We are Christians in spite of our circumstances, not because of them - Daily Bible Reflections February 28,2014

MR. COOL

 

We consider blessed those who have persevered... – James 5:11

 

Quality guru Edward Deming said, “Put a good man in a bad environment... The environment always wins.”

       The first company I worked for had a great culture. It treated people well. It was well organized, structured and systematized. As a result, I was excelling on many fronts. People said I was Mr. Cool... or at least I thought I was!

       Years later, I found myself in another big company but this time in a higher position with a lot more perks. I had a company car, a big office, a potted plant in my office, a secretary, managers reporting to me, housing benefits, the works! But I was unhappy. It was a toxic environment where people didn’t respect each other. I couldn’t function well. The once Mr. Cool was now Mr. Stress. And I was stressing out my staff too. My boss shouted, so I did too. He cussed and, shamefully, I occasionally did too. Thankfully, I got out of there — in location and hopefully in habit!

       So, was Deming right after all? In the absence of God’s grace, yes, definitely. But in the eyes of faith, it was an opportunity for me to prove my Christianity and God’s persevering grace in my life. To respond instead of react. To be peaceful amidst raging waters. To be Mr. Cool in spite of stress. Ariel Driz (adriz77@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: We are Christians in spite of our circumstances, not because of them.

 

Lord Jesus, grant me the grace to rise up over my situation.

 

Blessed Daniel Brottier, pray for us.

Are there sins which you consider “little” that you enjoy doing over and over again? - Daily Bible Reflections February 27,2014

THOU SHALL NOT

STEAL

 

“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire.” – Mark 9:43

 

On our way home from my parents’ house in Quezon City, we passed along Gov. Forbes Street in Manila towards Nagtahan Bridge.

       When we came to a halt due to the stoplight, we saw three teenage boys who stole various items from the pickup truck that was in front of us. We blew our horn to call the truck driver’s attention. But the traffic light turned green so we all just drove ahead.

       At other times, we witnessed the same scene in Araneta Ave. and also on C-5 Road. Those boys seemed to have mastered stealing items from vehicles. They even seemed to enjoy doing it! For whatever reason they may have, what they did was against one of God’s 10 commandments.

       Then it dawned on me. There are sins which we might be enjoying doing over and over again. But for whatever justification we may have, sin is sin. Thus, we must muster the courage to say no to it. Sol M. Saura (sol_saura@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Are there sins which you consider “little” that you enjoy doing over and over again?

 

Lord, I consecrate my whole self to You. Make me do everything right for love of You and for Your greater honor and glory.

 

St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

 

If you don’t design your future, someone else will - God Whispers February 27,2014

 
If you don’t design your future, someone else will. Other people have many designs for your life—and these things may not be what I want you to do.
       
Guiding you,
God
 
P.S. It’s what I want you to do that is the key to living an abundant life!

“A death is not the extinguishing of a light, but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come.” - Daily Bible Reflections February 26,2014

THE LONG AND SHORT

OF IT

 

 

You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears. – James 4:14

 

A wake has a way of making you reflect on your life. Especially if the person you’re visiting died young.

       The other day, I came from two wakes. One was for a 50-year-old businesswoman who had left behind a husband, their five-year-old son, and their barely one-year-old dream house. The other was for a 95-year-old grandma who had left behind three children, 14 grandkids and 16 great grandkids.

       Comparing the two women, it’s easy to think that my friend who died in her 50s had her life cut short. She could have had so many other experiences and accomplished many other dreams. I couldn’t help but think of the plans she had made with her husband that will remain unfulfilled. I also thought of the many years her son will grow up missing his mother. But knowing how my friend lived and died, I can say that she faithfully stewarded the years that the Lord had entrusted to her.

       In the end, it’s not how many years we lived but how we lived those years. Whether we live long or not, we want to leave behind a legacy of faithfulness for those who will come after us. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “A death is not the extinguishing of a light, but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come.” (Unknown)

 

Lord, teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

 

St. Porphyry of Gaza, pray for us.

Are you a person that others can trust? Are others’ secrets safe with you? Can others rely on your word? - God Whispers February 26,2014

Are you a person that others can trust? Are others’ secrets safe with you? Can others rely on your word?

 

Get ready for an upgrade,

God

 

P.S. Be a person of integrity and your influence will grow.

Quit expecting happiness to happen to you. Happiness happens because you choose it - God Whispers February 25,2014

Quit expecting happiness to happen to you. Happiness happens because you choose it.
 
