Your everyday habits determine your long-term success - God Whispers March 31,2014

Your everyday habits determine your long-term success.
 
Molding you,
God
 
P.S. What success habits do you need to cultivate?

Allow God’s grace to open your eyes and see the works He has promised - Daily Bible Reflections March 30,2014

Fourth Sunday of Lent

 

BLIND PURPOSE

 

It is so that the works of God might be made visible through him. – John 9:3

 

I wanted to be a priest. Actually, I found it cool to be called Brother Leo and to live a missionary life serving God. Then a priest friend convinced me to seek a higher vocation by joining them if I had really heard God’s call.

       So when I announced to my parents a few days after my elementary graduation that I wanted to become a priest, you could almost hear a pin drop.

       With teary eyes from a mixture of joy and sadness, my parents agreed. A few days before entering the seminary, they changed their minds. I respected their decision and closed the chapter to my priestly vocation. Years went by until I experienced a life-changing crisis that led me to the Light of Jesus Family. Miracles healed and restored me, and I eventually started to reap blessing after blessing.

       In gratitude, I volunteered in various liturgical ministries, served in cause-oriented missions and have been saying yes to God’s call. Since then, I’ve been living a missionary life serving God just the way He had wanted me to. Surprisingly, every time I serve, people call me Brother Leo. Leo Villarico (leovrico@yahoo.com)

 

 

Reflection: Have you examined your intentions if they are according to God’s purpose? Allow God’s grace to open your eyes and see the works He has promised.

 

Lord, we surrender ourselves to Your divine purpose. Lead us not by sight but by faith, not in our own comfortable time but in Your perfect time, and purify my intentions for Your greater glory.

 

St. Peter Regalado, pray for us.

 

God is waiting eagerly to respond with new strength to each little act of self-control, small discipline of prayer, feeble searching after Him - Daily Bible Reflections March 28,2014

SEEKING AND

SEARCHING

 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” – Mark 12:30

 

“How demanding!” That’s what I would say if someone would ask of me what the verse states above. But it’s another point altogether when it comes from the Lord.

       When I had my personal conversion more than 20 years ago, loving the Lord became part of the fuel in my personal relationship with Him. For a single person, which I was for a long time, that included choosing the TV shows that I watch; the books that I read—it took me a long time to win over my natural affinity to romantic novels, some of which had explicit scenes; the company that I keep (including the men that I would date);  and the emotions that I would allow to hold sway in my heart.

       But I testify that seeking to love the Lord with my all has been worth it, though I have done it imperfectly. And just when I was most at peace with my single state, the Lord allowed me to meet a good man. We’re married now, and the seeking and the searching after the Lord continues. May it always be this way whatever state of life I’m in. Joy Sosoban-Roa (jsosoban@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “God is waiting eagerly to respond with new strength to each little act of self-control, small discipline of prayer, feeble searching after Him. And His children shall be filled if they will only hunger and thirst after what He offers.” (Richard Holloway)

 

You are the Thirst that quenches all other thirsts, oh Lord. I will seek You forever!

St. Hesychius of Jerusalem, pray for us.

Stop complaining. Instead make a list of the things you can and should be thankful for - God Whispers March 27,2014

Stop complaining. Instead make a list of the things you can and should be thankful for.
       
Lifting you up,
God
 
P.S. When you complain, you just make life more miserable for yourself and those around you.  

Don’t allow negative thoughts to occupy the real estate of your mind. Don’t allow it to rent, buy or build. Don’t give it any space - God Whispers March 26,2014

Don’t allow negative thoughts to occupy the real estate of your mind. Don’t allow it to rent, buy or build. Don’t give it any space.
 
Get ready to prosper,
God
 
P.S. From your thoughts spring your actions. So guard your mind!

Focus on My promises and even the giant problems you face will become midgets - God Whispers March 25,2014

Focus on My promises and even the giant problems you face will become midgets.
 
Happily yours,
God
 
P.S. You worry because you overrate your problems and underestimate My promises.

