mean that because its true that's why I'm a bit affected about those words thrown at me...Well, come to think of it, the words came from somebody I look up to. She's our Pastoral Leader in the community whom we have love for almost 6 years of our lives. It's the community that showed us even more how good God is and we are now actually leaving it now and for good.
Actually it wasn't her fault that we are leaving, she just actually help us to decide quickly about it. As you can see, before the day of this community's anniversary, we were thinking of searching for another community much nearer to our place and my husband already somehow informed his PL about it.
Then came this anniversary celebration, this particular gestures from members of the community that affected us so much, actually my husband did. It was such a petty gestures but enough for us to finally think of leaving the community gradually.
On the way home when my husband told me about it, I actually do not have any feeling or even any plans about leaving, I don't mind those sacrifices we made being always around whenever the community meets...distance is not an issue. There were far more issues even before that would be very apt to decide and leave community for good, but we did not do it, yet why only now?
Practical reasons, distance, tiredness, means, resources, energies, life-giving or meaning, probably are some of the possible reasons why we are on the verge of leaving this community, no more no less. It did not dawn on me, I wanted to grow old in the community and see my children grow here, but my husband sees it differently. Maybe he sees something beyond my eyes or my feelings can reach, that LNP is not for us and that's all and that's it.
But maybe the Lord did allow this to happen to finally help me see things clearly and probably help us decide finally through this minute issue to the point that I felt so hurt, so disappointed and so devastated.
Words do can kill, and I fond to say words say things to someone else even if its too personal, even out of tactlessness I would utter words, meaningful at times and senseless at times. But it did kill me, why, I did not know that those words I thrown out maybe carelessly or probably out of my (no as I realized wrong thing to do) need and desire to be obedient to the kind of life this community has thought me, we're thrown at me and was used against my favor much worse judged me and my husband so cruelly, for us to think that it was all along non-sense, meaningless and useless as to what we did in the community even before. We were just a sham, hypocrite and were so untrue and simply put we don't have to be in that community.
I was really hurt and I really decided not to go back there anymore, I have died because I was killed by words- words that I actually have spoken into. I'm wounded and I'm hurt.
Actually it wasn't her fault that we are leaving, she just actually help us to decide quickly about it. As you can see, before the day of this community's anniversary, we were thinking of searching for another community much nearer to our place and my husband already somehow informed his PL about it.
Then came this anniversary celebration, this particular gestures from members of the community that affected us so much, actually my husband did. It was such a petty gestures but enough for us to finally think of leaving the community gradually.
On the way home when my husband told me about it, I actually do not have any feeling or even any plans about leaving, I don't mind those sacrifices we made being always around whenever the community meets...distance is not an issue. There were far more issues even before that would be very apt to decide and leave community for good, but we did not do it, yet why only now?
Practical reasons, distance, tiredness, means, resources, energies, life-giving or meaning, probably are some of the possible reasons why we are on the verge of leaving this community, no more no less. It did not dawn on me, I wanted to grow old in the community and see my children grow here, but my husband sees it differently. Maybe he sees something beyond my eyes or my feelings can reach, that LNP is not for us and that's all and that's it.
But maybe the Lord did allow this to happen to finally help me see things clearly and probably help us decide finally through this minute issue to the point that I felt so hurt, so disappointed and so devastated.
Words do can kill, and I fond to say words say things to someone else even if its too personal, even out of tactlessness I would utter words, meaningful at times and senseless at times. But it did kill me, why, I did not know that those words I thrown out maybe carelessly or probably out of my (no as I realized wrong thing to do) need and desire to be obedient to the kind of life this community has thought me, we're thrown at me and was used against my favor much worse judged me and my husband so cruelly, for us to think that it was all along non-sense, meaningless and useless as to what we did in the community even before. We were just a sham, hypocrite and were so untrue and simply put we don't have to be in that community.
I was really hurt and I really decided not to go back there anymore, I have died because I was killed by words- words that I actually have spoken into. I'm wounded and I'm hurt.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
I have seen the Lord!!!
This is the message excitedly mentioned by Mary Magdalene to the apostles when she saw the Lord at His tomb alive! At first actually she did not recognize Jesus and she mistakenly took him as the gardener who brought Jesus out from His tomb. At this point Mary was so engrossed on her own feeling that she failed to recognized the Lord. HOW EASY IT IS TO MISS THE LORD WHEN OUR FOCUS IS ON OURSELVES?!!!
And it is actually true- specially during good times, when everything is so well and works according to your favor, life is so easy and beautiful. Too focus on this goodness sometimes we fail to see where is the Lord at that point in our life. However, when we experienced sadness and we are so troubled - we sobbed and we even question God or throw Him questions of whys and hows...Isn't it so unfair that we only recognized His presence whenever we are in our downiest moments of our lives?
Such failure of recognition of the Lord presence actually is merely because of our own blackness or unawareness of His presence in our lives. The Lord our God is alive and He is always there in all areas of our lives. The only problem of such failure of noticing His presence is because we are too focus on ourselves - we are block with our own agendas and mindsets - hence we fail to experience or appreciate that the Lord is ever present in our lives.
Focus and know that He is our Lord - the God of our lives and say with all your heart this: I HAVE SEEN THE LORD!
And it is actually true- specially during good times, when everything is so well and works according to your favor, life is so easy and beautiful. Too focus on this goodness sometimes we fail to see where is the Lord at that point in our life. However, when we experienced sadness and we are so troubled - we sobbed and we even question God or throw Him questions of whys and hows...Isn't it so unfair that we only recognized His presence whenever we are in our downiest moments of our lives?
Such failure of recognition of the Lord presence actually is merely because of our own blackness or unawareness of His presence in our lives. The Lord our God is alive and He is always there in all areas of our lives. The only problem of such failure of noticing His presence is because we are too focus on ourselves - we are block with our own agendas and mindsets - hence we fail to experience or appreciate that the Lord is ever present in our lives.
Focus and know that He is our Lord - the God of our lives and say with all your heart this: I HAVE SEEN THE LORD!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
How should I pray?
The Bible through the words of Jesus has thought us already how to pray and its quite simple by simply saying the Our Father...But is it really that simple? Probably its simple...so simple that is but I cannot even pray the Our Father!!! I've read about this praying is a time where one is exposing his self to God. Its actually making God's will fulfill in you life and make it happen. It aligning one's will to God's will, for guidance, for sustenance, for support, for love and for reassurance.
I envy those who can afford to pray for an hour or more they can even manage to listen more attentively to God's message. It's seem that they can do it effortlessly and second nature or so normal thing do for them. It seem that its already part of their system - their day to day life.
Actually I do - I mean I have my own prayer life - but again I only practice it out of choice, whenever I feel I love or like to. And its not supposed to be that way...it has to be part of my daily routine like having to take my breakfast, lunch or dinner and mid snacks in between.
Prayer has to be part of me and there's no specific formula as to how to pray but the most important of it all is you have the heart to pray and a listening ear that can hear and appreciate what the Lord is telling you today.
Making His will for you work over what you will for yourself. God should rule over us.
I envy those who can afford to pray for an hour or more they can even manage to listen more attentively to God's message. It's seem that they can do it effortlessly and second nature or so normal thing do for them. It seem that its already part of their system - their day to day life.
Actually I do - I mean I have my own prayer life - but again I only practice it out of choice, whenever I feel I love or like to. And its not supposed to be that way...it has to be part of my daily routine like having to take my breakfast, lunch or dinner and mid snacks in between.
Prayer has to be part of me and there's no specific formula as to how to pray but the most important of it all is you have the heart to pray and a listening ear that can hear and appreciate what the Lord is telling you today.
Making His will for you work over what you will for yourself. God should rule over us.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Inspiring Thoughts
Quality life does not mean having wealth, intelligence or power. It is how much kindness and love you give to others and joy you get out of it.
Just when everything is falling apart, look again...maybe just maybe...
Things are actually falling into their rightful places
Each time the world needs an extra touch of love, and gentle caring God creates a friend.
when life gets you down, take time to look up, God is the one you'll need to strengthen you, He will never leave you alone, He care for you!
