Wednesday, December 31, 2008
APOLOGY -ERRATUM
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas Light, Christmas Dark
Dr. Edith Tiempo
National Artist for Literature
One Christmas night a wise man and a fool
Stood by a noisy street ablaze with blinking lights.
Joyous people came and went,
Rejoicing in the happy event.
“Today,” the wise man said, “today the Christ is born.
What better gift for the manger bed
Than the ever-blazing lights
Of wisdom in my head?
Kings and princes who must wisely rule,
They read my words and truly learn,
And by my precepts they are led.
So, my wisdom I lay at the manger bed.”
The fool spoke up, “All this is good,
The lights in the street and the lights in your head,
It is good to rejoice and to loudly praise.
But let me take you to another place,
Where the darkened night
Is lighted only by stars overhead,
No noisy crowds, just the birds chirping in the wood;
The fish splash in the river; the fireless light
The dusky sky; the monkeys chatter softly,
The insects titter quietly,
The glow-worm in the grass
Wiggles to hear our footsteps pass.”
The wise man then said, “O God, forgive me,
For this fool is wiser far than I.
His words speak of the lowly birth
Of one born with the beasts and creatures of earth,
This birth is a time, yes, for festivity,
But even more, a time for humility,
A time for laying by
The feverish praise and loud celebration,
A time for quiet introspection.
A time to grasp in the darkness of our being
The wonder of this birth and the balm of its meaning.”
Time for darkness, time of the spark:
Christmas light, Christmas dark.
_By Dr Edith Tiempo,Silliman University
Friday, November 7, 2008
I encourage readers of this much loved verse to personalize it to read "For God so loved (Your name) that He gave His only begotten Son the (your name)believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." You (we) are the object of God's wonderful love. It matters not where you live, what the color of your skin is, or your great grandfather's name, God loves us as we are.
There is a beautiful story of a man in the Book of Genesis called Enoch. He walked with God for three hundred years. One day God and Enoch just walked and walked and God just took him with Him. There was no other man with whom God was perfectly and completely pleased. Yes God called Abraham His friend. He was ready to obey and follow Him. The Holy Scripture says that God chose Abraham and his children
that He might make them a "show window" to the nations and peoples of the world of his wonderful love, his loving kindness, and mercy and forgiveness. But Israel dismally failed in his God-ordained destiny. He also called King David a "a man after my own own heart." King David was humble to confess his sins and to place himself under the mercy of God. But Enoch, Abraham, and David are the exceptions to the general description of man in whom God was well-pleased. There has never been another Enoch or Abraham or David. A dark cloud covers all of mankind. "And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth and he was grieved in His heart" (Genesis 6:6)
Did God condone the sins of His people. Was He powerless to execute it? Was Moses wise advice that it was not good to God for Him to do what he wrathfully told Moses He would do to this stiff-necked and evil people?What will the nations around say? That God was powerless to get these people to obediently follow Him? Was Moses wiser to be able to placate the wrath of an angry God? Remember that God created man in His own image and likeness and breathe to him the very breath of God that man became a living soul? Moses had the wisdom and boldness to tell God what he thought.
God recognize the wisdom - His wisdom reflected in the words of Moses and is pleased that here is a man thinking his thoughts. This is what God expects of each of us. To reflect His character. There is in man the latent and potential character of Deity.
So Paul writes in Colossians 2:9-10 "For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and poweer."
Do you comprehend the magnitude of the love of God for you? Why does He love you so? Because there is in you, inspite of the earthly part of your being which caters to your fleshly desires, a very part of God. He cannot destroy Himself. Nor can He be unmindful of man distancing himself from Him. So He sent His only Son in human flesh to be an example to us to live the godly life. Even when he was pput to death by evil men, yet He rose again. His resurrection is our resurrection by faith.
He sets no other condition than to believe in His vicarious death at the cross for me.He is the hope of mankind. Are you ready to live the new life He gives?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
JESUS IS LORD
Jesus Christ is the Incarnate God - God becoming flesh in man. This is an offense and a stumbling block to the Jews and the Muslims as well as to the secular man. How can an infinite God be incarnate in the flesh of sinful man or simply stated how can a Creator dwell in the object of his creations? It is unimaginable indeed. It is illogical for example for a carpenter to indwell a chair he has made. For lack of a word to exactly define how the Creator God became incarnate in man, let us just use the word "mystery". The mystery however maybe explained on how man was created.