Don’t just read, but take time to contemplate God’s Word. Only then will you truly recognize His voice - Daily Bible Reflections March 25,2014

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

 

RECOGNIZE GOD’S

VOICE

 

“May it be done to me according to your word.” – Luke 1:38

 

Mary was young, innocent and uneducated when she was told she would become the mother of God, but she was able to comprehend God’s message without the slightest doubt. She hesitated not because she doubted but because she was confused. Yet she obeyed and said yes with so much faith.

       It’s always a struggle whenever I am faced with a decision to make, particularly if it will have a huge effect in my life. It’s not because I do not know what I want but because I tend to overanalyze. I also get easily distracted listening to the many voices around me suggesting what I should do. I often ignore the most important voice I should really listen to, that of the Lord. Sometimes I even go to the extent of asking God for signs to help me decide. But is decision making supposed to be this hard? Do we really need to ask for signs?

       Mary’s decision making process was simple and uncomplicated because she knew right away it was a message from God. She recognized and acknowledged Him. The Lord always speaks to us and, like Mary, we can easily recognize Him if we live a life of constant prayer and reflection. Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Don’t just read, but take time to contemplate God’s Word. Only then will you truly recognize His voice.

 

Oh God, help me to ignore the noises and distractions so I can fully grasp Your instructions.

 

St. Dismas, pray for us.

People today are allergic to stillness and quiet. I bring you to the desert so you can be silent and listen to My voice - God Whispers March 24,2014

People today are allergic to stillness and quiet. I bring you to the desert so you can be silent and listen to My voice.
­­­
Speaking to you,
God
 
P.S. Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength (Isaiah 30:15).

Take delight in the simplest things - God Whispers March 21,2014

Take delight in the simplest things.
 
Blessing you,
God

P.S. You’ll be surprised at how happiness comes, not with the expensive watches, world-class vacations or a multi-million deals, but in the simple things of life.

Are there silent people on your team? Don’t underestimate them. They may just surprise you - Daily Bible Reflections March 21,2014

SURPRISE

 

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone…” – Matthew 21:42

 

I have a silent servant in my Feast council. Her name is Sister Neth. You may not even notice her right away because she’s very meek. She’s actually the most quiet person I know. She lovingly heads our intercessory ministry — the team that prays for our gatherings as well as for the intentions of our attendees.

       When we did an inventory of our servants during our planning session, we were shocked to discover that Sister Neth’s ministry had the most number of members! We were all surprised because we don’t really see all these people in action. Why? They don’t take the stage. They come three hours before the gathering starts. They pray in a small circle and finish before the majority arrives. I do believe the success of our Feast rests much on the power of their prayers.

       People tend to think highly of the animated, loud and confident ones in a group. They’re admired for their flair and influence. When you walk into a room, you often notice the ones on stage, but you rarely remember the people working in the background. I’ve come to realize that these “invisible” servants are just as valuable, if not more. I therefore pray that I will never, ever take them for granted. George Tolentino Gabriel (george.svp@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Are there silent people on your team? Don’t underestimate them. They may just surprise you.

 

Lord, help me to act more than I talk.

 

Blessed John of Parma, pray for us.

Do you long to be with the Lord? - Daily Bible Reflections March 14,2014

MY POWER AND

ENERGY SOURCE

 

I wait with longing for the Lord, my soul waits for his word. – Psalm 130:5

 

Being an ambassador for God and country in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not child’s play. Diplomatic or consular work here is, as I jokingly say, a “25/8 job.” This is the second largest destination of Filipino labor migrants. Estimates say there are between 500,000 to 800,000 OFs (Overseas Filipinos) here.

       According to UAE data, as many as 40,000 OFs come to the Philippine Embassy yearly in Abu Dhabi or to the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai as distressed, meaning those who ran away from their employers for varied reasons.

       Friday, which is the start of the weekend, or the only weekend for those who need to work on Saturdays, is when the more than 100 OFs organizations hold their induction events, anniversaries and Christmas parties. Calls for help come round the clock. One can be burnt out with all the challenges and activities of such a busy post.

