Ignored by the Society

It was long time ago when my mother and I went to a legal office for a transaction. Since the transaction was finished, I moved a bit slowly and much delighted for God allowed me to accomplish it. However, I felt an abrasive sturdy impact that really stunned me. The pain couldn’t refute that somebody struck on my right arm. Upon turning back, I saw a man that seemed to be mad at somebody else. He looked rugged, with tattered clothes and curly messy hair (running down the aisle on zigzag position) while murmuring words, I couldn’t understand. He then, mistakably bashed on me I supposed. “And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: This is what the Lord Almighty said: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other” (Zechariah 7:8-10).

After knowing, who caused that painful impact on my right arm I was very much terrified that I dashed away without looking for someone. And then my mother called me up because I did run towards him instead. I became livid with fear that unknowingly, I moved towards his direction.  In that scenario, I was a bit furious and inevitably horrified. They are commonly known as “taong grasa” or the vagrant street person. They roam around the streets with no place to stay especially during nighttime. Needless to say, that some of them are insane, neglected by their family and the society as well. They usually stayed on the corner asking for petite alms, ignoring the unbeatable soot from the vehicles pass by them. Behind those immense feelings of shock and fury for a while, I forgave him for what he did. I believe he knows not what he has done to me. Maybe he was just carried away by his intense emotion. “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life” (Proverbs 22:22-23).

          After that awful scene, I asked God to make that event, as an isolated case that I wouldn’t feel, some irrational fear to a person like him. I believe that their behavior also correspond to the environs they used to hang on. They are most often than not, neglected, unnoticed and marginalized member of the society. They somehow need attention from the world where they belong. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:11-13).

 We ought to understand them and consider ourselves more fortunate than they are. Compared to them we are more blessed because we could still buy some raiment, eat nutritious food and we have our shelters. We have friends and family who cares for us. However, they can’t even afford to buy a single meal for the day. They were often left- out by the society and being dreaded because of their physical outlook. “It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy” (Proverbs 14:21).

In Matthew 22:39, Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Despite of the sting on my right arm that in fact it turns red; I began to realize the lesson and the message that God wanted me to ponder on. We need to know that being abandoned by those we love and opt to live on streets is more than the pain I felt during that time. That circumstance will serve as a reminder and most of all, a blessing in disguise for me.

Let us however, extend a helping hand to the poor, ignored members of our society. Let us share the resources that the God has given us to those in dire need. In this way, God will be happy that you have responded his call for mercy and generosity. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).

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The Clouds of Life

The Clouds of Life

     Clouds will vary in terms of type, form and color. The colors of the clouds would depend on the weather condition. When the weather is fair, it appears cottony with a flat base and distinct outlines, and colors range from white to light gray.  If there is a persistent rain the color would be dark gray. This is a nimbostratus cloud, featureless layers of clouds, thick enough to block out the sun. “He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills” (Psalm 147:8).

    But once again we might be wondering if how are clouds formed? Let’s go back to the basic scientific process on clouds formation. Evaporation occurs on the surface of a liquid as it changes into the gas phase below the temperature at which it boils; in particular, the process by which liquid water enters the atmosphere as water vapor. Then, Condensation is the process where water vapor turns to liquid. Condensation generally occurs in the atmosphere when warm air raises cools and loses its capacity to hold water vapor. As a result, excess water vapor condenses to form cloud droplets. “The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side” (Psalm 77:17).

    One evening, I have a vision coming from the spirit of God. It is all about the “clouds of life”. Our lives can be compared to the clouds in the sky. As we can imagine the clouds looks frail and weak. However, it performs the greatest role in this world. Because without these clouds what will happen to the earth we are dwelling in? Definitely, in the long run we will surely die of starvation. “Which the skies pour down and drop on mankind abundantly” (Job 36: 28).

   The clouds though weak it has the greatest duty to provide rain for plants and animals survival. The water is one of the factors for plant growth and development. The plant is the source of food for both human and animals. Somehow in this life, our spirits becomes feeble because of trials that we encounter. Thus, drive us to hopelessness, like the clouds we also play an important role in this life. God uses our flaws so that we will be useful according to His purpose. Therefore, my friend, move and be fruitful like the clouds in the sky. “In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain” (Proverbs 16:15).

The Christian Zeal

There are times in our lives that we are very much eager to do great things- after hearing God’s word from a church pastor or attendance to Christian activities. This Christian zeal is still fresh that we wanted to apply it to our own life and share to other people as well. During this moment that we wanted to be virtuous and do only what is good. “The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out” (Proverbs 10:31). We strive to flee from temptation and walk in the fullness of life. Every word that is coming out from our mouth is gentle and full of respect to others. However, how long would it last?