The Holy Bible tells us that God created man in His own image and likeness out of the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul. Out of the millions of His creations, it was only man that God formed with His own fingers and then breathed life into him. The mystery in man is that he is both flesh and spirit - living soul. I venture to say that man is the only kin or relative of God. Jesus calls him "our Father".
The whole creation of the universes was for man. It pleases God to walk with man in
the Garden. But one among God's creation whom He appointed as worship leader was jealous of man and sought to embarrass God by destroying man. Lucifer, the covering cherub of God's throne, sought to overthrow God and make himself the Lord. As Lucifer began to set his plan in operation, God cast him out of His Presence. So we find him in the Garden and recruited man to join him in his rebellion against God.
Man in his rebellion against God - this is called the Fall" - lost the glory of God
and found himself naked. Losing the glory of God which was his covering, man sought to cover himself, his nakedness, by the works of his hands. God expelled man from the Garden, but not before He made a covering of animals skin to hide his nakedness.
Man lost his innocence, privileges, and eternal life. He lived under the curse of death and he has to eat by the sweat of his labor.
Sin, therefor, is disobedience to God. Sin separates man from God. Death,sicknesses, diseases follow.But God so loved the world. He craves the fellowship of man. But sin comes as a wedge which prevents such a fellowship between the Holy God and sinful man.What must God do to restore the fellowship with man.
Do not fail to come again and visit my blog to learn more what God did to restore man to Himself. 'Til then, the LORD be with you.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tropical Storm Hanna's Special Mission.
The downpour which drenched them to the skin tells that God in heaven himself approved of their act of dedication by personally baptizing them before they were baptized and laid hands on by fellow sinners saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. I think this Divine Act of grace can never be duplicated any place at any time. God has a special purpose for allowing Tropical Storm Hanna to prove the commitment of the baptized men and women and youth. To God the glory. God bless the Filipino Christian Church. Where is your pastor? The LORD is my Shepherd.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Strange Fires
LEVITICUS 10: 1-2 “Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over it. In this way they disobeyed the LORD by burning before him a different fire than he had commanded. So the fire blazed forth from the LORD’s presence and burned them up and died before the LORD.”
What does the chronicler mean that Nadab and Abihu were killed while they were offering incense to the LORD because they used strange fire on the incense burner. There is no explicit command on the kind of fires to be used on the burners were the incense is to be spread. So what does “strange fires mean?”
Nadab and Abihu were two elder sons of Moses They and the other sons of Aaron, Ithamar and Eleazar were ordained and consecrated by Moses to the holy priesthood. Nadab and Abihu together with Aaron, Moses, Joshua, and Hur and the other 70 elders “saw God. (Exo. 24:9). Both have the privilege and distinction as ordained and consecrated priests and as eldest sons of Aaron. What then is wrong with the offerings of the two privileged brothers.
God want that the worship of Him must be pure and holy and of a humble heart. They forgot that their entire office was executed on the ground of holiness (Exo 28:36-37). Their very garments used in performing their office
are always the prescribed holy garments used in their consecration to the holy priesthood. Nadab and Abihu may have grown proud and heady leading
the4 congregational worship according to their own fancies and desires, How often has this sentiment been the guides of our worship leaders and preachers.
The fire on the alter comes from God to consume the offerings of the people It is the the job of the priest to keep the fire burning and not allow it to die by feeding it with wood. Coal is a better substitute for wood.
What lead to the anger of the LORD to send fire to consume the offerants rather than the offerings. Is it not commendable and worthwhile to improve on what God demands? The psalmist wants to remind the worshipers “to wait upon the LORD.”