       I thank God that UAE is an open country that allows multiple faiths to be practiced. As a Light of Jesus, a CFCHandmaid of the Lord, and a Regina Rosarii Contemplative Association member, I find strength and sustenance for my body and soul to continue my work by attending Holy Mass and reading His Word. Grace Relucio Princesa (grprincesa@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Do you long to be with the Lord?

 

Lord, may my soul always long to be refreshed by Your Word.

 

St. Maximillian, pray for us.

 

Have you thought about what will happen when God answers your prayer? It’s a good thing to be prepared! - Daily Bible Reflections March 13,2014

ASK (SPECIFICALLY!)

AND RECEIVE

 

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives.... – Matthew 7:7-8

 

I believe in the principle of “ask and you shall receive.” When I was single, I said I wanted to get married. Sure enough, God gave me a boyfriend, who became my husband. A year into marriage, I said I wanted a baby so my husband prayed for a son. Now we have a very good-looking boy! We asked for a car after that, and when our kid was around two years old, we got our first car through very friendly payment terms.

       I’m grateful for these answered prayers. What I didn’t think about were the responsibilities that came with them. In our marriage, my husband and I have to keep things going, “for better or for worse.” As a mom, I have to provide constant care and attention to my son. A car has many demands, too: gas, maintenance, tune-ups, cleaning — the list goes on.

       When we ask the Lord for answers to our prayers, we have to be prepared to take care of the things we will receive or the situations we’ll find ourselves in. God is good, but He will only give us what is good for us, what will bring us closer to Him.

Martine De Luna (the.dainty.mom@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Have you thought about what will happen when God answers your prayer? It’s a good thing to be prepared!

 

Dear God, grant me the wisdom to ask for the things You’d want for me so that I may continue to live for You when You answer my prayer.

 

St. Leander of Seville, pray for us.

 

Think beyond the present and make sacrifices that will ensure an afterlife - Daily Bible Reflections March 12,2014

TRUE FREEDOM

 

“This generation is a wicked generation.” – Luke 11:29

 

When the RH Bill came out and our Church took its stand in rejecting it, even devoted Catholics became conflicted. Many asked, “Why is the government’s attempt to improve the lives of its citizens considered evil?” As a Christian, I think the more important question is: Why are we so passionate about fighting for our “rights” and our “freedom” when they hold us in bondage to sin and move us farther away from God?

       Think about it. Contraceptives give us freedom to have safe and pleasurable sex but leave us less able to master our lust.

       Divorce gives us freedom to love another person, by forsaking our vow to God to love our spouse no matter what.

       Abortion gives us the freedom to determine our capability and willingness to care for the unborn, yet we fail to consider God’s hand in creation and His plans for the child.

       Keep in mind that being legally free to do something does not mean that it also frees us from accountability to God. Think beyond the present and make sacrifices that will ensure an afterlife. Break free from the shackles of sin! Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” (C.S. Lewis)

 

Father, You have given us all a conscience by which You guide us to live in truth and love. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

 

Blessed Angela Salawa, pray for us.

There is no sin, wrongdoing or failure you can commit that will change how much I love you - God Whispers March 11,2014

There is no sin, wrongdoing or failure you can commit that will change how much I love you.
 
Faithfully yours,
God
P.S. I know that’s hard to understand.  But that’s what My unconditional love means.

There are two ways to approach life: Enjoy first and endure later, or endure first and enjoy later. Choose the second. It’s the way of the saints - Daily Bible Reflections March 11,2014

BOUNDARIES

 

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” – Matthew 6:13

 

When I was a kid, I’d run through a bending trail in the field on my way home. I wondered why I would always follow that trail when I could just run straight home. I tried several times to run straight through but it was automatic: I’d always follow how the trail would bend.

       One day, I tried something challenging (more like foolish and stupid). I closed my eyes and ran straight home. Boom! I hit a hard wall. I went home with my first-ever black eye. Worse, I got scolded and spanked by my father. Waaah!

