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.

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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.

 

 

The Open Line to Heaven

 Prayer is one the most powerful form of communication between God and man. It is free of access and the only password we need is our strong and unbearable faith to Him. Prayer is an expression of our connection to God. A man who losses hope and can’t find a solution to his problem, should ask God’s guidance without a single doubt in his heart and it will be given to him. Our Lord is a generous God, if only we trust on Him completely our requests would be granted on His own perfect timing.

 

Prayer however is not a monologue.  When we pray we must also listen because God wishes to communicate His people through prayer. The secret of prayer is being hungry and thirst for the Living Water – God. The Psalmist says; “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1). Prayer signifies our closeness and personal relationship to God. How to pray? When to pray? What to pray?

 

How to pray?

We can pray silently. In every instant, Jesus wanted to listen to our hearts. He wanted us to inform Him of our personal affairs although nothing is hidden from His watchful eyes. All Jesus wanted is that we should be honest and offer to Him every little concern that we have. This is a simple prayer focused on God. And most of all we can pray in words. God knows our every thought, desire and action, but let us also tell Him our needs using our vocal prayers.  We can pray joyfully and expressing our closeness and gratitude to God. This is through singing hymns of praise to the King.

Let us not just pray because we wanted something from God however, we can always tell anything we wanted to. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). He is our ultimate friend who is ready to listen to us.

 

When to Pray?

We should not only pray when we are sad or happy. In prayer, we must be humble and helpless because the Holy Spirit will descend a humble soul.  ^“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Roman 8:26).

We can pray to Him during our emptiness and allowing the spirit of God to pray within us. We can always pray even if we are infuriated, let us ask His guidance to make the situation favorable. Remember, God is our loving and merciful Father. He will listen to every word coming from our lips, but God listen more than words He will also examines our hearts.

 

What to Pray?

Let us earnestly pray for the marginalized, the sick, the migrant workers, and those who are afflicted and in prison cells. We must also to pray for the heads of the state and church leaders and ministers. Let us deeply pray for peace in our family, community and to our beloved country. And let us pray for grace and holiness in everything that we do, say and think.

“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

 He said to them, “When you pray, say:

“‘Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
 Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sin for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:1-4).

 

Therefore, during our prayer time, we shouldn’t always do the talking remember prayer is a loving conversation between God and man. In prayer we must be like a little child telling Him all our needs.  Then, thanking and praising God for all the great things He has done to us.  And solemnly listen to the Holy Spirit whispering some words of wisdom deep within us. In this way, the real joy and inner peace will be instilled to every heart that seeks comfort, love and forgiveness through our intimate conversation with our Creator.  And definitely, God answers every petition in His own way and perfect timing and even doubly grants our requests.

 

Writing is a Gift

 

 

 

 

   Life here on earth is challenging, inspiring, worth remembering and most of all worth sharing for. We encounter a lot of experiences, different individuals and distinct events and places. We also come across sundry of trials and problems that lead us to desperation. It is during these moments, that God has in stored some wisdom into our hearts.  However, how long can we hold on those unforgettable moments in life? It is by knitting down everything and put it into writing. Writing is the best way of recollecting all the events and experiences we had gone through in life. Virginia Woolf said it well: “Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind, is written large in his works.”

 

Reasons for Writing

Different ideas flooded our thoughts at times. We often think of great things, which are informative, inspiring and will nurture every individual in all walks of life. We are given by God unique and special gifts for us to share to others. Writing is one of God’s most promising gifts to man. We need to know that if not the work of the Holy Spirit the Bible will not be in scripted. The spirit coming from God inspired the writers of the Bible. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). God has given us His wisdom to communicate with His people.

How to Portray our Ideas?

Ideas may come and go like the waves in the sea. We need to capture it before the wings of forgetfulness will seize it from our minds. “It was William Wordsworth who said, “Fill your paper with the breathings of the heart”. Various ideas, thoughts and perspectives will conquer us like a frantic storm at times. Writing down those significant ideas will create a satisfying spirit deep within and we will be able to share and encourage our readers through the things we have written.

 

What to Write?