Strange fires which angers the LORD are caused by the disobedience of the servants of God. Throughout human history disobedience brings alienation and wrath of God. Secondly, the servant of the LORD wants to conform to the fashion of the world rather than to God’s. SOL (Servant of the LORD) desires to improve on God’s revealed way. The prophet Isaiah want to remind God’s people “For my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are your ways my ways”, says the LORD Isaiah 55:8. Thirdly, perhaps man thinks that God is to slow and man desires to hasten the coming Kingdom of God NOW. So men dream their own dreams and create a god after his own image and desires. All these are strange fires feed with the lies of Satan.
Sept 7,2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
“Faithful friends are life’s best treasure’
Wealth and fame may all pass away;
Faithful friends abide always
Through the world I’d gladly go
If one faithful Friend I know.”
This lovely song I learned as a young boy in grade school keeps coming back to my memory. This makes me to remember one such friend I am much indebted for my life.
His name was Inting. That was the nickname of my friend. He came from Masbate to find work to helped his parents’family in Masbate. His name in the Payroll was Vicente Concepcion. I never come to know his real name and how he is today. I just remember as one to whom I owe my life today.
Inting and I worked as gangmates with Leyte Stevedoring firm in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines working with the United States Maritime Services The Post World War 11 created many jobs for the civilian Filipinos in Tacloban. We did loading and unloading heavy cargoes of war equipments and materials for the United States Army from the huge cargo vessels. I was winch operator, my father was the gang foreman and Inting was our mess boy. He carried fresh, cold water to the laborers
Sometimes we worked on vessels docked alongside the Tacloban Piers. At other times we worked on board vessels on the high sea. We all work as a well coordinated team. When off duty we played volleyball with other gangs. We shared jokes and listened to instructions from the foreman. During breaks for lunch or dinner we also shared each others victuals. We learned to protect each other at work and when we were off duty.
We learned the importance of team work, especially when we work were on board ships on the high seas and buffeted by bad weather.
.
. One Sunday morning Inting and I got on a banca – a dug-out canoe – and rowed to the middle of San Juanical Channel.Sometimes the sea currents shifted and caused the sand to lift up and made the channel shallow. It was upon this shallow portion that we dropped anchor and dove for clams. On one of my jumps the rope which secured the anchor to the banca broke and pushed the banca away. Upon rising to the surface I found the banca far from me. I swam towards it, but each time I touched it, the banca moved away until it was too far from me. The current was changing and carrying the banca along. I struggled to float. A sailboat with people in it passed by and just laughed at my struggle. I refused to panic and prayed for help.
Where was Inting? He was equidistant from me and the banca. He saw me struggling to keep afloat. He shouted to me to keep calm as he swam towards the banca. Then he changed his direction and swam towards me and assisted me towards the banca. By God’s grace we made it to the banca.. He got into it and helped me up. We paddled toward shore and home.
Jesus Christ taught that a Friend gives his life for his friend. Inting could have left me alone to drown. He could have just saved himself. Why did he came back to me and helped me at the peril of drowning with me? He did not think of that he said. He just wanted to save me from drowning. Christ Jesus died for me and you that we may lived the abundant life God has desired for all of us to live. Paul sums up my experiences with Inting and Jesus Christ. “I was crucified with Christ. Nevertheless I live, and yet notI and the life I now live I live for the Son of God who loves me.” Yes I thanked God for Jesus Christ, my only Savior and LORD. I thank God also for Inting who imperiled his life to save me.Truly Inting was a Christ for me.Now I live my life for Jesus Christ, for Inting and for all I can reach and influence for Jesus Christ
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Fathers' Day
Happy Father’s Day to you! I wish you a joyous and meaningful day as you receive greetings from friends and loved ones on this day that celebrates fathers. You deserve to receive the highest compliments. You have been a good and loving father, not only to us your children, but to others who don’t have fathers who look up to you as a father figure. Thank you for being God’s instrument in providing for our needs, teaching us the important lessons in life, and providing us with spiritual leadership that is centered on God’s role in our lives.
I love you, Dad, and I miss you. I will see you soon!