       Friends, our instincts know limits. These are called boundaries. They are also known by our internal instinct called the conscience. But some people never learn. They keep on running with eyes closed for the thrill of the sinful experience — where they’re sure to crash into a wall at the end. Sin is enticing, yet in the end, it’ll hurt you and others.

       Let’s learn to respect this gift from God. Give yourself the gift of limits. Your internal instincts (good conscience) will always lead you to Him.

  Run the good race with Him! Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: There are two ways to approach life: Enjoy first and endure later, or endure first and enjoy later. Choose the second. It’s the way of the saints.

 

From all the evil that surrounds me, defend me; and when the call of death arrives, bid me come to Thee that I may praise Thee with Thy saints, forever. (Anima Christi)

 

St. John Ogilvie, pray for us.

Whenever we go and spread the Good News of our salvation, the Lord equips us by the power of the Holy Spirit - Daily Bible Reflections March 10,2014

BE HOLY

 

Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy. – Leviticus 19:2

 

The members of the Executive Council of Servant Leaders (ECSL) of the Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) Community received their marching orders from the BLD Global Spiritual Director, Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo: Go and set the hearts of BLD members on F.I.R.E. So off we went to visit our 51 global districts, including those in the U.S., Canada and Hong Kong.

       F - ruitful, I - nspired, R - enewed and E - mpowered. This was the recurring theme of our renewal weekends wherever we went. The five couple-servant leaders are ordinary men and women, chosen by the Lord to carry out the extraordinary task of stirring the hearts of people.

       At the end of each weekend, we would fly back home to Manila feeling drained and exhausted from a fully packed trip spent on our feet, teaching and ministering to our members. But, inspired by the Holy Spirit, our hearts would always be full of joy and gratitude for a faithful and amazing God. He does not call the qualified, but He qualifies those whom He calls. Indeed, we serve a holy and awesome God! Mari Sison-Garcia (mari_sison_garcia@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Whenever we go and spread the Good News of our salvation, the Lord equips us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Lord, thank You for setting the hearts of Your people on F.I.R.E. so we can know You more, love You more, and serve You more.

 

St. Dominic Savio, pray for us.

“I’m only human.” Do you use this line to justify your choices that run counter to the Lord’s ways? - Daily Bible Reflections March 9,2014

First Sunday of Lent

 

DO ANYTHING AND

EVERYTHING

 

Then the spirit led Jesus into the desert. There he was tempted by the devil. – Matthew 4:1

 

Unplanned, unexpected and painful describe my departure from the company I served for 20 years. It came after being awarded a high performance incentive, at the heels of the fruition of a dream project, and just 18 months short of a tax-free retirement. Leaving was a choice between gainful employment and keeping my sanity and soul.

       Ten months have passed and already feeling the strain of unemployment, an unexpected job opportunity came. During the interview, I was told that the company’s employees should be like entrepreneurs, willing to do anything and everything to meet its objectives. The interviewer went on to cite a situation when they had to bribe an official to facilitate an important transaction. “Everybody is doing it and it’s part of the game,” he said.

       The chance for a senior level and high-paying position with expatriate status was very tempting to pursue since I was nearing the end of my patience and resources. But I didn’t take the job. I may reach rock bottom before that elusive job comes, but I will not be lured into putting my values at stake. Marie Franco (mariefranco_pie@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: “I’m only human.” Do you use this line to justify your choices that run counter to the Lord’s ways?

 

Lord, give me the strength to ward off temptation and remain faithful to You.

 

St. Frances of Rome, religious, pray for us.

Today is “Thanksgiving March.” Have an attitude of gratitude and outdo yourself in thanking Me for every blessing you recognize - God Whispers March 10,2014

Today is “Thanksgiving March.”  Have an attitude of gratitude and outdo yourself in thanking Me for every blessing you recognize.
 