As a writer, whether an expert or a novice let us consider certain standards when it comes to morality, integrity and dignity. As long as morale is concerned, it takes a decent man to write something that would not defile the thoughts of his readers. Let us not just know our readers but consider rather their ways of thinking. If we will inscribe some repulsive ideas and used some vile insights – this would be instilled in the mind of the readers for a long period of time. This length of time is enough to poison his thoughts that would destroy his soul on the process, because of the foul things he has read. The things he read would somehow influenced his way of thinking and his dealings with other people. “The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19 KJV). Let us not write for prestige, revenge and hurting other people’s feelings, rather, let us encourage, inform and educate them through our written accounts.

 

Writing however, it not merely a choice or a passion but it is a responsibility. We have this tough obligation as writers to our recipients. In writing, let us only cling on ideas, which are informative, mind pondering, and soul-nourishing. Our integrity would somehow be tested the way we present our ideas. We must therefore, be honest on our views and our ideas must be fairly and objectively presented. It was Thomas À Kempis who said, “To have a low opinion of our own merits and to think highly of others is an evidence of wisdom.” In this way, we will become respected and dignified writers not only in the eyes of the public but most of all, to the Giver of this gift – God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Quest of Time

Time is one of the most influential elements in the universe. It moves so swiftly that we are unable to recognize its worth until it will become a history. “Time is the only device used to measure experiences.” We can do sundry of things at different situation at times. If ever we can hold on time and let it go back to our most cherished event in life, I know for sure many will do it including myself. Time is a precious gift from God for human to spend wisely and accurately. “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

 

 The Influence of Time

There are several events and experiences that happen in different places, on numerous people in all walks of life due to the influence of time. The days that have gone by might have brought much pain, injustice and misunderstanding among people. It was Roy T. Bennett who said, “Don’t waste your time in anger, regrets, worries, and grudges. Life is too short to be unhappy.” Time changed lives, heal the wounds of the past, move and innovate people. It motivates progress, democracy as well as peace. In everything there’s a beginning and ending because time runs by. Although time is so erratic, we could still reminisced its imprint due to the events enlisted at a certain era of human existence.

 

Ways in Refreshing the Bygone Moments

 How to cherish those passing moments in our lives? Can we hold on those memories that we valued the most? How to use our time wisely? In order to treasure some events that had come to past, we must write it down. The memories of the past will serve as our guide in our journey with this life. We will be able to learn valuable lessons from the different circumstance in the past.

 

Moreover, there are a variety of ways in refreshing the bygone moments in life. It could be through some portraits, audios, videos, news, relics and personal writings- these stuffs will also provide some facts for certain events that need to be investigated in the future. Different individuals would also make us recall the past- they are our friends, families, relatives and significant others. Even if without the help of these people we could still evoke our past, because it is already part of our life’s journey. God has written those memoirs into our hearts.”He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

 

  Using Our Time Shrewdly

We can use our time wisely, by investing it on important activities. It depends on us if how we will make use of our time astutely on productive activities. Time never waits us in everything we do. A proper time management is therefore, essential in order to cope up with the rushing seconds in this life. “The time is always right to do what is right” Martin Luther King, Jr. quipped.

Here are some simple tips for a proper time management:

First, plan the events/ activities (whether at home, school, or on your work place).

Secondly, jot down all the events /activities with its respective time frames.

Thirdly, be sure to check the events/activities once completed.

Lastly, be sure to carry out every single event or activity you have listed on its respective time frames.

If you will be able follow these simple guidelines you will find work rewarding and you will become more productive as well.

Spending our Time for Others

Time is like footprints in the sand, though it leaves a mark, but the surging waves of the sea will wash it away. Just like time, although we can’t hold it forever but its memories will last a lifetime, especially if we spend it on valuable activities. What are these decisive activities? While leaving here on earth, God has entrusted us various gifts for us to impart to others who are in dire need. Every creation has a purpose and reason of existence. We can do charitable works – taking good care of the aged, the abandoned children, the sick, the poor and comforting the afflicted. Mother Teresa said it well: “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

We can spread the gospel and leading the lost and those who are gone astray to Jesus. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Let us bear in mind that if we invest our precious time for others, we are not very far from God’s kingdom. Our Father in heaven will reward us for all the good things we have done here on earth. Let us indeed, invest our precious time wisely in order to enjoy a peaceful flow of our days here on earth.