Love,
Omar
Monday, June 9, 2008
Gift giving in Nocnocan and Cataban Island, Danajon Bank, Bohol May 26-28, 2008
Tatay Ruping and youngest son Bart tries out some shirt as well
Ernesto of Cataban island cleans and guts newly caught puffer fish for dinner
Ernesto tries out the new shirts and polos that was given to him
he likes this one the best
nocnocan island
turning over a bag of clothing to Bebot Baron, a compressor fisherman of Nocnocan
Nocnocan barangay tanod named matti, took us around the island with his nephewTuesday, May 27, 2008
A LEGACY FROM MY FATHER
A LEGACY FROM MY FATHER
I remember my father. His love for leaning is unquenchable. He loved to read books that enriched his mind. He had volumes of books related to auto mechanics – diesel and gas engines, travel, the Holy Bible. He had books and magazines on sawmill operations, timber and logging managements, etc. As young man he worked as an “engineer” in a steamboat hauling logs in Basilan and Ulotanga islands in Southern Mindanao. Papa can take either gas or diesel engine apart and put them together again – good as new. He was good also at servicing a steam engine as as magnet driven engine. He was a genius at all kinds of engine.
Papa studied thoroughly his work before doing it. He was an excellent millwright. He was not really an “engineer,” but built bridges spanning two ravines which were seemingly “unbridgeable.” He can tell stories of his many exciting travels as if he were really there. Had he been to Alaska? To Kilimanjaro’s diamond mines? To the Great Walls of China? You bit. He was there.And in my young mind I wonder if I can ever go to those places. I spent many idle hours retracing my father’s exciting journeys and travel. When I grow up I shall travel and see the world also.
Papa was a fluent story teller. Together we siblings listened enthralled by the adventures of Robin Hood, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, The Tale of the Twin Cities, The Way of the Cross, etc. Thus we while away long weary hours of the night during the war years. He can tell the same story over and over as if it happened very recently. I just dropped off to sleep continuing his story with my own adventures.
Papa’s retelling of the saga of a famous Suluan Datu Durugadi (sic) is a classic in Suluan literature. Datu Durugadi fought against the United States scouts and the fledgling Philippine Scouts. His cleverness and courage in battle won many Suluans to fight with him. The Americans branded him an outlaw. To the Suluans he was a hero. He was invinsible. Papa described the process of becoming a huramentado. A huramentado was devout follower of his chief. He will obey and follow the task ordered by his chief. He cannot fail. He will pursue his task. He will die rather than fail. Durogadi was finally captured and beheaded by the soldiers.
“Nonoy, when I die, I have no wealth for you and your sisters and brother to inherit.I do not want you to go back to Iloilo to claim portions of properties of my parents and your mother’s parents. The only inheritance your mother and I can bestow to you are what you have stored in your hearts and minds.” He always encouraged us to buy books that enriches the minds and souls. His room was full of book cabinets. “Read. Read. Fill your minds with wisdom. Nobody can take away from you what you in have in your hearts and minds. And where ever you go and whatever you do always remember to pray to the LORD for protection and guidance.”Papa was not a religious person in the sense that he spent much time doing church. He read and know his Bible well. He loved God and encouraged us to always pray to God and to trust always in Him. Perhaps it was his closeness and understanding of God that made him to reach out to needy people. His influence on me to seek wisdom and the blessings of God has left a legible imprint in my mind and soul. His religion was not for show, but a lifestyle.
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Thursday, May 8, 2008
SPONSORS NEEDED
Hello there!
Thank you for the Five Thousand sent through Loy. It was a great help and came when there was nothing else. I was actually asking God to ask somebody to send us money. I could not even name names kay daghan na gatabang namo financially. I told God I know you know whom to touch, he he he. He touched you!
I hope you can help us get sponsors for the kids we bring to our school. We give them free schooling. I just ask P50.00 for materials and snacks yet many are still unable to give. This year we are opening the school for paying students but we have more poor children to minister to. A child would need at least $100.00 for the whole school year.We have 30 students for sponsoring. This summer we have 32 children. Mura gyud school ang bakuran ni Inang. Orli joked he will convert it into a school campus. It's less than a hectar space.