This Christian zeal is being influenced by the experiences we encounter with God’s children. The spirit of God is on fire within us and we can do great things, if we are able to acknowledge it, before it would last and the devil will snatch it away from our thoughts. “I will set the LORD always before me, because he is my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8). Our hearts during this moment of joy is willing to do wonderful things and smile can always be seen in our faces. Our personal outlook will aglow as well, because the pure joy and real peace is instilled deep within us.

As Christians, we must be zealous in doing the tasks that God entrusted to us. This eagerness may weaken when undergoing trials and circumstances. It is during this moment that we must strengthen our faith to God. It is during this time of testing that God wanted to use us for His glory. Remember Paul, God uses his weakness in order to proclaim the Good News to the Gentiles. “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” (Psalm 34:19). It is on the stage of giving-up that God wanted us to call upon Him in prayer. When our spirit weakens, we will become strong, because God will be the source of our strength.

The Word of God

As someone said, “the Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers.” It is the source of inspiration and teachings. The Bible is the perfect book, which lead us to Jesus. It is considered to be the best-selling among books due to its terrific and awe-inspiring thoughts. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Moreover, the Scripture, has the power to enhance our interests, lightens our path in life and inculcates moral values into our minds. God’s word creates a heart-warming spirit deep within us. The Bible reveals God’s laws and teachings. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). He is speaking directly to us through different scriptural principles. Every section of this book contains the proficient truth and the concrete reality of life. “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:38).

Unfortunately, many of us questioned the originality and even the diversity of this book. However this is not worth questioning for, because the writers of the Bible were inspired by the Holy Spirit. “For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does” (Psalm 33:4). Even though many revisions and versions were made and it has been translated into various languages all over the world, it’s amazing to know that the thoughts and contents remain through time. And this is the fact: God united His people through the Holy Bible, though we have so many differences, but through His Word we all become one. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

Indeed, may God’s wisdom dwells deep within us and let it prosper. In this slippery world we stumble every now and then. We should thirst and hunger after Godly wisdom. Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Let us be a blessing to others by sharing God’s Word-The Bible.

Our Guiding Star

 

 

 We all wanted to reach and touch the stars no matter how impossible it may seem. But there are some stymies en route in the fulfillment of our dreams. We even lost our courage and become dreary at times. Most often than not, we ended up belittling our talents and abilities. Paulo Coelho once said, “Remember your dreams and fight for them. You must know what you want from life. There is just one thing that makes your dream become impossible: the fear of failure.”

 Then, we realize that we must acknowledge the divine intervention. God must be our Guiding Star in our search for life’s contentment. “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Knowing God’s purpose in our life creates in us a sheer joy and real peace.

After several years of constant searching for my fate, a new door has opened in my life. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).  After knowing God’s purpose for my life, the genteel spirit of conceding embraces my life with alacrity and peace surmount my heart and mind. I know that the road to God’s will for me is not always unhampered; there will be highest peaks for me to ascend as well as surging waves to overcome. But I’m now certain that this is really His perfect will for me.

According to Mark Twain, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear not absence of fear.” I may be afraid of the dusk and thorny roads that impedes my way, however I know that God is there waiting at the end of the racing dome. In everything it is upright to follow the will of God for us. If ever we are called you to be a writer, a missionary, a doctor, a teacher, a preacher then, let us do it with much gladness.

 We may become exhausted and become dreary on our way towards our fondest dream but with God’s help everything will be alright. Martin Luther King, Jr. boldly said, “We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear”. It is by our strong faith that we will be able to reach our fondest dream. Let us be reminded that without God’s guidance our journey would on complete weariness.

 In Philippians 2:13, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose”. In every anxiety we have, let us not forget that God is but a prayer away. Though sometimes it lingers so long, but it would likely become a reality. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”(Mathew 19:26). Let us make God to be our Guiding Star in our sailing with this life in order to reach our grandest dream.

 

Dishonesty: A Commonplace?

 

Lying is very alarming nowadays. Anything that deflects the truth is already dishonesty. It is also something when the word spoken does not agree with God’s word. There are many forms of dishonesty namely; company theft, bribery, dishonest scales, plunder, graft and corruptions, promises not kept and broken contracts. “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies” (Psalm 34:12-13). Lying is like a plague that hits many people everywhere. It is treated to be a commonplace because many of us have been enslaved by this grievous act. Abraham Lincoln once said, “No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.”

