Flesh and blood.

1 Corinthians 11:26

"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

Last Sunday was the first time I took part of the "Lord's Supper" at our church, CCBC. For the non-Christian, it's commonly called the "Communion". It was a bitter sweet moment for me. As a matter of fact, I cried the moment I got a hold of the bread and juice. It was tears of sadness and joy. It was that overwhelming.

Some of you may wonder and say, "What made him cry? It was just a piece of bread and a cup of juice. Maybe he's just overstating things." Well, true, it was just a piece of bread and a cup of juice if you look at it plainly. But what deeply troubled me was the reality on what it symbolizes and what it really means.

It's the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. We take part of it because as Christians, we remember what Jesus Christ had done for us on the Cross. At the Cross, our sin was forgiven, our filth was cleansed, and our unrighteousness was removed. We are declared justified and made alive through His death. All in all, it is a gift given by grace to unworthy people like us. This point is misunderstood and altogether overlooked by the majority of people.

Notice the word I used here, unworthy. This is the word that moved me to tears. I cried because I realized that I'm unworthy of His love, unworthy of His mercy and unworthy of His grace. I realized that for 23 years, I constantly ignored Him and consciously rejected Him. I took control of my own life. I did not realize before that His death on the Cross was for me. My sin was so severe that He needed to sacrifice Himself in order to meet God's justice and to display His genuine love.

In 1 Corinthians 11:26, Paul reminds the church of Corinth on what the "Lord's Supper" is all about. It's not just about eating a piece of bread or drinking a cup of wine or juice. We "proclaim our Lord's death" each and every time we take part of it. But just like the church of Corinth, we people tend to ignore this reality. Like the Corinthians, we often get "drunk" and get "full" of the idea that we are taking part of the "Lord's Supper" because it's somewhat like a routine done in the church.

Instead of this kind of perspective, we ought to look at ourselves as unworthy people taking part of the flesh and blood of the One who saved us. We need to examine ourselves and realize where we stand before a holy and just God. Only then can we truly understand that we are saved and redeemed by grace. Only then can we experience joy.

Reflect on this: How do you look at the "Lord's Supper" or Holy Communion? What does it mean to you? How does taking part of it affect your life with Jesus?

Prayer: Father God, thank you for the sobering words of 1 Corinthians 11:26. Indeed, the Lord's Supper is more than just taking part of bread and wine. It's the actual consumption of the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We take part of it not because by doing so we are saved from condemnation, but because we remember Jesus Christ taking that condemnation and granting us justification on the Cross.

It is my prayer, that may we have a profound understanding of your grace towards us. May we all realize that how unworthy we are of your grace. And let the reality of being apart from Jesus can only cause condemnation sink in upon our minds. That is why I pray to the Holy Spirit to lead us, guide us, convict us and most of all, change us and mold us into the Christian you, Lord God, want us to be. Not because we have to, but because we get to. In Jesus' good name I pray, Amen.

I was dead for 23 years.

Ephesians 2:8-9

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Looking back on who I was 6 months ago, I could only say one thing: I was dead. I never really taught of that until I met Jesus. For 23 years of existence, I was physically healthy, I think. But on the inside, emotionally and spiritually, I was as good as fertilizer. I was just rotting away.

Many people, especially young adults like me, don't consciously realize this because they are too preoccupied on seeking things that would make them happy superficially. They spend their time, energy and/or money on things that seems to bring momentarily happiness (e.g. gadgets, parties, work and even relationships). But at the end of the day, when you're all alone in your room, there's always this feeling of longing and sadness that you just can't seem to explain. You constantly seek to find the answer yourself, but always end up being lonelier and sadder the day before. You seem alive on the outside. But in reality, you are dead on the inside.

The idea that we people can't find the answer ourselves suddenly dawned at me. We just can't. What I realized is that the answer needs to find us. And that answer is Jesus. Maybe you would ask, "Why does He need to find us?" The reason is because we are closed to the idea that we need Him. We constantly reject Him. We deny the idea that He exists. It's OK for us to be sinners because we need to live "this" life to the fullest. And most off all, we consider ourselves as the God of our own lives.

The answer is echoed in Ephesians 2:8-9. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we will be saved. Not by our works, but because of His grace. Not because we deserve it, but because it is a free gift. It took me 23 years to realize this truth. Last Sunday, June 24, 2012, I decided that I want to be part of Jesus' church, submit to spiritual authority and just plain serve and love Jesus. I got baptized. Though baptism does not directly save you from death and God's wrath, it symbolizes 3 things, mainly: death, burial, and resurrection. Before, I was dead in sin. Now, I am alive in Christ. 

The moment we accept our faults, admit that we are sinners, and profess that Jesus is the only one who could save us, He'll find us. He'll change us. He'll save us. Once we belong to Jesus, our once dead bodies will be raised into a new life. We'll be made alive through Him.

Reflect on this: Do you often feel lonely and sad without any particular reason? Did it ever come to your mind that Jesus might be calling to you to open yourself to Him? Are you always rejecting and closing your heart to Jesus? If not, how does Jesus help you feel alive?

Prayer: Father God, thank you for the words of Ephesians 2:8-9. Indeed only by having faith in your Son can we be saved. Through your grace we are made alive. This is not something we worked for or we deserved. You gave it to us for free. And I thank you for that.

Lord Jesus, it is my prayer that we always instill into our minds that we are dead because of sin but was raised to life through Your death. May we seek to honor You, serve You, and love You in everything we say, think or do. Empower us, Holy Spirit, to serve others and share the Gospel. May You lead, guide, and instruct us to do what is pleasing to you and what can be beneficial to us. In Jesus' good name I pray, Amen.

Life is a marathon...with hurdles.

2 Thessalonians 3:13

"And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good."

Have you ever imagined yourself running in a marathon? Well, if you're going to ask me the same question, I'll answer you with a proud, "No". It's quite tough for a non-athletic person to run at least 5K straight if he's not physically conditioned. What more if you try a 42K race? Sure, it's possible. But, have you ever imagined running a 42KM race with hurdles? Now, that's the question.

This idea got stuck in my head during our small group meeting last Saturday at our Pastor's house. We were discussing a lesson about trusting God despite of adversities in life. One particular quote mentioned was from John Piper. He says that, "The Christian life is not a 100m sprint. It's a marathon with hurdles." I was like "Wow, definitely true." I have no idea in participating in marathons or races, but I do know what living a Christian life is.

Some people say that the way of Christianity is the easiest because it just requires you two things: Repentance and accepting Jesus Christ. Sounds simple? Not really. If you're really the kind of person who's full of pride and self-esteem, it's more likely that you'll have a hard time accepting the fact that you're a larger than life sinner.  Well, we're all sinners, so you're not alone. Being a new believer myself, I would say it's not all bliss when you're a Christian.