Love,Nicy
Thursday, April 24, 2008
ANG PLANO O PAGBUOT SA DIOS
ANG IYANG LARAW SA TAWO
Jeremias 29:11-13 Ako lamang ang nasayud sa akong laraw alang kaninyo: sa paghimo kaninyong mauswagon inay maalaot ug paghatag kaninyog kaugmaon nga inyong gipangandoy. 12. Unya mosangpit kamo ug moduol kamo ug magampo kanako ug tubagon ko kamo. 123. Mangita kamo kanako ug makaplagan ako ninyo sa dihang kinasingkasing ang inyong pagpangita kanako.
Plano o laraw sa Dios sa dihang gihimo Niya ang tawo sama sa Iyang dagway ug pagkamao nga aduna siyay kinabuhi nga dayon, madagayaon o mauswagon, malipayon ug gawasnon.
Niadtong miaging Viernes atong gihisgotan ang pahimangno sa Dios ngadto sa mga Hebreohanon nga nagaingon: “Hinumdomi ninyo ang GINOO nga inyong Dios kay Siya ang naghatag kaniny0g gahom aron kamo mangadato ug niining paagiha gipamatud-an niya ang kasabotan nga iyang gihimo tali kaniya ug sa inyong katigulangan.
Usa sa maayong tulomanon sa kanunay pagpahinumdom sa tawo sa iyang kaangtanan sa buhi nga Dios mao ang halad ngadto Kaniya sa ikapulo. Ang ikapulo sa atong mga abut – abut sa yuta, sa panagat, sa sueldo ug ganansiya sa negosyo – usa ka mapasalamatong paghinumdom nga ang tawo usa lamang ka sinaligan sa Dios. Sinaligan o mayordomo o mahistrador. Ikaduha pinaagi sa ikapulo ginatahud sa tawo ang Dios nga mao lamang ang iyang pagasimbahon. Ikatatlo, ginadawat niya ang iyang pagkamahistrador sa 90% sa bahandi ilalom sa iyang padumala. Busa tungod kay kasaligan man siya sa gamay nga butang, gipanalingan siya sa madagayaon gayud
nga bahandi. Ang iyang panimalay malipayon ug mahimsog sa panglawas ug ang manga katawhan nagatahud ug nagaila kaniya nga ang himaya sa Dios maoy nagapanalipud
kaniya. Busa gihagit ko kamo sa pagdala sa inyong mga ikapulo ngadto sa Simbahan aron kamo mabulahan nunot sa paguswag sa inyong simbahan
Padayonon nato ang pagtuon ug pagila sa laraw sa GINOONG Dios sa atong kinabuhi dinhi sa yuta. Si Propeta Jeremias nagapadayag sa laraw sa Dios bahin sa Iyang katawhan sa pag-ingon: “Ako lamang ang nasayud sa akong mga laraw alang kaninyo: sa paghimo kaninyong mauswagon inay maalot ug paghatag kaninyog kaugmaon nga inyong gipangandoy. 12. Unya mosangpit ug moduol kamo ug magampo kanako ug tubagon ko kamo.” Unsa ang ginasulti sa GINOO? “Ako lamang ang nasayud sa akong laraw alang kaninyo: sa paghimo kaninyong mauswagon, ug paghatag kaninyog kaugmaon.” Kinsa ang laing nasayud sa plano o laraw sa Dios alang kaninyo? Siya lamang. Busa nga Siya lamang ang toohan, simbahon ug alagaron. Kong mosangpit ka sa ngalan sa laing diyos,
Siya masuko ug tunglohon ka Niya. Ayaw pagpakasama sa mga manggialamong mga tawo sa Roma. Sumala ni San Pablo nakaila sila sa matuod nga Dios apan mao ang ilang
Ginasimba ang mga larawan sama sa tawo, hayop, langgam. Ang himaya sa Dios nga Buhi ilang giilisdan sa dagway nga binuhat sa ilang mga kamot. Ang Dios abubhoan. Dili siya motugot ug laing dios gawas Kaniya. Unsa ang laraw sa Dios alang kaninyo? “Paghimo kaninyong mauswagon.” “Siya mao ang naghatag kaninyog gahum aron mangadato.” Walay usa sa mga linuwas sa GINOONG JesuCristo nga nagailaid sa kapobrehon. Dili mao kana ang laraw sa Dios alang kaninyo. Si JesuCristo nagaingon
“Ako mianhi aron sa paghatag ug kinabuhi ug kana sa madagayaon gayud.”