For Mothers
Beautiful Moms reflect God in their lives. They think His thoughts.
Speak His words and Love without end.
Angels can never be mothers, but mothers who care guide and love their children are truly angels in disguise.
A mom is God's love in action. she looks with her heart and feels with her eyes. A mom is the bank where her children deposit all their worries and hurt. A mom is the cement that keeps her family together and her love lasts a lifetime!
Motherhood is a tough 24hr job:no pay, no day off most often unappreciated and yet resignation is impossible.
You made my whole being, you formed me as a good person, I praise you because you made me amazing in wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well...
A mom is like a simple calculator. Someone who adds comfort. Subtracts fear. Divides blessing and multiplies joy.
A mom is God's most beautiful creation.
We thank God for the gift of motherhood, truly a great blessing we enjoy. A mother is one who can take the place of all others. but whose place no one else can take.
It would take a thousand workers to build a castle, a million soldiers to protect the country but it only takes one woman to build a happy home.
- - - - - - - - -- - - ---
Just when everything is falling apart, look again...maybe just maybe...
Things are actually falling into their rightful places
Each time the world needs an extra touch of love, and gentle caring God creates a friend.
when life gets you down, take time to look up, God is the one you'll need to strengthen you, He will never leave you alone, He care for you!
For Mothers
Beautiful Moms reflect God in their lives. They think His thoughts.
Speak His words and Love without end.
Angels can never be mothers, but mothers who care guide and love their children are truly angels in disguise.
A mom is God's love in action. she looks with her heart and feels with her eyes. A mom is the bank where her children deposit all their worries and hurt. A mom is the cement that keeps her family together and her love lasts a lifetime!
Motherhood is a tough 24hr job:no pay, no day off most often unappreciated and yet resignation is impossible.
You made my whole being, you formed me as a good person, I praise you because you made me amazing in wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well...
A mom is like a simple calculator. Someone who adds comfort. Subtracts fear. Divides blessing and multiplies joy.
A mom is God's most beautiful creation.
We thank God for the gift of motherhood, truly a great blessing we enjoy. A mother is one who can take the place of all others. but whose place no one else can take.
It would take a thousand workers to build a castle, a million soldiers to protect the country but it only takes one woman to build a happy home.
- - - - - - - - -- - - ---
Do not be unbelieving but believe!
Today's Gospel speaks about Thomas commonly called the Doubting Thomas, and as I was pondering on the Gospel, I was actually struck by this phrase mentioned by Our Lord Jesus,"Do not be unbelieving but believe."
Somehow as I reflect upon the message, I realized that sometimes I do not act on faith in Him above, I would do my own thing and would never resolve to prayer and ask for His guidance specially when I knew from the start that this thing that I'm about to do definitely will not get an affirmative response from Him, hence I would rather do my own thing. Sometimes also I would insist over it until on the final analysis it really did not work on my advantage. Actually I thread on taking another passage rather than take on the right road whom the Lord clearly shows me again my unbelief.
I seldom rely on His PROVIDENCE and guidance and I do well aware that in Him nothing is wrong and nothing is a failure but again my unbelief.
I'm actually more like Thomas in the Gospel, I really do love the Lord so much yet I lacked the courage to stand with Jesus specially on the things He would tell me is right for me, again my unbelief.
I do realize that having a relationship with the Lord, and allowing Him to work in me, it is actually when the Holy Spirit moves in me and actually alive and with the Holy Spirit around life seems so perfect, so trusting, so full of love, full of faith and so I believe.
I do am aware of the benefit not just benefit but heavenly benefit of having in constant attachment with the Lord above, the Holy Spirit when at work in me should take a lot of patience in reminding me of the things that are really important over things that are not...
Stubborn as I am, I can make things wrong right and right more right or worst right to wrong. At this point I realized that it actually work when I'm already about to commit sinful act or thought I would rather say the name of Jesus and invoke the power of the Holy Spirit to draw out the devil that is always lurking around in me and somehow giving him an easy job when it comes to my own faith.
Now I just have to simply teach myself to put my trust in the Lord, believe and Lord God please help or even cast out my unbelief!
Somehow as I reflect upon the message, I realized that sometimes I do not act on faith in Him above, I would do my own thing and would never resolve to prayer and ask for His guidance specially when I knew from the start that this thing that I'm about to do definitely will not get an affirmative response from Him, hence I would rather do my own thing. Sometimes also I would insist over it until on the final analysis it really did not work on my advantage. Actually I thread on taking another passage rather than take on the right road whom the Lord clearly shows me again my unbelief.
I seldom rely on His PROVIDENCE and guidance and I do well aware that in Him nothing is wrong and nothing is a failure but again my unbelief.
I'm actually more like Thomas in the Gospel, I really do love the Lord so much yet I lacked the courage to stand with Jesus specially on the things He would tell me is right for me, again my unbelief.
I do realize that having a relationship with the Lord, and allowing Him to work in me, it is actually when the Holy Spirit moves in me and actually alive and with the Holy Spirit around life seems so perfect, so trusting, so full of love, full of faith and so I believe.
I do am aware of the benefit not just benefit but heavenly benefit of having in constant attachment with the Lord above, the Holy Spirit when at work in me should take a lot of patience in reminding me of the things that are really important over things that are not...
Stubborn as I am, I can make things wrong right and right more right or worst right to wrong. At this point I realized that it actually work when I'm already about to commit sinful act or thought I would rather say the name of Jesus and invoke the power of the Holy Spirit to draw out the devil that is always lurking around in me and somehow giving him an easy job when it comes to my own faith.
Now I just have to simply teach myself to put my trust in the Lord, believe and Lord God please help or even cast out my unbelief!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Call to know God more
I've been in the renewal for more than 20 years already yet, my relationship with the Lord did not yet age...I still feel new and hearing and learning and realizing over and over again what really is my goal in life here on earth- would always makes me feel its something very new and never been heard of... I just learned that our goal in life is to know God more and more, after all our life here on earth is not permanent and we are all bound to eternal life ahead.
Knowing that, what it takes to know Him takes a lot of efforts and constant practice and submission. For sometimes, whenever I feel contented because of material things or of things that keeps me away from the thought of something spiritual-its totally wrong and I'm not going directly to Him but away from Him. For apart from Him is lifeless and its far from being fulfilled.
Knowing that, what it takes to know Him takes a lot of efforts and constant practice and submission. For sometimes, whenever I feel contented because of material things or of things that keeps me away from the thought of something spiritual-its totally wrong and I'm not going directly to Him but away from Him. For apart from Him is lifeless and its far from being fulfilled.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Expectant Faith in God
I actualy always believe that putting trust in the Lord will deliver me from any hardships, pains and issues in life. I would always believe that Our Father is a very kind and loving God, who would provide only the best for His children. Having a relationship with Him gives me the confidence and assurance that He will be there for me and He wont let me down. Though, sometimes, things dont happened in the way I expected it, but in His grace I would learn to see the wisdom and His message right through the circumstances why it has to happened and why it should be that way.
For 3 decades I've seen how the Lord worked for me and molded me to the kind of person that I am today. I have numerous shares of disappointing Him and deliberately disobeyed Him eventhough I already knew beforehand that it's not good or its wrong and yet still the Lord delivered me and see me through. He is such a loving Father and His love never ends and its boundless and its immeasurable and unconditional.
For 3 decades I've seen how the Lord worked for me and molded me to the kind of person that I am today. I have numerous shares of disappointing Him and deliberately disobeyed Him eventhough I already knew beforehand that it's not good or its wrong and yet still the Lord delivered me and see me through. He is such a loving Father and His love never ends and its boundless and its immeasurable and unconditional.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Obedience to God
Obeying God takes a lot of sacrificing and self-denial. Its actually a very strong phrase indeed, given that we have already the free-will and intellect that are always up for grabs everytime we are confronted in making decisions or whenever we are in a situations that requires a lot of thinking and discerning.