When you become a follower of Jesus, you know that your old self must die (sinful nature) because He already took it and put an end to it at the Cross (Col 2:14). So, your thoughts, actions, behavior, and everything else in between must be renewed in Jesus. However, since we were born sinners, we all have the tendency to commit sin, every once in a while that is. We were not guaranteed a sin-free life. It's more of a having a sin-proof one because you now have Jesus to save you and the Holy Spirit to lead you.

In 2 Thessalonians, the apostle Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica to tell them things about idleness and waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ's return. Specifically, in Chapter 3 verse 13, Paul instructs them to "never tire from doing good". It's an encouragement for us to follow Jesus Christ regardless of the things that may happen in our lives. That we continue to walk with Him and do good because this is what He wants us to do. But sometimes, life hits us in the face like a brick wall. We try to change but our sinful nature gets the best of us. We fail on our own efforts to become righteous in front of God's eyes.

This is where we go wrong. We don't change and become righteous ourselves. Jesus does that for us. And as long as you don't submit yourself and your sins to Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of kings, you'll just stumble in the hurdles while trying to crawl your way to finish the 42K run you just joined. But if you do, though you may stumble at times and you may grow weak while running the Christian life, you have Jesus dragging you and helping you through the race. So choose, will you run alone or run with Him?

Reflect on this: How do you face the stumbles and falls of your daily race in life? How does Jesus help you to run confidently and jump above the hurdles you encounter every day?

Prayer: Gracious God, first of all, I would like to thank you. Thank you for being with me all this time though I haven't been with you from the start. Though unworthy and unrighteous, you bore all of my sin so I could be worthy and righteous through you, Lord Jesus.

Forgive me Lord, for I have failed you far too many times and you know this. Though I repent and seek forgiveness, the tendency to sin is still there. Oh Lord of lords and King of kings, I submit to you all of my sin and all of myself. You clearly know from the bottom of my heart that I want to walk with you and serve you. So, Lord Jesus, I call to you to cleanse me of my sinful nature. Put to death my old self and bring me to a new life through your blood which was shed on the Cross. Only you can do this, Oh Lord, for I am utterly hopeless and weak. Only by your Grace can I be saved. And this I pray in your good name, Amen.

The light that never goes out.

Psalm 91:5

"You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day"

A couple of days ago, I had this really bad dream of someone I know hurting one member of my family. I woke up literally shaking and all soaked up in sweat.

I don't know if it's coincidence or not but earlier that same day, I was listening to one of the sermons of Pastor Mark Driscoll that I downloaded. The sermon was about Christ crushing our enemies, particularly Satan and demons. All throughout the sermon, Pastor Mark enumerates how Satan works his way into our lives. He can work in us through pride or self-esteem, physical abuse, or accusations. That very night, I recalled all of what I've heard and learned in the sermon and prayed before I sleep.

And to my surprise, there I was experiencing, in a way, Satan crawling in me through my dreams. I was so scared. I was tired. It felt real and I can't do a thing. The moment I woke up, I washed up my face with cold water and got back to bed again. There, before I lay and return to sleep, I prayed. I prayed to the Lord Jesus to guard me, my family, my friends and loved ones from those whom might hurt us. I prayed to Him to protect us from Satan and his works. Afterwards, I fell asleep again. This time, I was safe and sound.

Looking back on what happened, I look at Psalm 91:5 for encouragement. Here, the psalmist tells that "we will fear not the terror of the night". If we have God in our life, and sincerely believe that He is sovereign and has total control, why should we fear anything or anyone in particular? Indeed, nightmares can be realistically scary, but we should not forget that God is with us so we should not fear anything (Isaiah 41:10). God is always there as our light when everything seems dark (2 Samuel 22:29).

But I think, what's more important is that as Christians, we should look to God as the only source of light that casts away the darkness in our lives. By believing in Him, we can have the courage to face even the darkest of nights. In a way, when we sleep, we may be putting out the lamps in our room which causes total darkness, but note that God is our light that never goes out, so we can be rest assured to sleep peacefully.

Reflect on this: In what way does God help you sleep peacefully at night? How does God help you to have courage and not fear?

Prayer: Father God, thank you for being our light. Not literally, but by being the light in our lives. In you, our darkness is cast away. Lord, thank you for the encouraging words in Psalm 91:5! Thank you for the strength and courage that is found only in you.

Lord Jesus, be our guiding light, always. Be our light before we sleep, during, and after. Light our path as you light up the world. Through you, the world which was and is still enveloped in darkness, can find the only source of light. May we seek you in everything and every way possible so we could know what living in the light means. All praise be to you. Amen!

Last Song Syndrome.

Matthew 21:9

"And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!""

Recently, I’ve started to get a hang of listening to Christian/Worship music. It’s really new stuff for me. Not so long ago, I considered this genre boring and in some way, not interesting. But now, as a Christian, I would certainly beg to disagree with what I have just said if I were talking to myself today. 

One song in particular remained echoing in my mind since the first time I heard it. Its lyrics and melody just captivated me and my heart. It’s as if I visualize Jesus, in His full glory and holy presence, returning to earth coming down from the skies. And as he does, all believers worship, give thanks, and welcome our Lord with great joy and gladness. 

This song is entitled “Hosanna” from the band Hillsong United. I know it was released a few years ago, around 2007 if I’m not mistaken, so it’s not that really new to some people. But for me, it was as fresh as “pandesal” baked in the morning at the local bakery since I never really listened attentively to Christian music before. 

In the song, the singer repeatedly tells the word “Hosanna”. So, I searched the web to find out what this word means. And from my research, I found out that its meaning is both cry for salvation and declaration of praise. Indeed, this word should be used in relation to Jesus Christ. Because He is the only way to salvation and we should be grateful for that. This may very well be the main reason why I feel so delighted and elated whenever I listen to the song. It literally sends chills down my spine. Every word of the song strikes me like no other song I heard before. 

In Matthew 21:9, the same word comes out from the mouth of people of Jerusalem when they saw Jesus coming from afar. They shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” with joy and praise. They may not be singing in the way they delivered those words but nevertheless, the meaning is the still the same. 

It's very nice to know that this genre of music does exist. Indeed, God is everywhere, even in the music industry. But regardless of the medium used, the important thing is that we give praise and worship to our Saviour and Lord. All the credit belongs to Him. If not for Jesus Christ's work at the Cross and God's sufficient grace, we might not be singing in joy in heaven. Instead, we might be weeping bitterly in hell. 

Reflect on this: In what medium do you give thanks to the Lord? What helps you celebrate the give of salvation through Jesus Christ? 