Kinahanglan mausab ang inyong panglantaw sa kinabuhi. Tanawa nga ikaw mauswagon. Tuhoi nga ikaw maoy nagauna ug naa sa ibabaw Tun-i ug sunda, tumana ang kalagdaan sa GINOO ug ang Iyang panalangin mosunod kanimo ug mouna kanimo .Ug sa imong paguswag ang mga katawhan mangahadlok kaninyo tungod kay nakita nila ang kamot sa Dios mao ang nagapanalipud kaninyo ug nagahimo kaninyo nga adunahan ug gamhanan. Masayag ang imong kaugmaon kauban sa imong mga anak (Deut 28:1-14).
Usbon ko ang panaad sa GINOONG Dios nga gisulti pinaagi kang propeta Jeremias
sa Jeremias 29:11_13 nga nagaingon: “Ako lamang ang nasayud sa akong mga laraw alang kaninyo: sa paghimo kaninyo nga mauswagon, inay maalaot ug paghatag kaninyog kaugmaon nga inyong gipangandoy. Unya mosangpit ug moduol kamo ug magampo kanako ug tubagon ko kamo. Mangita kamo kanako ug makaplagan ako ninyo sa dihang kinasingkasing ang inyong pagpangita kanako.”
Mga kaigsoonan sa Ginoong JesuCristo, anaa kaninyo ang pulong ug panaad sa GINOO alang kaninyo. Ayawg kaulaw, kahadlok, o kaikog. Ang GINOONG anaa kanimo maoy imong kusog, gahum, ug panalipud.
4-24-08
I.T. HiponiaKini nga mensahe alang sa mga mgbabasa nga Bisaya. Hinaut nga ang pulong sa Dios maga dulot sa inyong hunahuna ug kasingkasing.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
JESUS ONLY
JESUS ONLY
Matthew 17:1-8 “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun; and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. When the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, “Arise, and be not afraid.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.
Jesus alone is to be worshiped. He alone is God. He came to earth in the form of man – of sinful flesh. He came to save humanity from the curse of sin and death. The curse is inclusive of all creation. Paul wrote in Romans “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” He writes on “The wages of sin is death; But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Jesus obedience and complete submission to the will of the Father obtained for all creation salvation from the curse of death and the Law “once for all at all times and in all places.” He becomes for all believers and followers of his way of life an example to emulate. A way of life which never go wrong and never fails. A former persecutor, St Paul of Tarsus was radically changed in his attitude and hatred of the followers of the Way. He wrote his greatly inspired appreciation of Jesus Christ “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
During his life on earth Jesus declared that “all things are given to me of my Father.”
Gospel of Jesus Christ According to St Luke tells of Jesus giving authority to his followers “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing by any means hurt you.”
In the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus said “You shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”He invested his followers and apostles with power over all the power of the enemy as they go proclaiming the Good News, teaching, healing, exorcism of evil spirits, baptizing those who believe, and performing great signs and wonders in His Name.
If all power in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus Christ, then He alone is to be worshiped, invoked in all prayers, obeyed and given true and living worship. I think preachers, teachers, and believers who preach and teach about God are guilty of disobedience and dishonor the LORD JESUS. Theologians, preachers, and teachers who teach a gospel which is another gospel than preached by St Paul are guilty of disobedience and irreverence. Paul said they are to be cursed. They want a Christianity without Christ Jesus. Liturgies, dogmas, theologies and philosophies cannot replace Jesus Christ as the only Savior and LORD.
The Book of Revelation of St John the Divine describes the LORD Jesus as the King of kings and LORD of lords who is “conquering now and still to conquer.” Satan knows that his time is short and is doing everything to circumvent the progress of the Good News. Today Jesus is the only Savior and LORD of all creation. Peter declares “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12) and Paul affirmed it “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” I Tim2:5).
Today he, Jesus Christ, gives to the church “…Apostles; and some prophets, and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for edifying the body of Christ: Till we come in the unity of faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulnes of Christ: …” (Ephesians 4:11-13).