Sometimes out of haste, we plunge into to something without carefully thinking about it less even praying about it merely because its simplier, its easy and its advantageous and in line with our comfort zones but in the end, it did not turn out right as we have expected or rather assumed and worst of all we questioned God...funny isnt it? But actually, thinking and going deeper we realized that its all because we disobeyed God, specially when you already have this personal relationship with Him. You actually have thought of that already during the process but you just simply shun it away and take on the otherwise.
Truly obedience to God entails sacrifice, but actually it should not be thought that way, because God only wants the best for us and He assured us that He will take care of us if only we put our trust and confidence in Him. Having that in faith, we will see things in a different perspective and eventually learned and appreciate how great and good is our God.
Just like the story of Zerapath when she was visited by prophet Elijah, she have limited resources not actually enough for her and her son, but Elijah insisted and told her about God's message of "The jar of flour shall not go empty,nor the jug of oil run dry,until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’”She simply obeyed what Elijah said and prepared food for him and for her and hers son. True enough, the jar did not go empty.
"Indeed, its usually when obedience is the hardest that He blesses us the most, we can never outgive God."
Sometimes out of haste, we plunge into to something without carefully thinking about it less even praying about it merely because its simplier, its easy and its advantageous and in line with our comfort zones but in the end, it did not turn out right as we have expected or rather assumed and worst of all we questioned God...funny isnt it? But actually, thinking and going deeper we realized that its all because we disobeyed God, specially when you already have this personal relationship with Him. You actually have thought of that already during the process but you just simply shun it away and take on the otherwise.
Truly obedience to God entails sacrifice, but actually it should not be thought that way, because God only wants the best for us and He assured us that He will take care of us if only we put our trust and confidence in Him. Having that in faith, we will see things in a different perspective and eventually learned and appreciate how great and good is our God.
Just like the story of Zerapath when she was visited by prophet Elijah, she have limited resources not actually enough for her and her son, but Elijah insisted and told her about God's message of "The jar of flour shall not go empty,nor the jug of oil run dry,until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’”She simply obeyed what Elijah said and prepared food for him and for her and hers son. True enough, the jar did not go empty.
"Indeed, its usually when obedience is the hardest that He blesses us the most, we can never outgive God."
Monday, June 9, 2008
Dry...Dryness...Dried out
Lately I never got the drive to write down my reflections in this blog. Actually I do have my own personal journal notebook to write upon daily inspirations and thoughts given to me by the Lord during my silence or prayer time...
If I'm not too engross with my work and my other preoccupation, I'm too involved in updating this blog and probably talking to God. Why do I put the Lord at the least of my priorities, am I that bad...I'm not supposed to do it to a God who is so kind, loving and so understanding..
I have this experience what we call spritual dryness, dryness in the sort of not having the desire of coming into prayer and listening to God's word. I do read the Gospels and inspirational reflections everyday but that becomes too boring and to mechanical to me during the past few weeks...or perhaps I'm just preoccupied with other things that are not too important...but you know what I've learned during these times...the Lord never leaves me... He's always there and He would use circumstances to remind me that He loves and He cares and He's always there.
That same love He gives since the day I was born, since the day I've learned of Him and have this personal relationship He never change...He is the same God to me till now...I'm too bless yes and its just too fittting to share how the Lord works and how the Lord provides.
Recently my husband and I had this fight over things that cause us to have one to ones and talked our heart out, I've asked the Holy Spirit to shade light over me, cause I'm not seeing in the way He does, I'm too blinded with my own ideals and my own understanding, as I open myself, I fully understand why my husband is like that...and why he is like that to me...and God provides.
I was recently financialy over burdened with the things I should not have gotten myself into in the first place...but just like a father who would always help out his child-God provides.
These were the moments I feel so dry spiritually, but the Lord dried it out and nourished and blessed me still, I'm so overwhelmed so grateful and so loved by the Lord. Isnt it great? No matter what you become, no matter how you become the Lord is the same, He never changes and He cares to us a lot...God never fails and He's always there.
If I'm not too engross with my work and my other preoccupation, I'm too involved in updating this blog and probably talking to God. Why do I put the Lord at the least of my priorities, am I that bad...I'm not supposed to do it to a God who is so kind, loving and so understanding..
I have this experience what we call spritual dryness, dryness in the sort of not having the desire of coming into prayer and listening to God's word. I do read the Gospels and inspirational reflections everyday but that becomes too boring and to mechanical to me during the past few weeks...or perhaps I'm just preoccupied with other things that are not too important...but you know what I've learned during these times...the Lord never leaves me... He's always there and He would use circumstances to remind me that He loves and He cares and He's always there.
That same love He gives since the day I was born, since the day I've learned of Him and have this personal relationship He never change...He is the same God to me till now...I'm too bless yes and its just too fittting to share how the Lord works and how the Lord provides.
Recently my husband and I had this fight over things that cause us to have one to ones and talked our heart out, I've asked the Holy Spirit to shade light over me, cause I'm not seeing in the way He does, I'm too blinded with my own ideals and my own understanding, as I open myself, I fully understand why my husband is like that...and why he is like that to me...and God provides.
I was recently financialy over burdened with the things I should not have gotten myself into in the first place...but just like a father who would always help out his child-God provides.
These were the moments I feel so dry spiritually, but the Lord dried it out and nourished and blessed me still, I'm so overwhelmed so grateful and so loved by the Lord. Isnt it great? No matter what you become, no matter how you become the Lord is the same, He never changes and He cares to us a lot...God never fails and He's always there.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
More inspirations from the heart
A point to ponder:
People may doubt what you say but they will always believe in what you sincerely do...
Remember well done is much more better than well said.
Laws of Lifetime personal growth:
Law #1 Always make your future bigger than your past
Law #2 Always make your contribution bigger than your reward
Law #3 Always make your performance greater than your applause
Law #4 Always make your gratitude greater than your success.
As we wait with reverence, we no longer worry about what may happen to us. The past is behind us, the present is now, the future is in God's hand.
What does it mean to have God as a Friend?
Someone who will listen even if you are irritating
who will help even if you dont deserved to be helped
who goes out of HJis way for you (Luke 11:5-13)
Rivers do not drink the water they carry. Trees do not eat the fruit they bear; Clouds do not bathe in the rain they produce. We are meant to give even if we get nothing from it. Measuring life by what others do may disappoint us, but measuring life by what we do make life meaningful.
Perhaps the desires you have right now are from God, but the circumstances arent right. Dotn try to make God's will happen. Wait for His timing. Allow Him to set everything up just for the right, God-ordained moment. Crawford W. Loritts
Each time the world needs an extra touch of love and gentle caring-God creates a Friend.
Life is full of uncertainties, we'll never know when our time on earth is up till its over. So-take many pictures, laugh much, take time to look up at the stars, sing loudly, fill the cold wind, smile a lot and love like you've neven been hurt...because every 60 seconds you spend is a minute of happiness you will never get back.
People may doubt what you say but they will always believe in what you sincerely do...
Remember well done is much more better than well said.
Laws of Lifetime personal growth:
Law #1 Always make your future bigger than your past
Law #2 Always make your contribution bigger than your reward
Law #3 Always make your performance greater than your applause
Law #4 Always make your gratitude greater than your success.
As we wait with reverence, we no longer worry about what may happen to us. The past is behind us, the present is now, the future is in God's hand.
What does it mean to have God as a Friend?
Someone who will listen even if you are irritating
who will help even if you dont deserved to be helped
who goes out of HJis way for you (Luke 11:5-13)
Rivers do not drink the water they carry. Trees do not eat the fruit they bear; Clouds do not bathe in the rain they produce. We are meant to give even if we get nothing from it. Measuring life by what others do may disappoint us, but measuring life by what we do make life meaningful.
Perhaps the desires you have right now are from God, but the circumstances arent right. Dotn try to make God's will happen. Wait for His timing. Allow Him to set everything up just for the right, God-ordained moment. Crawford W. Loritts
Each time the world needs an extra touch of love and gentle caring-God creates a Friend.