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your grace. Through your Son's work at the cross, we are justified and saved. Though we are sinners and unworthy, your love for us still remains. Indeed, you are gracious my God. 

Like what was said in Matthew 21:9, dear Lord, Hosanna to your Son Jesus Christ! Truly, He is the Messiah. And as sung in "Hosanna" by Hillsong United, as your Son will come down someday from the heavens, may we tremble and be in awe of his glory and holiness. Thank you for using music as a medium to show us your greatness. 

But more importantly, let us glorify you, our Lord, not just through songs or statements, but in the way we live our lives. Let us be a testimony in our home, school or work, so that you may be magnified even more as you are now. To you my God, be the glory forever. Amen!

Burnout.

Colossians 3:23

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,"

No matter how engaged you are with the work your doing, there comes a point that you just feel like you're not going anywhere. You feel bored. Everything that seems enjoyable before, suddenly feels like a routine. Finally, you ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?" or "Is this worth it?" In short, you've burned out.

Most of us do well in our jobs so that, let's face it, our bosses or the management could take notice of us. We always look for the opportunity to step up so that we could show them what we're made of and that we could handle any task that they hand over us. Deep in our hearts, we work for recognition and to earn praise from them. Whether it is in the form of promotion, raise, or even a commendation. Some people become engaged at work because it's new and interesting for them. But what if the appreciation doesn't happen or the interest fades away? What do you do?

Well, people occasionally tend to be demoralized especially at work. Employees lose focus. We lost interest when things get old and boring. When the things we expect from our "earthly masters" are not given, we become frustrated. But in Colossians 3:23, a much better perspective is given to us by the apostle Paul when it comes to work.

It is said in verse 23 that we must work with all our heart as we are working for the Lord and not for human masters. Indeed, we are employed by companies, institutions, or even the government. However, as followers of Christ, we must always take into heart that in a way, we are working for the Lord not just for the company. In a sense, we work so we could earn money to provide for our needs but eventually, all the provision we receive is from the great provider which is the Lord.

It's normal to feel bored and demoralized once in a while especially when work becomes like a routine. But we should be mindful that work itself is a blessing by God and not some sort of curse. Yes, it's tough to work when you are not engaged and when the task is not interesting anymore. But nevertheless, we should still put our hearts into our work. Also, as believers, we are called to be representatives of Christ everywhere and in anything we think, say, or do. By doing so, we are not just blessed individually but also the people around us and the place we belong.

Reflect on this: Do you feel you've burned out? If so, what's the cause? How does God help you to refresh your perspective with work?

Prayer: Oh, Great Lord, I call unto you to give thanks! Thank you for the blessing of work. Because of this gift, I can duly provide not just for my family's need but for the church also. Truly, you are gracious.

I also call to you to seek your forgiveness. Lord, I am guilty of losing focus and sight of my goal in our workplace. Indeed, I am there to work, but I am also there to be a testimony for others that I am with Christ. That I serve you, the lord of lords and king of kings, my God.

Help me, Lord, to not burnout, but instead, burn with passion when it comes to work. Let me be revitalized and refreshed so that I could show my "earthly masters" that I do not just work for them, but I work for Your glory and honor. Let Colossians 3:23 be one of my motivation and inspiration everyday. All praise be to you. Amen!

Sometimes, it's better to be offline.

Matthew 6:6

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Last week, my internet connection was down and it lasted for 6 days. But the worst part of it was the assistance given by the internet provider that came very so slow. 

I felt so bored because I can't do anything. My usual habit of checking mails, reading news, and finding new stuff on the web suddenly went to a stop. But I guess what really annoyed me was the fact that I can't write my blog and check the status of my social networks. However, a sudden realization sank in me after my internet connection was restored. Though the cable of my connection was cut down by something as investigated by the ISP, maybe, just maybe, it was God's way of telling me to spend more time with Him. 

I usually spend 1.5 to 2 hours of my time doing my daily stuff (emails, news, blog, etc.) on the web during weekdays. That's at around 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM. While on weekends, I go online from 7PM up until 12 MN. Come to think of it, I'm spending 7.5 to 10 hours of my time in front of the computer on weekdays, while I only allot 30 mins to 1 hour of Bible reading daily. Isn't it unfair to my Creator? Shouldn't I be spending more time knowing Him and studying Scripture rather than posting anything pointless on some social networking site? Yes, my thoughts exactly. 

As said in Matthew 6:6, we should go to our room and close our doors when we decide to pray. Most of us still do this. But more often nowadays, behind closed doors, teenagers or even parents alike tend to spend more time on their room browsing the web or trying to think of something cool to post in Facebook or Twitter instead of finding personal time with God. Let's all remember that everything was made by Him for Him (Colossians 1:16). He didn't allow man to think of creating the computer, the internet, or even Facebook for that matter for us to just replace Him with something he just created. Otherwise, it will just be plain old idolatry.

Indeed, it's not that bad to enjoy the advent of technology because it is still a blessing from God. People can now communicate easier through email and Facebook. Knowledge is freely available thanks to Google. But just like anything earthly, when we just can't seem to live a normal life without it or even prioritize it over the Lord, it just shows our idolatrous nature. And by what it is said in Matthew 6:6, it is definitely something not worth rewarding.

So, instead of spending most of our free time online, let's do our best to spend more time with God. The Lord wants us to come to Him. He wants us to build a strong relationship with Him. He wants us to know him more. But, if you tend to be so absorbed by the internet when your pc is turned on, I think it's much better for you to be offline.

Reflect on this: How much time do you spend in front of the computer? Compared to that figure, how much time do you read the Bible? How does God help you to focus on Him rather on the internet?

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for the gift of technology. Indeed because of the internet, everything we do seems just to be a click away. But in the process, most of us became dependent on it, thus, making us idolatrous in your eyes.

Forgive us, Lord, if we spend more time on Facebook, Twitter, or anything that consumes our time. We are sinners indeed. But as gracious as you are, you are still merciful and loving to us. Let us be reminded that nothing is more enjoyable, fulfilling, and worth it than knowing You and Your Word.  May we close our doors not to browse the internet more often, but to read the Bible and pray to you as often as we can. So in the process, though we are unworthy, we can experience your rewards by putting our faith in your Son, Jesus Christ. All praise be to you. Amen.

Who's your Mommy?

Proverbs 31:10

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."

It's my first time celebrating Mother's day at CCBC. And I can say that what I've seen today was very heart-warming. Before starting the service, a video clip was played about on how our mother's day to day activities are being unnoticed and taken for granted. Also, there was a part of the service where all the moms where given tokens to show appreciation for their unconditional love and ever-challenging task of taking care of their family. But what I really did appreciate today was the focus of the sermon. It's about the Godly Mother as described in Proverbs 31:10-31. 