Happily yours,
God
 
P.S. Don’t let outside circumstances dictate your mood. Take control and choose to be happy!

Will you trust God even when you don’t see where you’re going? - Daily Bible Reflections February 25,2014

MAKEOVER

 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. – James 4:10

 

There they were, a panel of judges, looking at me from head to toe. “You desperately need a haircut.” “Your polo makes you look forgettable.” “Wear contact lenses instead.”

       I was at a professional development seminar and going through the roughest judgment of my life. Outside, I was smiling, but inside, I was dissenting. Suddenly, the emcee announced, “We’d like to surprise you with a makeover!”

       The next 30 minutes was the biggest (and fastest) transformation of my life! I fitted new clothes. Then I was given an eight-minute haircut. Finally, I was taught how to carry myself. Here’s the scary part: I was never allowed to look at myself so I was initially resisting the makeover.

       But when the doors opened, I stood there with my friends, awestruck. I walked in with a regained confidence that came from an openness to change and willingness to trust.

       God wants to do a makeover in our lives, too. He has prepared a whole wardrobe that will make us perfect in His eyes. But many times, we resist these changes. They seem too radical, too weird, too difficult. But are you willing to be a child and just surrender to His perfection and grace? Migs Ramirez (migoy3@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Will you trust God even when you don’t see where you’re going?

 

Lord, pour Your grace upon me as I humble myself to see the new things You want me to experience each day.

 

Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio, pray for us.

 

The greatest gift you can ever receive is the gift of Myself - God Whispers February 23,2014

The greatest gift you can ever receive is the gift of Myself. When you have Me in your heart, you have everything.
 
Making you  whole,
God
 
P.S. You’re the richest person on Earth!

You may often veer off course from your goal, but as long as you're open to My guidance, you'll surely reach your destination - God Whispers Ferbuary 22,2014

 
You may often veer off course from your goal, but as long as you're open to My guidance, you'll surely reach your destination.
 
Your GPS,
God
 
P.S. I’m actually the Captain of your plane; you’re my co-pilot. Together, we make a fantastic team!

When did you last pray desperately to God? - Daily Bible Reflections February 24,2014

PRAYER IS FUEL

 

“If you can!” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” – Mark 9:23

 

I have a weird tendency to ask God for something big, but at that pivotal moment that He answers my prayer, I’d become fearful. Thoughts that I didn’t deserve the blessing would fill my mind or I’d doubt whether I had what it takes to accomplish what was set before me.

       One recent incident was when I declared to God that I wanted to proclaim His Word and become a lay preacher. Then one day, our Feast builder, who heads our prayer meeting, told me that he wanted me to start preaching at our gathering. I was excited, but at the same time I panicked and became fearful.

       I offered to God my concerns and He assured me that He would equip me. Since then, constant prayer and communion with Him have fueled my preaching and my whole life.

       No matter what you’re facing right now, bring your apprehensions before the Lord. Prayer can restore your joy and even propel you to reach greater success. JPaul Hernandez (jpaulmh@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: When did you last pray desperately to God?

 

Jesus, I open myself to Your Spirit so that I may truly understand the full power of prayer.

 

Blessed Luke Belludi, pray for us.

“It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding; and to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving.” - Daily Bible Reflections February 23,2014

GENEROUS WITH

GOD’S GENEROSITY

 

“Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn away from the one who borrows from you.” – Matthew 5:42

 

God’s prolific giving always amazes me. I’ve been at the receiving end of His generosity, shown through people who have given to me of their time, talent and resources.

       One of the most memorable generous deeds I received was from my friend Irma. When she heard about our family’s financial woes, she gave me a check, the amount of which enabled me to pay for an outstanding debt. She told me that she had sensed from the Lord that she should give me that specific amount and immediately did as she was told, out of obedience to Him and her desire to help me.

       The generosity shown to me by both God and man is my motivation to be generous to others, too. While I am a woman of simple means, still I trust that the moment someone asks and I decide to give, God blesses my giving. I trust Him to provide for my needs as I strive to also help those in need. I trust that I can be generous with His generosity.

       After all, everything that I have is from our generous Father. He began the unending cycle of giving and I just do my best to “pay it forward.” Dina Pecaña (dpecana@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: “It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding; and to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving.” (Kahlil Gibran)

 

Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve You as I should. To give and not to count the cost… knowing that I do Your most holy will.