Blessing you,
God
 
P.S. Tomorrow, the next day, and every day that follows, declare it to be Thanksgiving March. Keep outdoing yourself in thanking Me for all your blessings

When He died on the cross, Jesus gave us a second life, a second chance. How are we living this new life? - Daily Bible Reflections March 8,2014

SECOND LIFE

 

Save your servant who trusts in you. – Psalm 86:2

 

Bionic woman. That was what the nurses in Cardinal Santos Hospital called me. I was involved in a car accident during the summer of 1998. I was crossing a street in San Juan, when a car came by and in a split second I felt like I had somersaulted and fell to the ground. My first thought was, “Did I just get hit? Nakakahiya, ang daming tao” (How embarrassing, there are so many people). I didn’t even realize it was that serious until I heard people say, “Yung bata nasagasaan!” (The child was hit!) People came up to me, asking if I was OK, and insisted I should be brought to the hospital.

       When I got into the car, I saw the shattered windshield. Whoa! This is serious! I broke the car’s windshield! Am I gonna die? Trembling, I checked my body parts for blood or broken bones. After 24 hours, I was discharged from the hospital with only a big bruise on my hip and leg and a laceration on my arm. Praise be to God! I knew several angels had protected me from what could have been a tragic ending.

       Jesus saved me from a fatal accident and gave me a second life. And I believe God will not only save our bodies but our spirits as well. Let’s allow Jesus to save us by accepting Him as our personal Lord and Savior. Lala Dela Cruz (bella.delacruz@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: When He died on the cross, Jesus gave us a second life, a second chance. How are we living this new life?

 

Jesus, I accept You as my personal Lord and Savior. Save me. I entrust my life to You. Amen.

 

St. John of God, religious, pray for us.

 

How does God want you to fast? Listen to His voice and not your own - Daily Bible Reflections March 7,2014

FASTING

 

They worship me every day, claiming that they are eager to know my ways and obey my laws. – Isaiah 58:2

 

I have always been underweight. As far as I can remember, I’ve tried all sorts of vitamins and minerals, even Chinese medicine. I even had to incorporate chocolates in my diet. How? When I was a teenager, I had to eat chocolates after every meal. The doctor said that I could eat whatever I wanted, and he even prescribed iron, vitamin C, B complex, and other letters of the alphabet. I had to painstakingly take three to four supplements a day. My generous grandmother provided me with the treats after every meal. Nothing happened. I was — and still am — as thin and flimsy as an angel fish.

       I had been faithfully fasting since 2003 when I first joined a community in Makati. So when Bro. Bo Sanchez advised the community that underweight people are not supposed to fast from food, my heart was crushed, and every inch of my body was asking why. Well, medically speaking, I knew the answer, but deep down during my prayer time, God impressed upon me that I should still fast from something as basic as food. Why? Because I learned something as basic as self-control. Ems Sy Chan (havenofleeanne@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: How does God want you to fast? Listen to His voice and not your own.

 

May our sacrifice be pleasing and acceptable in Your eyes, O Lord.

 

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs, pray for us.

If you live a life of love, forgiveness, and humility, then you preach My love — and you bring people around you closer to heaven - God Whispers March 6,2014

If you live a life of love, forgiveness, and humility, then you preach My love — and you bring people around you closer to heaven.
 
Copy Me,
God
 
P.S. You however have a captive audience. Wherever you are, people around you are stuck with you, and they’ll have to listen to your preaching whether they like it or not.
 

Ask yourself before making any important decisions: Will it affect anyone important in your life? - Daily Bible Reflections March 6,2014

DREAM JOB?

 

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” – Luke 9:25

 

As a fresh graduate, I was offered a dream job at a prestigious firm with a salary beyond my expectations. The money and the glamour of the career was a temptation my mentoring professor urged me to accept. He had also taken a similar job early in his life and his recognition in the industry was unquestionable.

       Ironically, it was his reference to himself that made me pause. I thought about how he had dedicated his heart and passion to his craft and how he had risen up the ranks through hard work, plenty of overtime, and his will to be the best. As a consequence, he was unmarried. Unable to sustain long-term relationships due to his lifestyle, he was alone with no one to share his amassed fortune.