Life is full of uncertainties, we'll never know when our time on earth is up till its over. So-take many pictures, laugh much, take time to look up at the stars, sing loudly, fill the cold wind, smile a lot and love like you've neven been hurt...because every 60 seconds you spend is a minute of happiness you will never get back.
It's been awhile
Well a lot of things has been happening with my life at the same time with my relationship with the LORD and with the people around, specially with those were my life evolves...
My own preferences-well this word preferences hit me hard and I'm true to that...I wont be hearing the Lord's vocie speaking to me directly but deep within me and thru circumstances He does...and I would still opt to choose my own preferences and then the Lord would show me another circumstances...grabe and I would realize that He's true and consistent with what He likes me to do...but thank God I have the Will Power and its so easy to go against HIS WILL...but He remain faithful He remain my Comforter and My Saviour.
Maybe perhaps its not yet time for me to let go of these things I keep holding on...or perhaps my will power is too strong...but I'm sure of one thing He loves me so much. And I take pride of having His constant guidance and love for me.
But pretty sure in a very near future I will abide, and I know its bad of me to set aside or be deaf-mute about His plans...but I'm sure God will understand why I did it so.
My own preferences-well this word preferences hit me hard and I'm true to that...I wont be hearing the Lord's vocie speaking to me directly but deep within me and thru circumstances He does...and I would still opt to choose my own preferences and then the Lord would show me another circumstances...grabe and I would realize that He's true and consistent with what He likes me to do...but thank God I have the Will Power and its so easy to go against HIS WILL...but He remain faithful He remain my Comforter and My Saviour.
Maybe perhaps its not yet time for me to let go of these things I keep holding on...or perhaps my will power is too strong...but I'm sure of one thing He loves me so much. And I take pride of having His constant guidance and love for me.
But pretty sure in a very near future I will abide, and I know its bad of me to set aside or be deaf-mute about His plans...but I'm sure God will understand why I did it so.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Lestening to the Father and Obedience to the Father
It's actually true that if you have the habit of having a one to one experience with the Lord through prayers- you will never miss to listen to His voice or interpret circumstances in your daily lives as if you're hearing the Lord speaking to you clearly.
I too seldom experience such merely because I'm not too consistent with my prayer time, if I dont need anything much from Him I would just simply state a prayer, read on the scriptures and that's it...But whenever I feel down or I'm in a difficult situation then I heed on Him and pray fervently...that makes every word in the scriptures mean the Lord speaking to me directly and even through the events of my day as it unfolds it is as if God is telling me something out of it...
The Lord never fails me as in but sometimes I would insist on my own preferences - which is actually accorded to my own comfort zones, I know the Lord says otherwise but I continue to insist and eventually because of His persistency and foreboding I would heed to the Lord and obey Him...And after that, the Lord will tell me through the experience that He provided the right and what suits me best...as in, and I ended up so grateful and thankful...
The Lord really is like that, He never desires less but only the best for us, it only takes faith and obedience to let go of our own preferences and let God do the maneuvering, He knows which path to thread and He knows what is really best for us.
I continously thank the Lord for this relationship that I have with Him and thank you for His Holy Spirit, who serves as His medium a connecting link to His message to me. I'm happy and grateful that I have this special connection with Him above.
I too seldom experience such merely because I'm not too consistent with my prayer time, if I dont need anything much from Him I would just simply state a prayer, read on the scriptures and that's it...But whenever I feel down or I'm in a difficult situation then I heed on Him and pray fervently...that makes every word in the scriptures mean the Lord speaking to me directly and even through the events of my day as it unfolds it is as if God is telling me something out of it...
The Lord never fails me as in but sometimes I would insist on my own preferences - which is actually accorded to my own comfort zones, I know the Lord says otherwise but I continue to insist and eventually because of His persistency and foreboding I would heed to the Lord and obey Him...And after that, the Lord will tell me through the experience that He provided the right and what suits me best...as in, and I ended up so grateful and thankful...
The Lord really is like that, He never desires less but only the best for us, it only takes faith and obedience to let go of our own preferences and let God do the maneuvering, He knows which path to thread and He knows what is really best for us.
I continously thank the Lord for this relationship that I have with Him and thank you for His Holy Spirit, who serves as His medium a connecting link to His message to me. I'm happy and grateful that I have this special connection with Him above.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
More inspirations
Hearbeats are countless...
Spirits are ageless...
Dreams are endless...
Memories are timeless...
May God bless you with...
Quite moments when you're feeling overwhelmed
Peaceful feelings when you're pushing through the day
Simple wisdom when you're facing difficult choices
Restful hours when your days are long
And the soothing comfort of those who care!
God will shower blessings more than you expected, not just because you asked for it.
But someone around you asked God to give it for you.
Sometimes God breaks our spirit to save our soul.
Sometimes, He breaks our heart to make us whole.
Sometimes, He sends us pain so we can be stronger.
Sometimes, He sends us failure so we can humble.
Sometimes, He sends us illness so we can take better care of ourselves.
Sometimes, He takes "Everthing away from us so we can learn the value of Everything we have."
Enlightenment never happens by accident. It results from the brave and sometimes lonely battle of 1 person vs her/his own weaknesses.
Happiness is never lost if you just know where to look for it, its always in your heart where love hope and trust lives.
If one dream should fall and break into thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. That's the beauty of being alive-we can always start all over again.
Spirits are ageless...
Dreams are endless...
Memories are timeless...
May God bless you with...
Quite moments when you're feeling overwhelmed
Peaceful feelings when you're pushing through the day
Simple wisdom when you're facing difficult choices
Restful hours when your days are long
And the soothing comfort of those who care!
God will shower blessings more than you expected, not just because you asked for it.
But someone around you asked God to give it for you.
Sometimes God breaks our spirit to save our soul.
Sometimes, He breaks our heart to make us whole.
Sometimes, He sends us pain so we can be stronger.
Sometimes, He sends us failure so we can humble.
Sometimes, He sends us illness so we can take better care of ourselves.
Sometimes, He takes "Everthing away from us so we can learn the value of Everything we have."
Enlightenment never happens by accident. It results from the brave and sometimes lonely battle of 1 person vs her/his own weaknesses.
Happiness is never lost if you just know where to look for it, its always in your heart where love hope and trust lives.
If one dream should fall and break into thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. That's the beauty of being alive-we can always start all over again.
Keep my commandments!
John 15:9-11
Whenever we follow God's command we abide in His love!
"In God's love we find the fulness of grace, life, peace and joy! We prove our love for God and for one another when we embrace the way of the cross."
Do you know the love that produces immeasurable joy?
The love of God to His creation specially the humankind, by redeeming them thru the death of His Son Jesus! He lay His life as a ransom to the manny! Laying one's life for a friend - how difficult it is, though.
Cant imagine myself to bear such sacrifice, I could only say much mere words use, but being true to it, my love to that friend of mine will be put to test - I cant imagine really doing it as in. Probably for a love one yes, an immediate family - that would be possible, I will spare my life for that matter, and I will not think twice for its a joy to see someone closes to me live and have a life to the full.
What is the crosses in my life?
This has been ask several times already during retreats and recollections and I would answer it affirmatively. My crosses in my life are those that the Lord wanted me to carry out as if helping Him carrying the load and these are my family, my personal relationship with Him, my being as daughter, as a superior, as a mom and as a wife.
All these crosses are my responsibilities and my accountabilities to God that I have to take on by heart. It's my daily crosses and challenges that I need to accept and live up to and bring to God unharmed and pure.
And whenever I stumble in the process, God help me get through and continue that journey towards His Kingdom. And I want to finish the race in faith and love so that I give honor and joy to Him who completes my being and the reason for me living in this world.
Whenever we follow God's command we abide in His love!
"In God's love we find the fulness of grace, life, peace and joy! We prove our love for God and for one another when we embrace the way of the cross."
Do you know the love that produces immeasurable joy?
The love of God to His creation specially the humankind, by redeeming them thru the death of His Son Jesus! He lay His life as a ransom to the manny! Laying one's life for a friend - how difficult it is, though.