Being in CCBC for quite some time, I've met a few Godly mothers myself. You just kind of feel it when you're around them. It's in the way they move and speak. You can feel that God's love is flowing from them because they put God as their priority. And I know, through them, God blesses their family. 

Though my mom is an unbeliever, I know she did her best to raise us siblings. She never neglected her responsibilities. And I am truly in debt to her because she stepped up to the plate where the mom of my kids should be. Though she may not that be too "showy" with her emotions, her actions alone show that she loves us. And I do pray that someday, God will work His way in her so that she might accept Jesus as her Saviour just like what I did. 

As said in Proverbs 31:10, a wife of noble character is worth far more than rubies. They are priceless. They are precious. This is true to all moms out there. They are really irreplaceable. Mothers are God given gifts to us children. Whether your mom is a Christian or an unbeliever, this does not change the fact that they love you and they desire the best for you and your family. I believe that most, if not all mothers, regardless of their faith, want the best for their children. They’re willing to sacrifice time and strength so they could provide love and guidance to their family. I am not saying that Christian mothers are greater or superior than other moms, but if you do have a Godly mother, then God bless you. For you have been given a very precious gift by God. And you should forever be thankful to God for this. Thank God for all of our moms!

Reflect on this: Have you been blessed by God by having a Godly mother? How does God help you appreciate your mother more?

Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of mothers. Thank you for providing us a person here on this earth to take care of us. Truly, as said in Proverbs 31:10, they are indeed priceless. 

Lord, I ask for forgiveness for the times that I take for granted all the things that my Mom does for me. Let me always be reminded that life on this earth is short, so I should always show her love and appreciation. Indeed, Lord, mothers are your gifts to us children.

I pray for all the mothers, Lord, for your blessing. Continuously bless them wisdom and compassion so they could fulfill their roles as our earthly guardians. May they always find your guidance so they could lead their families closer to You. May they find strength in you when they feel weak. Provide them with patience when they are faced with difficulties. Thank you, God, for all the Godly mothers in our life. For those mothers who do not yet the know the promise of your Son, Jesus Christ, work in them. So they could be blessed by your grace.  All praise be to you. Amen!

Rainy days.

Leviticus 26:4

"I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit."

Yesterday, after Sunday service, my friend and I decided to bring my eldest kid to a nearby park in Quezon City for an afternoon stroll. It was such a nice day that we didn't even think bringing an umbrella with us. But as we were approaching the park, our worst fears happened. Rain suddenly poured without warning. Thanks to a nearby "sari-sari store" we managed to stay dry.

When the rain turned to just a mild drizzle, we went inside the park and decided to wait until the rain passes away. While waiting inside, my son asked me a random question. He said: "Dad, why does it rain?" I answered in a playful manner saying: "It's God's way of watering the plants and flowers. It's been a few weeks that we're experiencing hot weather so God decided to make things a little cooler."

That little conversation with my son yesterday made me reflect on how important "rain" really is. Not just for plants or flowers, but for people as well. In Scripture, rain is always associated with farming. Rain is needed   by the land to grow crops (James 5:18). Rain helps nourish the vegetation of the field (Zechariah 10:1). It is very essential to everything that has life on this earth. It's a factor for proper growth.

As a Christian, I view "rain" as the struggles and challenges that come into life. It can come like a drizzle in a Sunday afternoon or like a storm in a cold night. In a way, rain can be devastating, especially in huge amounts. But God never created rain as a bad or destructive thing. Not after the promise He made after the "great flood" during Noah's time. He created rain to provide growth for those who experience it.

In Leviticus 26:4, we are reminded that God brings rain. He sends rain so that the ground could yield it's "crops" and the trees their "fruit". If you come to think of it, we are the ground and trees in need of "rain". Without it, we become "dry" so to speak. Without trials, how can we grow as a person? How can we mature? How can we develop more trust and faith in Him?

God waters us through trials and challenges so we could yield good "crop" and bear delicious "fruit". He never intended to bring "rain" in our lives so we could just feel pain and hurt. Instead, He wants us to build a closer relationship with Him during these kinds of situation. In the process of trusting and putting our faith in Him, we become a much better person. Bearing "good fruit" as the Scriptures say.

So, the next time you experience "rainy days", just let it pass by. After it's gone, take a moment to look around. Isn't it always much beautiful after the rain?

Reflect on this: Do you feel like the rain in your life never stops? Have you ever tried calling out to God during those trying times? How does God help you to withstand the "rainy days" of your life?

Prayer: Oh merciful God, thank you for the constant "rain" in our lives. Rain that helps us grow, not just individually, but helps us grow closer to You. Forgive me, Lord, if I tend to doubt or be resentful when you overwhelm me with such challenges or trials. Instead, make me realize that you are doing this because you know what is best for me, for You are Sovereign. As said in Leviticus 26:4, send your rain to me, Oh God. So that I may yield crops and bear fruit. Not for myself, but for You and You alone. Amen.

The right kind of pleasure.

1 Thessalonians 4:3

"It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;"

Sex and immorality is now a common commodity in our society today. It's gone from underground into mainstream. You can find it on television, ads, and music. It's like traffic here in the Philippines. It's just everywhere.

Today at Cornerstone Community Baptist Church, 1 Thessalonians 4 is the lesson on Sunday school and focus of the sermon. And quite frankly, the men, especially the fathers at Sunday school were all too eager to answer the questions regarding sexual immorality. Everyone was just so engaged on the discussion. This just shows that it is really a common problem today, not just for unbelievers but for Christians as well.

Different opinions were raised throughout the course of the discussion. Some say that believers should be prudent when it comes to sexual sin. That we should avoid things or places that would trigger or even stoke the fires of our desires, cutting them of so to speak. All of them are correct in my opinion, but what caught my attention and served as a wake-up call was the one said by one of our deacons. He said that: "The problem is idolatry. We replace Jesus with something we think is much greater and put it on His throne which is rightfully for him in our hearts."

And I am guilty of this. I won't be a hypocrite. I am having problems with this kind of idolatry. But I'm constantly praying for God's grace to help me fight the temptation and face this sin head-on. And I do believe that many Christians, especially the male singles face this problem too. It's just a matter of admitting them and putting them on the light so it could be exposed.

But what was said in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 can help us. We should remember that we should live our lives as holy as possible for this is God's will for us. As said by our Pastor earlier today; "We are set apart, consecrated, and dedicated for His glory". We are called to live our lives to please God. To be holy for we are His people (Ephesians 5:3). We cannot please ourselves solely in earthly things, for that is idolatry (Romans 1:25). We should realize that Jesus Christ died on the cross because of all our sins. Sexual immorality included. If we really do believe in Him, we should act like one accordingly.