 

St. Polycarp, bishop and martyr, pray for us.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10) - Daily Bible Reflections February 22,2014

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Apostle

COMPLETE

 

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. – Psalm 23:1

 

I need to excel first to be great. I need to experience the same hurt to be forgiven. I need to please others to be loved. I need to have all the expertise first to become a champion. I need more time and money before I can serve the Lord.

       This was me before I had a one-on-one talk with a brother.

       I lived in a world with a lot of “need to haves” before I could become the person God wants me to be. But I later learned that I had been deceived. None of the things I thought I needed defined me.

       No wonder there are times when God allows us to be stripped of everything so that we could understand that when He is all that we have, we’ll learn that He is all that we need.

       The truth is contained in our Psalm today. “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I lack” (italics mine).

       Yes, we have needs. Yes, there are things we need to work on. But that doesn’t change the fact that we are beautiful. That we are forgiven. That we are loved. Yes, we are complete! Dreus Cosio (andreus.cosio@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)

 

Thank You for Your love, Lord, and for making my life complete.

 

St. Margaret of Cortona, pray for us.

To be a champion, you have to act like one. That means pushing harder even when all you want to do is give up - God Whispers February 21,2014

 
To be a champion, you have to act like one. That means pushing harder even when all you want to do is give up .
 
Cheering for you,
God
 
P.S. Endurance and perseverance are virtues you need not only in sports or in your career, but even in your spiritual life

Do your words and deeds match?, Let Your Action Do The Talking - Daily Bible Reflections February 21,2014

LET YOUR ACTION DO

THE TALKING

 

So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. – James 2:17

 

I recently got to know Joe Dean Sola a little better. He’s the founder of He Cares, a foundation that gives street children a fresh start and new opportunities in life. They aim to rescue at least one child from the streets every day. They’ve rehabilitated and evangelized hundreds of kids over the past decade.

       But before Joe Dean actually put up the foundation, his ministry already existed. Joe Dean would literally give shivering kids the shirt off his back and would lie down with them in the street on a chilly night to keep them warm. He would give the last few coins in his pocket to feed a hungry street child.

       Every time Joe Dean speaks about his passion for the poor, I’m moved to tears. To no fail. (I’m actually in tears right now as I write this!) His love for the lowly is so evident and infectious. But more than his actual words that move me, I believe it’s the fact that his words are alive.

       Christian author John Maxwell once said, “I don’t practice  what I preach. I only preach what I practice.” Well, that would be a really good way to describe Joe Dean. He doesn’t see himself as a good speaker, but in my opinion, he doesn’t actually have to be one. His actions do the talking. And people hear him loud and clear. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Do your words and deeds match?

 

Lord, may people see You in my actions, not just in my words.

 

St. Peter Damian, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

Do you love yourself enough so you can love others enough too? - Daily Bible Reflections February 20,2014

LOVE MORE   “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – James 2:8   I am a multimedia person. I do audio-visual presentations, I direct TV shows and learning seminars, and I speak publicly. There was a time in my life when I charged a miniscule amount for the services I provided. Why? Because I felt that I was not worthy of charging the right amount. So I ended up with very little, considering the amount of work I put in.        Until one day, Bo talked to me and said, “Randy, you cannot give what you do not have…. You should love yourself more.” It was only then did I realize that when Jesus said the verse above, He was, in a way, telling me to love myself. No wonder I had a hard time opening up to others. I couldn’t love them because I did not love myself enough.        Today, I see and love myself the way God sees and loves me. Now, I charge the right amount for the services I render. Yes, I get a lot more but I love a lot more, too. I am able to help others better because I know who I am and what I am worth. Randy Borromeo (rborromeo@yahoo.com)     Reflection: Do you love yourself enough so you can love others enough too?   Dear Lord, thank You for Your love. Thank You for loving me the way You do. Teach me to draw upon Your love, my love for myself. Then and only then will I be able to share this love with others. Amen.   Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto, pray for us.

Have you tried praying for the intentions of other people? - Daily Bible Reflections February 19,2014

CAN I PRAY FOR YOU?

 

Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. – Mark 8:25

 

I had an officemate whom I considered to be difficult to deal with.

       Every day he complained about the shifting schedules, his salary, the crowded MRT, and his work load. His attitude irritated a lot of my officemates.

       I had the opportunity to have a series of lunches with him. I got to know his job experiences and his family. Then he opened up about why he’s always irritated. His newborn baby was sick. Every time he left home, his heart cried out.