Cant imagine myself to bear such sacrifice, I could only say much mere words use, but being true to it, my love to that friend of mine will be put to test - I cant imagine really doing it as in. Probably for a love one yes, an immediate family - that would be possible, I will spare my life for that matter, and I will not think twice for its a joy to see someone closes to me live and have a life to the full.
What is the crosses in my life?
This has been ask several times already during retreats and recollections and I would answer it affirmatively. My crosses in my life are those that the Lord wanted me to carry out as if helping Him carrying the load and these are my family, my personal relationship with Him, my being as daughter, as a superior, as a mom and as a wife.
All these crosses are my responsibilities and my accountabilities to God that I have to take on by heart. It's my daily crosses and challenges that I need to accept and live up to and bring to God unharmed and pure.
And whenever I stumble in the process, God help me get through and continue that journey towards His Kingdom. And I want to finish the race in faith and love so that I give honor and joy to Him who completes my being and the reason for me living in this world.
Remain in me!
"Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit because without me you can do nothing." John 15-4
Here our dear Lord pointed out how it is vital to stay connected with Him. It is as if He tells us that He should be always part of our life as in and not merely an accessory, or whenever we feel the need arises.
How can we be connected? It's through prayer- it is always come in handy and always there up for grabs. It takes only for one to have the desire to pray and everything else follows.
We can pray even when we are sorrounded with all these activities we need to do during the day, if there's the desire to pray everything else follows.
Pray is our access to God 24/7, it is actually a conversation to God and since its a conversation - a communication between two living things - exchange of words or inspirations take place how? - One should listen, one should hear what the Lord is telling you- you wont hear Him throwing words from nowhere, but you can hear His little voice deep within even in the amidst of your chaotic enviroment. He can speak to you through circumstances of your daily battles in life - you can see and hear what the Lord is telling you also.
He is stressing this accord - Remain in Me! For in Him we can do everything - we can be strong - we can be victorious - we can do anything for He gives us all the grace to get by.
We dont actually need to say much, specially if we are talking to someone we love most, few words matter specailly if it comes from the heart- that is all necessary.
Here our dear Lord pointed out how it is vital to stay connected with Him. It is as if He tells us that He should be always part of our life as in and not merely an accessory, or whenever we feel the need arises.
How can we be connected? It's through prayer- it is always come in handy and always there up for grabs. It takes only for one to have the desire to pray and everything else follows.
We can pray even when we are sorrounded with all these activities we need to do during the day, if there's the desire to pray everything else follows.
Pray is our access to God 24/7, it is actually a conversation to God and since its a conversation - a communication between two living things - exchange of words or inspirations take place how? - One should listen, one should hear what the Lord is telling you- you wont hear Him throwing words from nowhere, but you can hear His little voice deep within even in the amidst of your chaotic enviroment. He can speak to you through circumstances of your daily battles in life - you can see and hear what the Lord is telling you also.
He is stressing this accord - Remain in Me! For in Him we can do everything - we can be strong - we can be victorious - we can do anything for He gives us all the grace to get by.
We dont actually need to say much, specially if we are talking to someone we love most, few words matter specailly if it comes from the heart- that is all necessary.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Daily Inspirations
We run so fast to reach our dreams, and most often we fall on the ground. Thank God, because the most successful people in this tricky world are those with wounded knees.
We often say: God if you loved me, you would do this, you would take care of that." But "God says, because I love you, I am not going to give you these things." God wants to do something greater in your life. Will you let Him?
Storms in life reveal the strength our faith. Faith doesnt eliminate trials but it determines whether we stand or fall with the impact of the storm.
Measuring life by what others do to us may disappoints us. But measuring life by what we do for others in accordance with His will. will add more meaning to our life and pleasing to His eyes.
Tapat Dapat. Even if we do things the right way, some would still be unsatisfied. Some will not appreciate what we say and what we do. There would always be people who would let us down too..
But for as long as we speak honestly from the heart, we will be fine. This is not a perfect world. this is not a perfect life. Life is almost unfair. but life loves the person who dares live it.
In facing life's ups and downs, let's always cling to our God & dwell on HIs promises. Lets be like the finest bamboo-bending but not breaking.
Let nothing troubles you. let nothing frightens you. All is fleeting, God alone is unchanging. patience obtains everything. The one who posses God lacks nothing. God alone suffices!
We often say: God if you loved me, you would do this, you would take care of that." But "God says, because I love you, I am not going to give you these things." God wants to do something greater in your life. Will you let Him?
Storms in life reveal the strength our faith. Faith doesnt eliminate trials but it determines whether we stand or fall with the impact of the storm.
Measuring life by what others do to us may disappoints us. But measuring life by what we do for others in accordance with His will. will add more meaning to our life and pleasing to His eyes.
Tapat Dapat. Even if we do things the right way, some would still be unsatisfied. Some will not appreciate what we say and what we do. There would always be people who would let us down too..
But for as long as we speak honestly from the heart, we will be fine. This is not a perfect world. this is not a perfect life. Life is almost unfair. but life loves the person who dares live it.
In facing life's ups and downs, let's always cling to our God & dwell on HIs promises. Lets be like the finest bamboo-bending but not breaking.
Let nothing troubles you. let nothing frightens you. All is fleeting, God alone is unchanging. patience obtains everything. The one who posses God lacks nothing. God alone suffices!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
What is it about you are worried right now?
Do you allow any troubles to robe you of God's peace?
"Adversity can make us lose hope and become discourage or it can press us closer to God and His promises."
It's been a chaotic week, whenever I loose touch with my prayer time, a lot of things happenned that made me so troubled and restless. All decisions, actions and words that were brought out and done couldn't even provide an affirmative results-then I left wondering why?
I remember a message that were said in one of our Ligaya community assembly, whenever in certain areas of your life you feel lacking or there's a great need of sustenance of prayers and discernment its merely because there's something wrong with one's prayer time. But if one's prayer time is very much alive and active, God works tremendously great in every aspect of your life, and you feel you lack nothing...
Well most of the time it happened to me..this week I hurt someone, and it did affected me so much, because even though I already been in the renewal and I'm a very much trying-to-be-good Christian-still I fall- still I could not past the test of temptation, still I fail God.
Then along the way I am greatly affected with the goings and doings of our campus ministry that we could not pathom why for a community that were never given its birth in another level such as alumni group - a lot of politicing, a lot of banging of words as to who is saying the truth and as whom we should follow afffects the group so much- it I seem could not really understand why this is happening. The maturity level of the relationship that were established and built within the campus did not linger deep within each members that after stepping out in the real world, they're eyes were open but they could not see what is the need and where we should go...I'm really troubled and question God-why these things are happening- to His community whom He had put up ahead with everyone,but still is not moving on from its first stage...
These are some worries that I have in mind not to mentioned my work and my family my daughters specially my youngest who is still suffering from asthma...
And to meet the demands of all these concerns, I'm struggling and that's why it made me so bothered that I could not even find time to pray...
Now having realized that I have not openned my bible since Monday, I heard this voice come and talk to me now...hence I'm here...It feel so easy unburdening these troubles in mind and truly God is showing me the way...
"Adversity can make us lose hope and become discourage or it can press us closer to God and His promises."
It's been a chaotic week, whenever I loose touch with my prayer time, a lot of things happenned that made me so troubled and restless. All decisions, actions and words that were brought out and done couldn't even provide an affirmative results-then I left wondering why?
I remember a message that were said in one of our Ligaya community assembly, whenever in certain areas of your life you feel lacking or there's a great need of sustenance of prayers and discernment its merely because there's something wrong with one's prayer time. But if one's prayer time is very much alive and active, God works tremendously great in every aspect of your life, and you feel you lack nothing...
Well most of the time it happened to me..this week I hurt someone, and it did affected me so much, because even though I already been in the renewal and I'm a very much trying-to-be-good Christian-still I fall- still I could not past the test of temptation, still I fail God.