So instead of taking pleasure in sexually immoral things, why not take pleasure in serving God? Why not live "cleanly" for Him? It's not wrong to experience pleasure. But make sure it's the right kind of pleasure.

Reflect on this: Do you still fall on the pits of sexual immorality? Or are you currently on one? How does God help you to resist and avoid this problem?

Prayers: Dear Lord, thank you for revealing your will and for reminding us to live holy lives through 1 Thessalonians 4:3. I know that we all do tend to fall often to sexual immorality, but your grace for us sinners is very much sufficient. You still welcome us with open arms, given that we repent and ask for forgiveness.

Forgive me, Lord, if I always fall short in your glory. Forgive me for the sins that I committed. Always remind me that You are greater and Your love is much desirable and pleasurable compared to earthly things. Let me be always contented in you and you alone. Let me give my all to you because You give your all to me.

I pray for those who suffer the same problem that I have. I pray for the strength, prudence and will to face the sin of sexual immorality. I pray for those who are enticed and are strangled with the ropes sin. Cut them off, oh God. Let us all have confidence in putting our faith in your Son Jesus Christ. Always point us toward the cross, the place where your Son died and our sins were nailed. All glory be to you. Amen.

You against the "world".

Matthew 5:11

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."

When an unbelieving person suddenly decides to turn away from his "old" self and decides to be a believer of Christ, what do most people, especially the ones close to him, often do or say about his decision?

Well, if by God's grace you've been given friends who are Christian, lucky for you because they will support you all the way. As a matter of fact, they'll be full of joy and might even pray for you. But what if they are not like that? What if they are the type of person who likes to live an earthly life and is used doing earthly things with you? More often than not, you'll get questioned, mocked or even persecuted for what you suddenly decided to do.

This is true nowadays. When a person changes his faith and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, his friends or other people, especially those who are unbelievers will usually ask, "Why"? If they're not satisfied with the answer, they'll try to mock you with words like, "Oh really”? But what's worse is that after mocking you, they might even try to persecute you in terms of saying harsh words like "C'mon, for crying out loud, don't fool yourself". 

It's like you don't have the right to change for the better. They react negatively because you suddenly want to drop off and turn away from your old self. Meaning that you'll be possibly turning away from people who might negatively affect the change you want in your life. People try to find loopholes in your change in attitude and outlook in life for them to be able to persecute and convict you. They find ways to put yourself down and make you realize that you’re just becoming a hypocrite and you can't really change.

As said in other parts of Scripture, Christians will always be persecuted:

John 15:19 - "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

2 Timothy - "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

But for those who struggle with this kind of persecution from others, fear not. For what is said in Matthew 5:11 will strengthen and enlighten you. It tells us that whenever unbelieving people question, mock, or even persecute us, God blesses us in exchange. For when people judge us, they see the change in us. They see Christ in us. This only means that He really changes our way of living, which eventually results to glorifying and pleasing God in the process.

So, if you really want to know God and become a follower his Son, Jesus Christ, then do it. Don't be afraid. Know that judgment from this world is part of your journey in knowing God. Remember that when you suffer for Him, you are blessed and He is glorified. If you're really decided to be a believer, it'll be you against the "world".

Reflect on this: Do you feel like the "world" is against you because of your belief in Jesus Christ? How does God help you in your struggles? Do you feel the blessing of God through your suffering?

Prayer: Oh loving Father, I thank you despite of my suffering. For you know that I suffer in the hands of those who judge me. But even though I struggle, I know this puts glory and honor in Your name. And for that I am blessed as it is said in Matthew 5:11.

Lord, forgive those who wrong You by questioning, mocking or even persecuting me. Instead of letting anger or fear rule over me, fill me with confidence in You. Let me live my life so I could show these people that I am truly a slave of Jesus Christ. Let me be a representative of Christ in everything that I do.

All the glory be to you. Amen.

Thankful for everything.

Philippians 4:19

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

I've invested in a lot of things lately. I've bought a new computer, saved up money to open a time deposit account (educational and business fund) and I've been able to afford to buy myself a set of dental braces. Soon, I'll be spending some more for the education of my oldest son since he's an incoming grade 1 student. And trust me; the price of education nowadays is quite steep.

All of these things will not come into my possession if not for the sufficient grace of God. He blessed me with enough resources so I could buy and share His provision with my family. He's given me the wisdom to save up money so I could spend on what's really important. And I am thankful for his kindness to me and my family

In Philippians 4:19, Paul promises us that God will provide all our needs. He is the great Provider. And this truth applies to all, not just Christians. Just to share, I've had an experience before when I was an unbeliever that made me realize that the God truly provides for his people.

Last September 2010, when I desperately needed a source of finance to afford my son's tuition fee for the coming school year, the unexpected happened. I got promoted. And the amazing thing about that was I had just started working for the company for about 6 months. I never really expected that I would be promoted in just a short period of time. It just shows that God really knows how and when to give us our needs. Despite being an unbeliever back then, I truly believed that God gave me the means to acquire the resources that I needed.

The promise given in Philippians 4:19 is a guarantee to those who believe in Christ that God will always tend to our needs. He's unfailing love, faithfulness and kindness will be overflowing if we truly accept His son as our Saviour. Having said these things, we should not worry, doubt or hesitate when we are in need of something. For God see's the needs of our hearts. All we have to do is raise them to him through prayers and have faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. Afterwards, you just have to give thanks because the blessing will just follow.

Reflect on this: What helps you believe that God truly provides for your needs? How do you experience God's grace in your daily life?

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the provision. Not just for today's blessing, but for everything that comes to our life. You are truly generous to those who love you. While being gracious even to those who do not.

Lord, as Paul promised in Philippians 4:19, supply me with all the things that I need. Not just material things, but spiritual things that will help me glorify and honor you. For the riches in this world are temporary, so bless me with things that I could take to heaven; your Word and your command.

Father, let me give thanks to the most wonderful blessing you ever gave to us sinners. The blessing of your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for allowing Him to be sacrificed in our place so that we can be saved. Because of this, we can never ask for more. All the praise be to you. Amen.

24 years and still counting.

Colossians 3:14

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

My parents celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary today. In a way, it's nothing much. Well, at least for me who grew up seeing my mom cook "pancit" or "spaghetti" while my dad drink all day to celebrate the occasion. It's like they're used letting "this" day pass by like any other given day. But looking beyond that, it's still 24 years of commitment. And that is something only God can give.