       After hearing his story, there was a strong urge in my heart to pray for him. I asked him a question that I thought might turn him off since he’s not religious at all. But I gave it a try.

       “Can I pray for you?” I asked.

       He looked at me and said, “Yes, please!” We prayed for healing, financial providence and peace.

       After that encounter, we became close friends, and he began to change each day for the better. Jan Carlo Silan (jan@makatifeast.com)

 

Reflection: Have you tried praying for the intentions of other people?

 

Lord, send me to people who need You this very moment. Let me help them by lifting up their concerns to You. Amen.

 

St. Conrad of Piacenza, pray for us.

 

Read more inspiring books and meet amazing people. They’ll change the course of your life - God Whispers February 18,2014

 

Cut out your mindless TV from your life. Minimize unnecessary online surfing. You’ll be surprised at the dramatic changes that will happen in your life.
 
Grow,
God
 
P.S. Read more inspiring books and meet amazing people. They’ll change the course of your life.

Remember a time when God delivered you from a dire situation. He still has the power to save you from your present distress - Daily Bible Reflections February 18,2014

GOD IS FAITHFUL

 

“And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?” – Mark 8:18-19

 

It’s very easy to worry when the bills come and we don’t know whether the money we have will be enough for them. I’ve discovered a new way to combat this unhelpful habit, and that is to remember the goodness of the Lord.

         I remember a time when I lived from paycheck to paycheck, always worrying if I had enough till my next salary. I would pray and ask the Lord for help and He would send money in unexpected ways. So when I really wanted to join a course that costs more than my salary, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to afford it. But the Lord told me, “Had I not provided for you before?” I remembered how the Lord had delivered me from past financial difficulties, so I took a leap of faith. I trusted that God would provide for my tuition fee. God didn’t fail me. I became a regular employee at work and received bonuses that I used to pay for my classes.

         Have not our prayers been answered in the past? Hasn’t the Lord delivered us many times when we asked for His help? He remains faithful today and always. We can rest in His loving care. Marjorie Ann Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)

 

 

Reflection: Remember a time when God delivered you from a dire situation. He still has the power to save you from your present distress.

 

Dearest God, forgive me for forgetting Your goodness in my life. Thank You for Your kindness and faithfulness. I will trust in You.

 

Blessed John of Fiesole, pray for us.

 

When was the last time you felt the heavenly Father hug you? When was the last time you gave somebody a great big hug? - Daily Bible Reflections February 17,2014

HUG SOMEONE

TODAY

 

And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:4

 

In my real estate business and in my vocation, my mission is to make as many people as possible feel God’s love. Even during my vacations, that mission always pervades my mind.

       Once, I was on a boat ride during a business-leisure conference. I noticed this lady whom I thought needed somebody to talk to.

       When she didn’t come out for the initial conference sessions, I called her up and talked to her. I found out she had family problems. In the evening, after engaging her again, I prayed over her and gave her a big hug. She cried aloud, saying she needed that hug badly and felt the love of a parent that she had longed for for so long. For the next couple of Sundays, I went out of my way to pick her up so she could join us in a worship service.

       I thank God for the grace of persevering to spread God’s love to others. That act of making her feel His love left me with a good feeling. After all, God promised that He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Donna España (donna@homeliving.com.ph)

 

 

Reflection: When was the last time you felt the heavenly Father hug you? When was the last time you gave somebody a great big hug?

 

Dear Jesus, may I always mirror Your heart in showing love for others the way You have showed me so much of Your love!

 

Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, pray for us.

Have there been promises, big or small, that you have not kept? Now is the time to be true - Daily Bible Reflections February 16,2014

REAL MEN

 

“Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.” – Matthew 5:33

 

One day, a woman began to forget things. Where she went. What she said. Where she was going. The husband heard the doctor confirm their worst fear: She had Alzheimer’s disease. Her sickness progressed until she needed nursing care 24 hours a day, forcing the husband to transfer her to a home care facility.

       But he promised to visit her every day — a genuine promise that was never to be broken. Every 3 p.m., he’d come and spend the afternoon with her. Until the time came that she no longer recognized him.

       One day, the man was in a business meeting but bolted at 2:30 to visit his wife. One concerned friend took him aside and asked,  “Why do you still visit your wife every day when she doesn’t know you anymore?”

       He looked at his friend and smiled, “She still is and will always be my wife. I made a promise. She may not know me, but I know her. And that’s enough for me.”

       That’s being true to your word. That’s what keeping a promise means.