“And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all” (I Corinthians 15:28). Hallelujah! “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
March 24, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
HE IS GOD
He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...
unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and "Oprah" can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me and
never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!
PASS THIS ON IF YOU BELIEVE IT...
I love the Lord and thank Him for all that He has done in my life; therefore I'm passing this onWednesday, March 19, 2008
Pray for our Nation
people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace.This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped! There is now a group of people who are organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying: for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens and for peace in the world. If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along.
Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. [AMEN!] Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Please pass this on to anyone who you think will pray for our nation!
This appeal comes from my niece, Nora. I pray and hope you will participate. The LORD GOD bless us all.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
DIHA SA KADAGAYA
Friends in Norfolk, Virginia, USA help maintain this radio ministry with their prayers. money gifts and sending of boxes of used children's clothes, pairs of shoes, and some men and women's wear. We need to send used children's books to a special school to teach out-of-school children to read. You can send your used children's books and writing materials to Mrs Eunice Lois H Osias
in Gamu, Isabela, Philippines as well as to Miss Mary Lois C Hiponia, Katrina Village, Camanjac, Dumaguete City, Philippines. Those who want to send Children's clothes, shoes, books and writing materials for the poor children in Danajon Banks, Bohol can send their gifts through Mr. Malcolm Casel Hiponia, C/o College of sciences, Silliman University, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines.
Jesus said "For as much as you have done these to my brethren, ylu havce done it to me."
INVITATION
HOW MUCH ARE YOU
“How much are you?” This is a question frequently asks of an instructor in “Military
Ethics.” The class would roar in laughter. He would point his finger as he checks the attendance. Then one day after asking his question which has become a ritual to the officers in his class, he surprised the class by picking on the most senior officer “Mr Juan de la Cruz , how much are you?” The officer was shocked, confused, and incoherent as he mumbled his answer. There is no malice in the question of the instructor. He points out that has a price No matter what his station in life and society is. Each person has a price at which he can be bought and influenced. The problem of graft and corruption in all levels of society is the problem of how much an individual or groups of individuals – whether they be high government officials, judges, generals, religious leaders, workers,
whether they be illiterate well educated, is worth.
Jesus Christ teaches “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? …What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Satan tried to seduce him with the offer of all the kingdoms on earth, but failed in getting him over to his side. Yet Judas sold him to his enemies for a measley thirty pieces of silver? Joseph Estrada Ejercito was forced to resign his presidency for plundering his country. He spent many years in jail. On the other hand, in God’s eyes, not only is man worth more than the birds of the air, or the lilies of the field, or the treasures of great value hidden in the field, but worth sending His only begotten Son to die at cross to save them. That is how much you and I are worth to God. Let us follow Jesus Christ and worship Him
Saturday, February 23, 2008
VISION OR DREAM
VISION
I am pleased and honored to reflect on the word “vision” as it may stir up a desire for greater understandings though to some, not use to investigative thinking, a threat and an offense. But as it is in the academe which extols academic freedom, so it is in theological reflections and investigations of truth. The Pharisees of Jesus day had such closed minds they consider any questionings or statements contrary to the customary and unquestionably taught doctrine as heretical. Jesus encourages all men to know the truth. He said in John chapter 8 and verses 31 to 36
“If you abide in my word, you are My disciples indeed.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make
you free. …If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (NKJV)
I believe that divine inspiration reveals to man through visions, dreams, apparitions, and keen foresights His plans and means of doing His will and purpose for the salvation of all men. God puts a burden on the man or woman He chooses to get the job done. That person upon whom the vision comes can never be the same again. His or her life shall be formed and propelled by the burden God has placed upon him/her. What God has laid upon him just have to be accomplished. So it was with Moses and his vision of the burning bush. So it was with Joseph and his visions of the bundles of wheat representing his brothers bowing to his bundle and eleven stars including the sun and the moon bowing before him. So it was with the Prophet Amos. In response to his hecklers he stoutly replied, “ I am not really of the prophets> I do not come from a family of prophets. I am a herdsman and a fruit picker. But the LORD took me from caring for the sheeps and told me, ‘Go and prophesy to my people Israel.” Amos had to go.