Many relationships today fail because of this missing piece. Though love for each other is essential for a relationship to blossom. It is the love for God that makes a commitment unbreakable. When God becomes the center of your life and your relationship, you can't do anything wrong. This is true, because by submitting yourselves to God first, He will guide you in your decisions and steer your emotions all throughout the relationship. Of course, this does not mean you'll not argue over things or go through trials. But if you do, you'll have confidence facing them because you know that God is with you.

But in our culture today, this part is, more often than not, overlooked or ignored. What seems more important these days is the "heat of the moment" rather than knowing what will "keep the fire going" in a relationship. Instead of seeking for God's love and blessing to fuel the "fire" of the relationship, people just tend to consume the relationship while everything is "heated". This in turn, leads to coldness.

Colossians 3:18 challenges us to put love above of any other thing. Not just any kind of love, but God's love as top priority in our lives. Once we do, our relationship with others and with God himself will definitely be in perfect harmony.

Reflect on this: Do you put God's love above everything else in your life? How does God help you put your love for others in perspective?

Prayer: Oh loving Father, you have given me the opportunity to love You and to love other people. For this, I give thanks. Lord, let what was said in Colossians 3:18 be my encouragement in life. Let me put Your love, Oh Lord, above anything else so that everything may be in perfect harmony.

Fill me with your abundant love, My God. Let what overflows from my heart be given to those who are around me. For you are truly gracious and compassionate. Praise be to you. Amen.

Our pain compared to His.

1 Peter 3:18

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit."

All through out the day I've felt pain in my mouth. And a lot of it, as a matter of fact. It's like my teeth are going to fall out any moment. Thanks to my newly attached dental braces, I need to endure this kind of pain for quite some time.

As I was thinking about my own description of what pain is, a horrible image suddenly flashed in my mind. A scene of unimaginable pain. A scene of anguish. A scene of suffering. The scene of our Lord, Jesus Christ, at the cross.

Most of us don't know what it feels like to be crucified. And I bet no one wants to experience that kind of thing. No one wants to carry a 300-pound wood and be attached to it by using 7 inch nails. But really, how much pain do you think did our Savior, Jesus Christ, felt when nails were being driven to his flesh? How much suffering did he felt when he has attached to the cross while being mocked and cursed by sinners? What kind of anguish did he felt when he saw his mother crying and when his Father forsaken him?

I cannot even start to comprehend how much pain He went through that moment. And the mere fact that he was sent there to suffer because of my sins makes me feel ashamed. But I'm thinking, was it really the physical torture that caused him so much pain? Or was it because of the sin we people committed to his Father that caused him so much suffering? Personally, I think it's the latter.

Even though we made our Savior suffer and die on the cross, what was said in 1 Peter 3:18 tells us that His suffering was not in vain. He accomplished his task here on this earth. He did that by dying on the cross in order for us to be made right with God again. For us to be closer to his Father, the Lord God, once more. So, how does our pain measure up to what Christ felt? I can even go as far by saying, our pain means nothing.

Reflect on this: Have you ever thought about how much pain you've caused to God? Have you ever asked for His forgiveness?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for making your Son, Jesus Christ, suffer in my place at the cross. I know that we are unworthy since the beginning, but still, your love for us is greater. It encompasses all understanding. Instead of letting us suffer the penalty of sin, you sent your dearest Son instead. And for that, we are forever grateful and thankful. For you are truly a merciful and loving God.

Forgive me Lord, if I do tend to commit mistakes once in a while. Let me be reminded that my pain is nothing compared to what Jesus felt on the cross. Instead of dwelling in those mistakes, let me live my life looking forward, seeking your forgiveness and grace instead. Let me look at the cross on a whole new perspective: that the cross is not a symbol of death, but a symbol of life and love. All be the glory to you. Amen.

Better late than never.

2 Samuel 5:12

"Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people in Israel."

Today was a great day for praise and worship at Cornerstone Community Baptist Church. Not because of some event or occasion that we celebrated, but because today's sermon (2 Samuel 5) highlights the rise of David as king of Israel. 

For an unbeliever, this may seem little, if none, of any value. But if you've studied Scripture, you'll know that this marks the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. This event opens up the path for the true King when he arrives. And that true King that we must all acknowledge is Jesus Christ. Our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer.

During the course of the sermon, our Pastor said something that really struck me. He said, with regards to accepting Jesus Christ as your King, that “It’s better to come late, than to never come at all”. Well, quite frankly, I think this is true. As for me, being on this earth for 22 years without purpose or direction seems to be pointless. All those years of senseless living were wasted years. Thank God that on my 23rd year of existence, I was saved through believing the King. His Son, Jesus Christ. In a way, though I think I was quite late because I could have served my King earlier, it's much better than living my life not knowing the King at all.

As said in 2 Samuel 5:12, just like David's establishment as king over Israel, when Jesus Christ returns and is finally revealed to everyone, he will be acknowledged as the King by every nation on earth. But don't be misled by the word "King" here. Though he will certainly rule over us, it is not only for his sake, but eventually for ours. Because only by submitting to Jesus Christ's authority, can we be saved from eternal damnation. He is not a King that just rules over God's people. He is the King that serves God's people.

Once the King is revealed, those who are with him and submit to him will be saved. Just like the nation of Israel through King David. But those who don't will surely be punished and destroyed. They would share the same fate that the Jebusites and Philistines had when they opposed the authority of King David. So, having these said, you should ask yourself. Are you coming to submit yourself to the King or not?

Reflect on this: Who is your King? If it's not Jesus Christ, who is it? How does Christ rule over your life?

Prayer: Oh, Lord of Lords and King of Kings. I fully submit myself over your authority as my King. Not because I am forced to do this, but because this is what you want for me. I ask for forgiveness for the time it took for me to come to you, my Lord.

Dear God, thank you for the promise of salvation. Thank you for sending us our King, Jesus Christ. And just like what King David did to Israel, I pray to you, Oh Lord, to save us and unite us.

Lead us to freedom, my King. Lead us to victory. Not victory over literal battles with others, but victory over the enemy of sin. For in you, we put all our faith. For in you, we know that victory is guaranteed. All hail the King. Our King. Amen!

Sharing what God has given you.

Luke 3:11

"And He answered them, "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever who has food is to do likewise.""

Sharing the things that you have certainly gives a nice feeling, especially, if you have some to spare. Whether it be food, money, shelter, or clothing, you really never know how much would that be of help to another person. But given that it's a good deed to share. This is also what God wants us to do in our life.

Today, I've shared two things. One of them was money given to a relative in need. And the other one was the Gospel. I shared it to my cousin because I felt that he needed it due to personal problems. He was feeling "empty" after a break up with someone. And since I've been through that not so long ago, I've decided to share it to him and see if it will have the same effect on him.

Both of these would be of great help to the other person. To be able to share material things is nice. But for me, the latter one was the best thing to share to any person needing help.