       Just like God does. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Have there been promises, big or small, that you have not kept? Now is the time to be true.

 

Lord, Your name is faithful and true. Help me be like You. Amen.

 

St. Gilbert of Sempringham, pray for us.

God’s heart breaks when you get hurt. His heart leaps for joy and excitement in your times of victory - Daily Bible Reflections February 15,2014

INTERESTED AND

INVOLVED

 

“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd...” – Mark 8:2

 

Last December, I was with my staff having a Christmas dinner. During the meal, someone suggested that we go to a nearby videoke bar. Everyone was game.

       So after dinner, we sang our hearts out. Not long after, at 11 p.m., my phone rang. It was my mom calling her grown-up son, concerned for my whereabouts.

       Initially, a part of me was slightly irritated as I felt I was too old to be getting phone calls like that. But honestly, a bigger part of me was touched by her genuine concern. I felt cared for and valued by her simple gesture of checking up on me (even if I was already 25 and a boss at the office). I felt loved.

       I believe God is the same. He is not a distant I-am-up-here-and- I-couldn’t-care-less God. He is a loving Father — interested and involved. He thinks of us, cares for us, and understands us like no other. We have a God whose heart is moved out of concern for our complete welfare. He knows what we’re going through and desires the very best for us. Mike Viñas (mikemichaelfcv@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: God’s heart breaks when you get hurt. His heart leaps for joy and excitement in your times of victory. When you think He’s distant, remember that you’re always on His mind.

 

Father, thank You for having a heart for me.

 

St. Claude la Colombiere, pray for us.

What miracles in your life have you seen lately? - Daily Bible Reflections February 14,2014

GOD’S ORCHESTRATION

 

They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well…”– Mark 7:37

 

Exactly two years ago today, I hopped on a plane bound for California to get married. It was my first U.S. trip — a permanent move at that — and I had some reservations about starting a new life in an unfamiliar place, far from family and friends.

       It was also my first time to travel alone. My repetitive prayer was, “Lead me to the right people, Lord.” He surely did. I had a hassle-free departure and a surprise welcome at Los Angeles Airport: The immigration officer who delightedly gave me an entry permit was Filipino and a Bo Sanchez follower! I was meant to be here!

       How amazing indeed is God’s orchestration of the significant events in my life. He gave me a partner shortly before I hit the dreaded Big 4-0. I got engaged on Jesus’ birthday. I was reunited with my then fiancé on Valentine’s Day. I was granted permanent residency on my late father’s birthday, and a driver’s license on my first birthday in the U.S.

       Blessed were the people in Jesus’ time to have seen His healing miracles. But I am as astonished as they were each time I witness the works of His hand in my life. Nova Arias-Sevilla (nova.svp@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: What miracles in your life have you seen lately?

 

Thank You, Jesus, for opening my senses to the works of Your hand. Take charge of my life.

 

St. Cyril, monk, and St. Methodius, bishop, pray for us.

Gauge a person’s love during the hard times, not during the happy times. True love endures, even through sacrifice - God Whispers February 13,2014

 
Gauge a person’s love during the hard times, not during the happy times. True love endures, even through sacrifice.
 
Love you,
God
 
P.S. I died for you, didn’t I?

All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired - Daily Bible Reflections February 13,2014

WHAT SAY YOU, LORD?

 

She answered him, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he said to her, “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.”– Mark 7:28-29

 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus seems to be humiliating the Gentile woman, comparing her to a dog. Yet the woman doesn’t back down, even if Jesus seems to tell her, “Not now.” Instead she says, “OK, You got me. I’m a dog — fine. Still, I love my daughter so much that I’m willing to take whatever scrap of healing You can offer. Please!”

       She got the healing she asked for. She knew what could move the heart of God. By challenging Jesus with her faith, she positioned herself for an answered prayer.

       Have you ever thought of challenging God? Not in a rebellious, disobedient way, but in an adamant, almost resolute manner — just like the woman in the story? Maybe you’re hoping for healing. Maybe someone you love needs a desperate answer to his prayers. Maybe you need the impossible.

       I’d like to think that the woman even taught Jesus something: that a strong, desperate faith cannot be ignored by God. Next time you think God can’t meet your need, come to Him with a challenge of faith. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get an unexpected answer to your prayer! Martine De Luna (the.dainty.mom@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired.” (Martin Luther)

 

Dear Lord, grant me a desperately courageous faith.

 

St. Giles Mary of St. Joseph, pray for us.