       Declining the job came easy after realizing that love and family were not something God would’ve wanted me to sacrifice in exchange for riches. I am not the best in what I do now and I will have to settle for being good at it. But I will definitely not settle until I am the best wife and the best mother to my family, the two responsibilities God gave me to prioritize above all else. Eleanore Teo (elyo.lee@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Ask yourself before making any important decisions: Will it affect anyone important in your life?

 

God, grant me the wisdom to discern and devote my time to what will make me truly rich.

 

Servant of God Sylvester of Assisi, pray for us.

The world is not safe for us but the arms of Jesus are far-reaching. And among us, there are people whom God uses to bring love and harmony - Daily Bible Reflections March 5,2014

Ash Wednesday

 

EMISSARY OF PEACE

 

So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. – 2 Corinthians 5:20

 

A robbery just took place in the neighborhood. Everyone was shouting in anger, ranting at and accusing one another. Nobody knew who did it, but they all had their suspicions. They lost money, watches, frying pans, even cell phones, grocery items, and other small stuff.

       It was as if a “tsunami” swept through the street that day.

       Where were they when the robbery happened?

       On that fateful morning, all eyes and ears were glued to the television in the house of the barangay captain. While Manny Pacquiao was punching away, the robber took advantage of the open doors in the whole street.

       After an hour, the noise died down, and everyone was quiet and sad. One man stood up, gathered the men, women and children and told them that it was good that no one was home when the robbers came. Otherwise, some could have been hurt or even killed. Like an ambassador of peace, he led them to pray and thank God that they were all alive and unhurt and that they had only lost material goods. Chelle S.Crisanto (ellehcmaria@yahoo.com)

 

 

Reflection: The world is not safe for us but the arms of Jesus are far-reaching.  And among us, there are people whom God uses to bring love and harmony.

 

Use me, Lord, that I may share the love You have given me to those in need.

 

St. John Joseph of the Cross, pray for us.

Stay away from strife and disharmony. Seek after peace at all times - God Whispers March 5,2014

Stay away from strife and disharmony. Seek after peace at all times.
 
Peace be with you,
God
 
 
P.S. It’s not always easy to be in harmony with everyone, but if it’s in your power, then be at peace with all men.

You solve more problems by talking properly to the right person involved instead of venting your anger on others - God Whispers March 4,2014

You solve more problems by talking properly to the right person involved instead of venting your anger on others.
 
Reconcile with others,
God
 
P.S. Anger does not bring about the righteous life that I desire (James1:20).

What virtues do you need to be a better servant of the Lord? - Daily Bible Reflections March 4,2014

EARLY BIRDS AND

LATE COMERS

 

“But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” – Mark 10:31

 

“Ma’am, I’m first to arrive. You should give me a special prize,” one of my Journalism students proudly told me when she arrived 15 minutes earlier than the start of class.

       I said, “No special prize. In covering an event, journalists do not come on time. They arrive earlier. You’re developing a good habit every journalist should have. That’s your prize.”

       “What about the latecomers? Will they get punished?”

       “Yes, they’ll most likely miss an important part of the event or a scoop. That’s punishment enough,” I replied. “Yikes!” she exclaimed, adding, “Ma’am, do you think I’ll be a good journalist?”

       “You’re OK,” I encouraged her. Then I couldn’t resist adding, “But you know, many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

       That day, I lectured not only on being physically present in an event. I emphasized also the need for one to master journalism

skills and ethics — the science as well as the virtues one needs to be successful in media. In the same manner, today’s Gospel tells us service alone doesn’t guarantee us a place in God’s kingdom. Remember, He doesn’t just look at what we do, but what’s in our hearts as well. Chay Santiago (cusantiago@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: What virtues do you need to be a better servant of the Lord?

 

Lord, help me to reflect today that I may see my foibles, especially when I am working for You.

 

St. Casimir, pray for us.