 

 

Why do people practice dishonesty? One defense of someone for not telling the truth is that, “everyone lies” however, cheating doesn’t really pay, because of bending the truth, the price of such a feat, would be distrust from someone we deceived. Hence, by the time that we are already telling the truth, they won’t believe us anymore. Remember what happened to Ananias and Sapphira, who deceived the Holy Spirit about how much they received for the sale of their land. They both fell down dead (Acts 5:1-11). This is however, the bitter result of deception.

 

Dishonesty, whether done in a little bit or simply twisting the truth, is still an act of deceit. Lying is the result of pride, fear and the man’s desire for material things. And we are also afraid that if we reveal the truth, other people will condemn us, we are people pleasers instead of pleasing God in everything we do. Our desire for material things might lead us to betray others. “A false witness will not go unpunished and whoever pours out lies will perish” (Proverbs 19:9). We want something as an exchange for the services we rendered or to hasten the transactions involved. Dishonest transactions happen in both government and private institutions.

 

However, dishonesty results to misunderstanding among individuals. When a spouse for example, betrayed his/ her partner, it will result to misunderstanding. One single lie may lead to broken homes. This is also the reason for broken relationships among friends. Sometimes we perceive lying as not to hurt anyone. However, because of twisting the truth the result would be mistrust from those we loved.  ^“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy” (Proverbs 12:22).Satan is known to be the “father of lies” is behind this evil pursuit. He wanted to destroy the integrity of man by leading them astray through the practice of dishonesty.

 

“Cheating is the ungodly pursuit, which leads man to destruction.”  Some students are guilty of this corrupt act. During exams the different tactics of cheating will be done, specially, those who didn’t study before the exam. However, in cheating we do not hurt our instructors or our classmates but we only harm ourselves. The consequences of dishonestly would be distrust and condemnation.

 

In Revelation 21:8 says, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and He shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and the murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” However, we can always repent and honesty confess our sins to God. He is willing to listen to a contrite spirit. God knows our earnest pleadings of His unending mercy.

 

Hence, God knows what is inside our hearts. If we commit a mistake, there is at least one person who knows it – God. “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). Thus everything hidden will always come to light. Nothing is ever veiled in God’s watchful eyes. Let us be careful in our words and deeds and so that it will become honorable before God.

 

 

 

 

Glimpse of Light

Have you experienced that you were inside a cave or any dark places– wherein there is no light?  In this manner, we become helpless and we then haste to go outside in order to see the light. Light is the symbol of goodness and security. It is also a sign of hope and enlightenment. Light will serve us our guide in our journey in this in life. If there will be no radiance the entire world will be a complete darkness.

 

In the forest, we could see diverse trees with profuse foliage. The trees are usually huge and gigantic. As their leaves spread and refurbish the entire forestland it will be on dimness. Then, what happen to the smaller plants beneath them? Can they still avail the light coming from the sun? As we all know that light is one of the raw materials for photosynthesis. Thus, if there will be no sunlight these small plants will eventually weaken and starved. However, the sun glistens, amazingly thus, it can spread its light anywhere in the forest. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).

 

Behind those giant trees that seem to trap the penetration of light to the minute plants, it’s astounding to know that the “glimpse of light” from the sun will permeate through the profuse foliage of the large trees and provide its light to the smaller plants. Light is the source of our strength as we go on living in this world. Sometimes we easily simmer down because of the crossroads that impede our paths. This is how important light is for all the living things. But remember my friend, that like the tiny and helpless plants under the huge trees, the shaft of lights has surged on despite of the obstruction made by the leaves of the vast trees.

 

The small plants in here that are still able to benefit the light coming from the sun were just like us, when crisis invade us, we eventually simmer down and instead of searching for the light to lighten our path, we lurk ourselves into the darkness of sin. Like the sun that spread its light to the small plants, Jesus has offered His spotless life for the salvation of human race. He is the only light in this world that outshines the darkness of sin.” “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm119:105). It is God alone who could uncover the genuine peace and where our soul finds rest.

 

Let us not be anxious of the different obstruction of sins that hinder us, to discern the magnificent radiance in our life – Jesus. We are like the small plants so much desperate in accumulating the light. The giant trees in here were just the storms of life that impede us to stand firm during the fiery trials, but because God is really good, He grants us a heart-warming spirit that shed a light on our dark abyss of life. “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Matthew 14:16).

 

Thus, whatever problems we will encounter in our journey in this life, fear no more! “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). God will surely free us from any mischief and anxiety, and create in us a pure and renewed spirit of hope and contentment. And His radiance will serve us our guide as we trudge towards the narrow road.