Then along the way I am greatly affected with the goings and doings of our campus ministry that we could not pathom why for a community that were never given its birth in another level such as alumni group - a lot of politicing, a lot of banging of words as to who is saying the truth and as whom we should follow afffects the group so much- it I seem could not really understand why this is happening. The maturity level of the relationship that were established and built within the campus did not linger deep within each members that after stepping out in the real world, they're eyes were open but they could not see what is the need and where we should go...I'm really troubled and question God-why these things are happening- to His community whom He had put up ahead with everyone,but still is not moving on from its first stage...
These are some worries that I have in mind not to mentioned my work and my family my daughters specially my youngest who is still suffering from asthma...
And to meet the demands of all these concerns, I'm struggling and that's why it made me so bothered that I could not even find time to pray...
Now having realized that I have not openned my bible since Monday, I heard this voice come and talk to me now...hence I'm here...It feel so easy unburdening these troubles in mind and truly God is showing me the way...
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Thoughts to ponder
Our energy follows our mind, so always think positive, and remember there's no problem that cannot be solved. Always trust God and for sure He will not fail us.
God seldom does great things in a hurry, so let us wait patiently. Patience means awaiting God's Time, without doubting God's love.
God understands we are not strong all the time. He knows that sometimes all we can do is rest on His arms. As He takes us thru the journey of Life.
God balances our lives by giving enough blessings to keep us happy and enough burdens to keep us humble. Let us enjoy life in all humility.
BEcause you have made the Lord your refuge the Most High your habitatin, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways . PSALM 91:9-11
Pursue righteousness. A wrong thng is a wrong even if everyone else is doing it. A right thing is right even if you're the only person doing it.
Service for Christ God can take lowly vessel. Shape it with His mighty hand. Fill it with a matchless treasure. Make it serve a purpose grand. Thus, there is no such thing as insignificant Service for Christ.
God seldom does great things in a hurry, so let us wait patiently. Patience means awaiting God's Time, without doubting God's love.
God understands we are not strong all the time. He knows that sometimes all we can do is rest on His arms. As He takes us thru the journey of Life.
God balances our lives by giving enough blessings to keep us happy and enough burdens to keep us humble. Let us enjoy life in all humility.
BEcause you have made the Lord your refuge the Most High your habitatin, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways . PSALM 91:9-11
Pursue righteousness. A wrong thng is a wrong even if everyone else is doing it. A right thing is right even if you're the only person doing it.
Service for Christ God can take lowly vessel. Shape it with His mighty hand. Fill it with a matchless treasure. Make it serve a purpose grand. Thus, there is no such thing as insignificant Service for Christ.
More inspiration
Serving God is a privilege, not a burden! If God gives you an assignment, count yourself blessed that He considers you faithful enough to trust you with it!
Morning is a sign of God's Great Love for us, let us be thankful that we are given a new day to share His Love with special people in our hearts.
I pray that happiness at your door. May it knock early, remain and leave the gift of excellent, health, peace of mind, and inner joy.
Fulfillment doesnt merely mean achieving highest dreams in life, but also living a life that has made the lives of others worth living.
Let us cherish the moment when were empty but happy, tired but inspired, down but smiling, feeling lost but living for a cause. life is a gift, lets celebrate!
God is in control-Psalm 139:1-4
"O Lord you have searched me and known me, You know my sitting down and my rising up. You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are aquainted wilth all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue. But behold O Lord You know it all together."
Thus whatever uncertainties we have, God is not rattle, trust, for God is in control.
Morning is a sign of God's Great Love for us, let us be thankful that we are given a new day to share His Love with special people in our hearts.
I pray that happiness at your door. May it knock early, remain and leave the gift of excellent, health, peace of mind, and inner joy.
Fulfillment doesnt merely mean achieving highest dreams in life, but also living a life that has made the lives of others worth living.
Let us cherish the moment when were empty but happy, tired but inspired, down but smiling, feeling lost but living for a cause. life is a gift, lets celebrate!
God is in control-Psalm 139:1-4
"O Lord you have searched me and known me, You know my sitting down and my rising up. You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are aquainted wilth all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue. But behold O Lord You know it all together."
Thus whatever uncertainties we have, God is not rattle, trust, for God is in control.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Inspirational Messages
God says that, and so what?
Go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Mat. 5:24
Lord of reconciliation, this lent give us time to be reconciled not only with You but with others. Give me the grace of humility to acknowledge my shortcomings, and mercy to forgive peopple's fault.
Amen
(K.Mon's text)
The dont's to remember: dont wait for time, Make it. Dont wait for love, Feel it. dont wait for money, Earn it. Dont wait for path, find it. Dont wait for opportunity, create it. Dont go for less, get the best. Dont compare, be unique. dont avoid failure, use it. Dont dwell on mistake, learn from it. Dont back down, go around. Dont close your eyes, open your mind. dont run for life, embrace and enjoy it.
From a. me-anne cruz
Jesus is like a software, He enter's your life, scans your problems, edits your intention, downloads solutions, deletes your worries and saves you.
Jeanie David
Today like any other day I lift up to God your wholeness, intentions and cares. May He sanctify your work, bless your health and answer your deepest prayers. K. Mon
"God bless you"- is such a litter prayer, but it means so much, it means may the Lord with His gracious hands give you more than what you've prayed for." Me-ann cruz
Bible bites...Bitterness is unfilled revenge. It is a symptom of the stronghold of Cold Love. This painful experience was allowed by God to teach us how to Love our Enemies. If we still have forgivenss toward someone who hurt us, we have failed this test. without love there will be no spirtiual unity. without unity there will be anointing, no blessingand no lasting victory. psalm 133:1-3
Go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Mat. 5:24
Lord of reconciliation, this lent give us time to be reconciled not only with You but with others. Give me the grace of humility to acknowledge my shortcomings, and mercy to forgive peopple's fault.
Amen
(K.Mon's text)
The dont's to remember: dont wait for time, Make it. Dont wait for love, Feel it. dont wait for money, Earn it. Dont wait for path, find it. Dont wait for opportunity, create it. Dont go for less, get the best. Dont compare, be unique. dont avoid failure, use it. Dont dwell on mistake, learn from it. Dont back down, go around. Dont close your eyes, open your mind. dont run for life, embrace and enjoy it.
From a. me-anne cruz
Jesus is like a software, He enter's your life, scans your problems, edits your intention, downloads solutions, deletes your worries and saves you.
Jeanie David
Today like any other day I lift up to God your wholeness, intentions and cares. May He sanctify your work, bless your health and answer your deepest prayers. K. Mon
"God bless you"- is such a litter prayer, but it means so much, it means may the Lord with His gracious hands give you more than what you've prayed for." Me-ann cruz
Bible bites...Bitterness is unfilled revenge. It is a symptom of the stronghold of Cold Love. This painful experience was allowed by God to teach us how to Love our Enemies. If we still have forgivenss toward someone who hurt us, we have failed this test. without love there will be no spirtiual unity. without unity there will be anointing, no blessingand no lasting victory. psalm 133:1-3
Sunday, April 13, 2008
How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?
How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?
This is the Responsorial Psalm for todays' Reading - April 12, 2008. Upon reading it, I was struck about the question and told myself...can you answer this?
My Lord and my God, has been generous and loving, He never fails me, and He is always there for me. Every time I'm given the opportunity to ponder, where I am now and what I have become...I would always say that every thing and whatever things or circumstance that made me what I am now- is my God perfect plan for me.
Looking closely and pondering upon my own life, I see how the Lord, has able to help me and bless me so much. From the time I was born, till the time I graduated, till the time I got my first blow of pains, till the time I walk down the aisle, when I have given birth, I almost lost my job, till the time I have given the gift of community-the Lord in every areas of my life has been always there for me. He carefully mold me to the person that I am today, by given me adequately what I need to become right now. Even in between trials and tribulations, the Lord manifested His love for me.
Now when this question hit me...then now what am I suppose to do...how should I answer this question?
Lord God, nothing happen in my life that is to be considered - accidental! Everything has its purposes and reasons, and I will always be grateful to You for that! I can only give much to the best of my ability and availability of resources and luxury of time that I have. You've blessed me so much Lord, that you pre-arranged everything, You sought only what is best for me and always You never failed to amazed and made me feel how You love me so much, eversince.