In Luke 3:11, John the Baptist told the people wanting to be baptized to share what they have to those who are in need. God wants us to share our "tunics" if we have some to spare. But what's most important to share is our "food" as Christians. Food that is abundant, gives life and that saves. And my interpretation of "food" here is the Gospel. His Word.

This part of Scripture must serve as a reminder to us that everything we have is given by God's grace. He is so merciful, loving, and gracious that He provides us everything that we need. And though we receive these things individually, it is much better to share these blessings to others, especially the Gospel. Not just because it feels great to give, but because it glorifies God in the process.

Reflect on this: What helps you to share your blessings to others? Do you try to share the Gospel aside from sharing material things? How does God give you the ability to share?

Prayer: My Lord, thank you for the abundant provision you faithfully give to us. It may or may not be in the form of material things. But still, we are thankful to you for providing us your Word. The blessing of the Gospel. And this is more than enough for us. For your Word gives us life, contentment and "food" that we would ever need in this world.

As you provide me all these necessities in life, my God, may I also repay your kindness by sharing these blessings to others. And may they accept these blessings with thanks not to me, but directly to you. For you deserve the credit alone, my Lord, my King. Amen.

True faith?

Matthew 14:31

"Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

In Matthew 14:22-36, we are shown how followers of Christ tends to doubt His power and glory at times. Here, the disciples saw that Jesus walked on water. But instead of praising this miraculous display of his power, they suddenly turned afraid of Him. Doubting the power of the Lord in the process.

I must confess that I too, am guilty of this kind of reaction at times. Especially during work days when I'm assigned to complete difficult and urgent tasks. The fact that I doubt myself is bad enough. But what's worse is that I am not putting that much faith in God. I still doubt Him. Not just at work, but in some parts of my life in general. In a way, I am underestimating his power and sovereignty. And I am ashamed of this.

For if I were truly belong in Jesus Christ, I should not doubt His power over all things in my life. His sovereignty and faithfulness should be more than enough of an assurance that He will take care of the things in our life. But this does not mean we should not exert effort. It is given, that we should also do our part in His grand scheme of things.

Amazingly, my doubt at times is always replaced by awe. Because just when I thought my work or things in my life seems hopeless, God intervenes and blesses me wisdom, knowledge, and strength to accomplish it. God is so faithful to that he shows to me that I should not doubt His power. Ever. For He will never leave me or forsake me. Especially when I need Him. He just wants me to put ALL of my faith in Him and his Son Jesus Christ. And this is true for all of us.

When God tells us to walk on the "waters" of our life, we should do this wholeheartedly. Fully trusting God and His power over all things. Because this gives praise and glory to Him. That we are willfully submitting our lives to Him. We must not commit the mistake that Peter did in Matthew 14:30. The mistake of not having true faith in the works of Jesus Christ in our lives, for we will surely drown.

Reflect on this: Do you believe that God has total control of everything in your life? If not, who does? Have you ever experienced God's power over your life? What helps you to fully trust and put your faith in God?

Prayer: Sovereign God, I thank you for having total control on all the things in my life. Thank you by putting up with us though we tend to be doubtful and unfaithful to you. This just shows your compassion, love, faithfulness to us.

Forgive us, Oh Lord, for even thinking of having doubts in You. Let us be reminded of what Jesus said in Matthew 14:31, that we should not be of little faith. Instead, change our hearts, change our beliefs, change our ways. Let us come towards you by walking above the treacherous "waters" of life with full confidence in Your power. Remind us that by putting all our faith in you, we will surely be safe from drowning.

Praise be to you, my Lord, my Redeemer, my Savior. Amen.

Work-Life Balance?

Mark 8:36

"For what will it profit a man if gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"

These past few weeks at the office really took it's toll on my time with my family. I get so engaged at work that I lose track of time. More often than not, I arrive late at home. Causing me to miss the opportunity to see my children awake.

For me, family is very important. Next to God, I put my family second in priority. Given that I'm a single parent, every minute spent with my kids are precious to me. Since I started to commit myself to being the father God wanted me to be, I wanted to spend more time with them. To play with them. To eat with them. To pray and worship God with them. I want to catch up on the  time I wasted treating them bitterly in the past.

However, since I just recently changed my way of work (from functional consultant to a developer), I do tend to extend my working hours due to the enjoyment and fulfillment of what I do. And since God gave me this opportunity, I want to make the best out of it. I want to seize it so to speak.

But, is enjoying work really worth it if the price to pay is losing time with my family?

I think what was said in Mark 8:36 clearly answers my question, with a question. Yes, I do enjoy countless hours of working at the office. I can be blessed by God by allowing me to be promoted at work. Which will eventually result on having a higher paying salary. I may gain the trust and confidence of my co-workers and leaders. But at the end of the day, the question that I ask myself is this: "Are these things really more important than my family?".

Indeed, we tend to take pride with the job that we do. We want to do our best while we're at it. But if losing our loved ones; friends, parents, relatives, or even kids in the process is not good at all. For what is the purpose of having all the fame, glory, and riches of the world if we won't have anyone to share it with? Also, this can sometimes lead to idolatry. Thinking that our job is the most important thing in our life. And this is not what God wants for us. He wants us to live our lives only for Him.

May the Bible always remind us of our true priorities in life. Remember, everything in this world only exists temporarily. Though God will never go away, nothing in this world will ever last aside from Him. This includes our loved ones. So, make the most out of every moment with them. As much as possible, take time to pray and give thanks to the Lord for the opportunity to be with them. There's nothing bad in doing hard work. But if we'll lose our "soul" in the process, we should think again.

Reflect on this: Do you spend quality time with your loved ones? If not, why? When was the last time you went home early just to enjoy the remaining part of the day with your family? What is your priority in life?

Prayer: Oh Lord, thank you for questioning my beliefs by what you have said in Mark 8:36. Thank you for making us realize that we should not lose focus on what's important in this life. We must always put you, our God, as top priority. But what's next to you is real important too; our family.

Forgive us Lord, if we tend to look at other things that seem of great importance to us. Making us idolaters in the process. Forgive us if we tend to take for granted the time you've given us to spend with our loved ones. Lord, redirect our focus on the more important things in life. Things that of greater value. Things that glorifies and honors you. We pray for your guidance, God, in everything we do. Amen.

Apples of our life.

Hebrews 2:18

"For because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted."

Whenever I hear the word temptation, the image that instantly comes into my mind is an apple. Growing up as a kid, I thought the the apple was similar, if not, the fruit what Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Temptation can be of any form. It can be anything in this world that fall into anyone of these three categories: Attracting, Enticing, Alluring. From an obvious standpoint, it's everything that is pleasing to the senses. That's why Adam and Eve ate the apple. Because it seemed so good. So then, what's so bad about temptation?