Saul the zealous Pharisee of the Pharisees set off to Damascus in hot pursuit of the followers of Jesus. Along the way he saw a vision of Jesus whom he was trying to destroy. The vision radically changed his life. The power of that vision changed and guided the destiny of the Christian faith and the church of the LORD Jesus Christ. Towards the end of his he was proud to say “I was not disobedient to that vision from heaven.” What is your vision?What is it that has gripped your mind, soul, and whole being? To follow someone else’s vision and claim it as his own is deceitful. You are just a copycat. You have no vision at all. So you try to outdo the vision of one whom you try to imitate. You become his worshiper.You are a cult leader, a distortion of who God wants you to be.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
CIRCLE OF PRAYER
Dear Lord, we pray that on this Valentine’s Day we may remember the true meaning of love as expressed in the Bible.
Heavenly Father, we pray the message of the verse often recited at many weddings inspires us to express love in all that we do for our fellow man.
"Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails!"
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (CEV)
May we never fail to praise God who so loved us, he gave his only son so that the faithful may have eternal life.
Amen
From: The American Bible Society
THE POWER OF LOVE
John, the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ, made this irrefutable assertion of the unfathomable and unsearchable and unchallenged declaration of the love of God.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God send not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
(John 3:16-17 RSJV)
The world in turmoil needs love.War is selfishness.It destroys. It kills people. If divides people with hate. Love is the remedy to war. The problem and difficulty most people have in understanding love is they relate it to acts of sensuality and sex. The love the Holy Bible speaks is pure and undefiled. It honors and respects one another.
Love needs a good model. A model maybe a pattern, a design, or an example to emulate. Jesus gives us a good example of what love is in the life of the good Samaritan.
A Samaritan is looked down by the Jews. They avoid him and despise him. The story of the good Samaritan demonstrates what love is in one’s religious practice. In the Law of Moses everyone is instructed to love his neighbor as himself. The priest and scribe in the story of the good Samaritan know the Law requires them to love – show compassion to the distressed one. They know what their Law requires of them to do at this particular
situation, but there is also a law which prohibits them from having contact with a dead body. There is also the possibility that the robbers are still around and their safety is in danger.
On the other hand the Samaritan came along. He saw ther man lying and wounded in the middle of the road. He was a Jew, perhaps one he knew personally. This man is one of those who despise him openly. But he was severely wounded and needed immediate help. He did not think about the robbers who may be in the area. This Jew needed help very badly. Perfect love cast out fear. Love made him to care and make provision with the inn keeper for continuing care of the wounded man. This is love in action. “Greater love has no man than this that he lays down his life for a friend.” Thus said the Man who knows what love is. He laid down his life for all because He loves all. He was willing to forgive even those who put him to death “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Love triumphed over Hell and death. Let us learn to love one another as Jesus Christ love us.”
Thursday, February 7, 2008
JESUS CRIST IS LORD
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD
Philippians 2:5-ll “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those one earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus Christ is LORD. He is the LORD of all creation. He demonstrated and proved that He is LORD of all life when he rose triumphant over Hell and death. The Devil, Satan, the angel who rebelled against God and was thrown down to earth vowed to destroy humanity whom God created in His own image and likeness and imparted the breath of life and became living souls. Thus all religious thinkers admit that there is in man a spark of divinity. It is this spark of divinity in humanity that kept God from destroying humankind even when it has fallen into its worst depravity and degradation.
Where are kings and emperors who arrogated to themselves the title of divinity.. They built monuments of themselves and forced people to bow down and worship their monuments. Their monuments were knocked to pieces and ground to dust by the angry people to kill any remembrances of their cruelty and oppression. Who among the so-called religious leaders and founders of religion rose from the dead? Even Mohammed is still dust inside his tomb in Mecca. Only Jesus Christ rose from the grave and victorious over death. Only Jesus won His right to be LORD of lords and King of kings.. He never used a sword, or a spear, or a bow and arrow or any weapon of mass destruction against His enemies. He won them with love and forgiveness.