Now, O God how will I make a return or how will I bring back those unconditional goodness that you have for me? How will I make a return? I can only do this much, I need the grace, I need everything to be able to make a good return, a return that is worthy as an offering to God, not a simple gift but even more than that. I want precious gift for you O God, only the best, my all my God!
This is the Responsorial Psalm for todays' Reading - April 12, 2008. Upon reading it, I was struck about the question and told myself...can you answer this?
My Lord and my God, has been generous and loving, He never fails me, and He is always there for me. Every time I'm given the opportunity to ponder, where I am now and what I have become...I would always say that every thing and whatever things or circumstance that made me what I am now- is my God perfect plan for me.
Looking closely and pondering upon my own life, I see how the Lord, has able to help me and bless me so much. From the time I was born, till the time I graduated, till the time I got my first blow of pains, till the time I walk down the aisle, when I have given birth, I almost lost my job, till the time I have given the gift of community-the Lord in every areas of my life has been always there for me. He carefully mold me to the person that I am today, by given me adequately what I need to become right now. Even in between trials and tribulations, the Lord manifested His love for me.
Now when this question hit me...then now what am I suppose to do...how should I answer this question?
Lord God, nothing happen in my life that is to be considered - accidental! Everything has its purposes and reasons, and I will always be grateful to You for that! I can only give much to the best of my ability and availability of resources and luxury of time that I have. You've blessed me so much Lord, that you pre-arranged everything, You sought only what is best for me and always You never failed to amazed and made me feel how You love me so much, eversince.
Now, O God how will I make a return or how will I bring back those unconditional goodness that you have for me? How will I make a return? I can only do this much, I need the grace, I need everything to be able to make a good return, a return that is worthy as an offering to God, not a simple gift but even more than that. I want precious gift for you O God, only the best, my all my God!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Here we go again
Last night we got the chance to meet S. Mila, our campus Minister and coordinator of CCP (Christian Communities Program), a Campus Ministry - back in college. The meeting was called for to address the issue on division and to highlights the need to established legally the members or leaders that would heads up the alumni group of this ministry.
The CCP was established in 1975 in the 3 campuses of UE-however, after the members/students graduated, there should be an alumni group to handle or to welcome them to continue what they have gained and experienced from college days, but it was fleeting. Though, it was established but it did not last, until there came group of individuals who dreamt of building up the alumni group and the move goes on and off, on and off...After several attempts, some who fought or worked hard to regain the group, lost their drive and their will power to go on, that's why to date, there's still no concrete framework or group of that sort to handle the alumni until now...
Actually, 3 of those attempts I was partly involved, the last two we did not succeed and on my 3rd attempt- I join this group and continue to help fulfill that desire-we are now at our 3rd year struggles and journey to that dreams and we call ourselves working group.
We had regular meetings, activities, plans, Sunday Masses once a month, retreat every year and others, we've established a yahoo groups to bring together thoughts and greetings of all alumnis from all parts of the world, we have shares of receiving rejections, persecutions and intrigues, but we never falter or let ourselves be affected.
But we are all human beings, and sometimes we are too vulnerable and weak and we do feel at times frustrated and hopeless about this plight- again we are no superheroes we're humans too and its normal to feel it at times.
The beauty about this working group that we had, if the other seem to go weary, there'll be someone from the group to fill in and uplift the other person. Our togetherness and having a unison battle cry had given us the opportunity to be more closer with one another and our level of treating each other is not only on the basis of purely having this common plan ang goal, but it came to a level that is more personal and more intimate, that we all wanted to be one-that we dont want to loose each other and we want to be altogether on this battle.
Going back to the purpose of that meeting, now part of the persecution that this group is receiving, is that some other group of the same community that we belong is establishing their own group to promote the same objective of building up the group, that they do not recognize or consider our group and they dont want to submit to the working group's desire or goal because they dont like the people who composes the group.
Given that situation, the mother of all these alumni, stood up and grab an opportunity to talked and bring the house down, I mean to cut this division and somehow enlighten up these two or rather 3 opposing poles, that actually their desires are all common and directed towards one goal, but having different approaches over the matter, rather.
What struck me is the word S.Mila, uttered, this is just a sibling rivalry and everyone has each own goodness in their hearts and what we need is just to simply come together and be one.
Last night there's so much lip service, there's so much self-centeredness, so much pasikat, and indirectly telling everyone that I'm more better, that I dont know because I was not informed, this and that and this and that...
A revelation that as for me I cannot just merely relinquished this torch that I'm carrying on inorder to make the group be one, particularly to some brothers and sisters who are just making show of themselves and not sizing up, but may have other motives/agendas or their committment is kinda questionable.
In this world of today,that technology becomes one of the basic need, that communication and change of information can happen in a split second, the more that word of mouth can be transmitted as far as electronic mail can do, I just cant comprehend, that how come during the last 3 years of the group struggles and activities to bring all as one, they never receive or got those information. But from their own lips they've uttered that on their own group they still managed to get in touch regardless of proximities... I just wonder, san sila nung ginagawa namin ang mga ito.
Now its a challenge, really, some did volunteer to support the group and S.Mila finally speak about dishonoring any small group that will be established other than this committee called working group, that will oversee its members for the next six months and once established - eventually a call for a formal election will set its place on December of this year.
But even before - WG came this far without hunger for much recognition, so much so with holding a title or a position - for them to move or establish the alumni - for us its a non-issue, for as long as we unite the alumni brothers and sisters, on every plans and activities, that we create and discussed about in the long hours of the evening till midnight away from our own priorities and families.
Actually, we volunter ourselves and we are not receiving or getting any benefit out of doing these things, our consolations lie only on the premise, that in gratitude we want to pay it forward to the other members of the alumni or to the community as a whole what we have become and we want to share that blessings to them - to the community without expecting any return, including rejections, back stabbing and persecutions.
Now having said that and listening to some people whom I just saw only now, where do we go from here, you've heard everything, you've said all your piece and thank you that somehow you recognized our efforts, but what can you share or what can you do, more than the words that you can utter, what else can you offer? Where do we go from here? Should I say...here we go again.
The CCP was established in 1975 in the 3 campuses of UE-however, after the members/students graduated, there should be an alumni group to handle or to welcome them to continue what they have gained and experienced from college days, but it was fleeting. Though, it was established but it did not last, until there came group of individuals who dreamt of building up the alumni group and the move goes on and off, on and off...After several attempts, some who fought or worked hard to regain the group, lost their drive and their will power to go on, that's why to date, there's still no concrete framework or group of that sort to handle the alumni until now...
Actually, 3 of those attempts I was partly involved, the last two we did not succeed and on my 3rd attempt- I join this group and continue to help fulfill that desire-we are now at our 3rd year struggles and journey to that dreams and we call ourselves working group.
We had regular meetings, activities, plans, Sunday Masses once a month, retreat every year and others, we've established a yahoo groups to bring together thoughts and greetings of all alumnis from all parts of the world, we have shares of receiving rejections, persecutions and intrigues, but we never falter or let ourselves be affected.
But we are all human beings, and sometimes we are too vulnerable and weak and we do feel at times frustrated and hopeless about this plight- again we are no superheroes we're humans too and its normal to feel it at times.
The beauty about this working group that we had, if the other seem to go weary, there'll be someone from the group to fill in and uplift the other person. Our togetherness and having a unison battle cry had given us the opportunity to be more closer with one another and our level of treating each other is not only on the basis of purely having this common plan ang goal, but it came to a level that is more personal and more intimate, that we all wanted to be one-that we dont want to loose each other and we want to be altogether on this battle.
Going back to the purpose of that meeting, now part of the persecution that this group is receiving, is that some other group of the same community that we belong is establishing their own group to promote the same objective of building up the group, that they do not recognize or consider our group and they dont want to submit to the working group's desire or goal because they dont like the people who composes the group.