Let us bear in mind that the reason why sin entered the world and what made us sinners is temptation. The devil used temptation to disguise what was sinful into a good thing. Temptation gave birth to sin. Sin gave birth to death. Since everyone of us are sinners, we are all dead. We are forever separated with God. We all fell short of His glory. And this "death" of ours is the primary reason why Jesus Christ had to die on the cross.

Hebrews 2:18 makes me think about the "apples" in my life. I still tend to go back on my tempting old habits. I still get enticed by things which seems pleasing to me, but not in the eyes of the Lord. As much as I want to run away, I always end up giving into it. And I have to admit, it's very hard for me to resist temptation. And that is the point.

We cannot resist temptation alone. But what was said in Hebrews 2:18 can be our guarantee that though it is hard, it is very much possible to resist it. This is through Jesus Christ. Note that even Jesus Christ was tempted (Matthew 4:1-11). But he had the strength and will to turn away from it.

When we're faced with temptation, we must not try to stand against it on our own. For this can be futile. What we can do is to turn from temptation to Jesus Christ. Remember, even He was tempted. So he can understand what we're going through. He is the only one who can help us resist the "apples" offered in our lives.

Reflect on this: What are the "apples" in your life? Do you freely accept them? Have your ever called out to the Lord to help you resist these delicious "apples"?

Prayer: Lord, today I am blessed by what was said in Hebrews 2:18. I felt secured that you offer us help when we are faced with temptation. I am reminded that even you were faced with this kind of struggle. But unlike me, you stood tall and turned away from it. It just shows that you are truly powerful and Holy God.

Help me, Oh merciful God, to resist the "apples" of my life. Forgive me for the times I gave in my Lord, for in those times, I trusted in my own strength. Which eventually lead me to sinning against you. Instead of indulging in them, let me enjoy your presence. Your love. Your Holiness. Let me be satisfied in you and you alone. Grant me the strength, Lord, through Christ, to overcome temptation together with you.

Let all the glory be to you my Lord! Amen.

A joke or an insult?

Ephesians 5:4

"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving."

Nothing really beats a good laugh. Whether you're watching a comedy show, listening to the funny comments of a DJ while tuned in to a radio program, or just having a good chat with friends or family.

Most of the time, a good laugh is caused by a funny joke cracked up by someone. More often than not, a joke tends to become an indirect attack to person which we think is funny or is worth laughing at. Sometimes, people tend to forget that emotions can be hurt in the process.

And I am guilty of this most of the time. I tend to crack up jokes which seems funny but can be really offensive or insulting to another person. For the sake of laughter, I tend to forget that I can be hurting someone else's emotion.

Ephesians 5:4 serves as a wake up call for me and for those with the same "joker" attitude.

Paul tells us in Chapter 5 that we should have a Christ like attitude and behavior. This of course includes the way we speak to others. Specifically, in verse 4, Paul tells us that we should watch our mouths when talking to others. We should not speak or act in a way that may degrade, offend, or insult another person. For this kind of behavior does not please the Lord. Instead, things that would build up or give blessings to others should flood our mouth.

We must always remember that if we really are in Christ, we should only do things that would be pleasing to God. And hurting someone's feelings is not pleasing at all. It's nice to have a good laugh. But if you'll eventually hurt someone and insult God in the process, you might want to just clear that thought from your head.

Reflect on this: Have you ever told a joke to someone that really offended him/her? If yes, what did you feel? Are you living the way God wants you to live by telling jokes that can be insulting?

Prayer: Lord, what Paul said in Ephesians 5:4 convicts me. I am indeed guilty of having filthy, foolish, and crude words come out from my mouth. Instead of giving thanks to you, I insult you in the process. And I ask forgiveness for this.

Dear God, change the way I speak to others. Instead of malicious, green, or insulting words come from my mouth. Let it be words that show care, love and humility. Let your words resonate in my heart so I could share them with others. Let thanksgiving flow from the inner depths of my soul towards other people. Glorifying you, God, in the process.

Guide me Lord, show me the way you want me to live. I put all my faith in you. For you alone can change me. Lead me. Save me. Amen.

The usual Monday blues.

Psalm 16:8

"I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken"

Have you ever had that feeling that you'll have a very busy week because of the degree of work you've done on a Monday afternoon? Well, I do. Being in the IT industry, you never really can tell whether you'll have an easy going week or not. Not unless you start your Monday fully loaded with tasks (paperwork, meetings, etc.). But regardless of the type of work you do, and when worst comes to worst, what do you do?

Most people rely on their ability to multitask or to handle things at a very organized way based on priority and urgency. Some practice the way of delegation, though this is more common for higher level positions on a company. And unfortunately for some, the term "come what may" seems enough.

Let's face it, managing tasks can be a bit overwhelming. In fact, it's a common problem for the most of us. For me, before the work day starts or when things get a little out of hand and I can't seem to find the right way to do stuff, I just take a moment, bow down, and close my eyes to pray. Prayers. Simple right? But this is the most underestimated way of handling the pressures of work in the corporate world.

As said in the first part of Psalm 16:8, we must always put the Lord before us. This applies to everything and anything. Whether be it a meeting at work, exam at school, or even caring for our kids at home. We should always ask God to guide us in everything we do. We do not do this so God can give us a favor to do things for us. But it's more on the fact that we glorify Him by acknowledging that we can't do anything without Him. We are helpless without God.

When we raise our concerns and weaknesses to God, He hears them. He gives us the strength to brace ourselves so we would not be easily shaken by earthly struggles. Work included. He will give us the wisdom and knowledge to work things out. He will provide comfort when our minds and bodies reaches it's limit. God is more than willing to help us when we ask Him personally.

So before you do anything at the start of the day, spend time with God. Ask for His help. Give thanks for the opportunity of glorifying Him. God hears. God listens. All we have to do is ask.

Reflect on this: Have you ever thought of praying before facing the day at work? If not, why not call to God? Have you ever had the feeling that God helped you all through out the day because tasks seemed to be so easy to accomplish?

Prayers: My Lord, thank you for the strength that you always provide for me. Today, I am reminded that I cannot do things alone. That I can't do a thing without you guiding me. Oh God, with your grace and mercy, I know I would not be easily shaken. For you are my rock.

Dear Lord, always remind me that in everything we do in our lives, we should always put you first. Because as what you did for us, though we have sinned again and again, you have set us first before anything else. Not allowing us to pay the penalty of sin by sacrificing your Son, Jesus Christ. Showing your true mercy and grace in the process.

Lord, thank you. For in you and you alone, we will always find strength. Praise be to you. Amen.