Given that situation, the mother of all these alumni, stood up and grab an opportunity to talked and bring the house down, I mean to cut this division and somehow enlighten up these two or rather 3 opposing poles, that actually their desires are all common and directed towards one goal, but having different approaches over the matter, rather.
What struck me is the word S.Mila, uttered, this is just a sibling rivalry and everyone has each own goodness in their hearts and what we need is just to simply come together and be one.
Last night there's so much lip service, there's so much self-centeredness, so much pasikat, and indirectly telling everyone that I'm more better, that I dont know because I was not informed, this and that and this and that...
A revelation that as for me I cannot just merely relinquished this torch that I'm carrying on inorder to make the group be one, particularly to some brothers and sisters who are just making show of themselves and not sizing up, but may have other motives/agendas or their committment is kinda questionable.
In this world of today,that technology becomes one of the basic need, that communication and change of information can happen in a split second, the more that word of mouth can be transmitted as far as electronic mail can do, I just cant comprehend, that how come during the last 3 years of the group struggles and activities to bring all as one, they never receive or got those information. But from their own lips they've uttered that on their own group they still managed to get in touch regardless of proximities... I just wonder, san sila nung ginagawa namin ang mga ito.
Now its a challenge, really, some did volunteer to support the group and S.Mila finally speak about dishonoring any small group that will be established other than this committee called working group, that will oversee its members for the next six months and once established - eventually a call for a formal election will set its place on December of this year.
But even before - WG came this far without hunger for much recognition, so much so with holding a title or a position - for them to move or establish the alumni - for us its a non-issue, for as long as we unite the alumni brothers and sisters, on every plans and activities, that we create and discussed about in the long hours of the evening till midnight away from our own priorities and families.
Actually, we volunter ourselves and we are not receiving or getting any benefit out of doing these things, our consolations lie only on the premise, that in gratitude we want to pay it forward to the other members of the alumni or to the community as a whole what we have become and we want to share that blessings to them - to the community without expecting any return, including rejections, back stabbing and persecutions.
Now having said that and listening to some people whom I just saw only now, where do we go from here, you've heard everything, you've said all your piece and thank you that somehow you recognized our efforts, but what can you share or what can you do, more than the words that you can utter, what else can you offer? Where do we go from here? Should I say...here we go again.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The Road to Emmaus
How often do we fail to recognize the Lord when he speaks to our hearts and opens his mind to us?
Do you listen attentively to the Word of God and allow his word to change and transform you?
I was on the same state when I am to concern with my own problems and my own limitations, that even what the Lord already promises me, long before and even I heard Him say the words vividly- that I will see you through- I was still too confined with those negative feelings.
Whenever I'm on that situation, I ask for prayers with my peers and my women's group for I could not listen, I could not stand, I am so weak and I cant even recognize that the Lord is actually right beside me.
I see how powerful prayers can be, after few minutes I feel gradually being unburden and now my eyes were openned and I saw God and hear Him clearly.
Just to share David's prayer in the old testament, he said:
I saw the Lord ever before me,
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted;
my flesh, too, will dwell in hope,
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Like the long walk to Emmaus, the two people in the story seemed to confined with all the events that took place related to Jesus- that when they were approached by Him, they did not recognize Him, only until they reach a place and they have this breaking of the bread...Where they not with them-when He was still in flesh speaking about God's promises and the likes, because along the way Jesus interpreted the Scriptures and why all such sorts should take place and should happen for Jesus-speaking like a prophet were they not felt the burning of their hearts, that listening to Him alone, make their hearts melt?
Maybe, there were a lot of things bothering them or probably they were just half listening...well, I'm like that most of the times. I always have the access to God 24/7 thru prayers and thru meditations but whenever something happen- I could not even shield or sustain myself with it....
Lord God, You have the words of eternal life, You are always there for me, open my eyes clearly to see and open my heart so that your words can penetrate and instill in it. Amen.
Do you listen attentively to the Word of God and allow his word to change and transform you?
I was on the same state when I am to concern with my own problems and my own limitations, that even what the Lord already promises me, long before and even I heard Him say the words vividly- that I will see you through- I was still too confined with those negative feelings.
Whenever I'm on that situation, I ask for prayers with my peers and my women's group for I could not listen, I could not stand, I am so weak and I cant even recognize that the Lord is actually right beside me.
I see how powerful prayers can be, after few minutes I feel gradually being unburden and now my eyes were openned and I saw God and hear Him clearly.
Just to share David's prayer in the old testament, he said:
I saw the Lord ever before me,
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted;
my flesh, too, will dwell in hope,
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Like the long walk to Emmaus, the two people in the story seemed to confined with all the events that took place related to Jesus- that when they were approached by Him, they did not recognize Him, only until they reach a place and they have this breaking of the bread...Where they not with them-when He was still in flesh speaking about God's promises and the likes, because along the way Jesus interpreted the Scriptures and why all such sorts should take place and should happen for Jesus-speaking like a prophet were they not felt the burning of their hearts, that listening to Him alone, make their hearts melt?
Maybe, there were a lot of things bothering them or probably they were just half listening...well, I'm like that most of the times. I always have the access to God 24/7 thru prayers and thru meditations but whenever something happen- I could not even shield or sustain myself with it....
Lord God, You have the words of eternal life, You are always there for me, open my eyes clearly to see and open my heart so that your words can penetrate and instill in it. Amen.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Hunger for God
What do you most hunger for - wealth, peace, health, love or good life? Then the Lord Jesus says in the Gospel (John 6:27) "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man, will give to you."
April 7, 2008 Gospel passage. What struck me most is the meditation transcripted by I dont know who said: " Only God can satisfy the hunger in our heart and soul and the hunger for truth, for life and for love."
Then in answering the question above...actually I am content, but I am sometimes dissatisfied too. To the point that I could not find a time to read the Gospel, ponder on His words and listen to His little voice inside me. Whenever, I falter or fall short of this, after several days, a certain turn of events would pinch me and made me realize that - maybe the Lord is telling me something - why such circumstances happened or why there's an outburst of feeling that is too unchristian and very much unlikely.
Actually the bible which is the bread of life sustains me, and whenever I have the grace of the Holy Spirit- I could clearly see things in a right perspective and decide in accordance to His will.
But I do fall short but I dont rely to much on the confidence that God will always be there for me, but I do believe, the Lord wanted me so much to submit to Him and rely on Him and for me to accept that I can do nothing without Him around.
So to answer the question, I only hunger for God-He alone sustains me, when I have Him everything follows.
Lord God, salamat sa araw- araw na binibigay Ninyo, sa Tinapay ng Buhay na nagpapawi ng aking gutom. Sa Inyo lamang ang pusot kaluluwa ko'y busog na at wala ng mahalaga pa. Salamat sa araw-araw na paalala. Amen
April 7, 2008 Gospel passage. What struck me most is the meditation transcripted by I dont know who said: " Only God can satisfy the hunger in our heart and soul and the hunger for truth, for life and for love."
Then in answering the question above...actually I am content, but I am sometimes dissatisfied too. To the point that I could not find a time to read the Gospel, ponder on His words and listen to His little voice inside me. Whenever, I falter or fall short of this, after several days, a certain turn of events would pinch me and made me realize that - maybe the Lord is telling me something - why such circumstances happened or why there's an outburst of feeling that is too unchristian and very much unlikely.
Actually the bible which is the bread of life sustains me, and whenever I have the grace of the Holy Spirit- I could clearly see things in a right perspective and decide in accordance to His will.
But I do fall short but I dont rely to much on the confidence that God will always be there for me, but I do believe, the Lord wanted me so much to submit to Him and rely on Him and for me to accept that I can do nothing without Him around.
So to answer the question, I only hunger for God-He alone sustains me, when I have Him everything follows.
Lord God, salamat sa araw- araw na binibigay Ninyo, sa Tinapay ng Buhay na nagpapawi ng aking gutom. Sa Inyo lamang ang pusot kaluluwa ko'y busog na at wala ng mahalaga pa. Salamat sa araw-araw na paalala. Amen
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