Jesus our Lord is the perfect image of true humilty. He showed this when He allowed Himself to be crucified to save us from eternal damnation - Daily Bible Reflections August 30,2014

TOURIST VISA

 

So that no human being might boast before God… – 1 Corinthians 1:29

 

       No matter how happy or successful we are in this life, there are just times when we don’t know what to do or where to go. Then all of a sudden, out    of the blue, flashes of our yesteryears come to view — people we’ve been with, places we’ve been to, or some unforgettable scenarios of the glorious past.

       Human beings that we are, we all need to look back into our past as it is the gateway to the present and the future. We can never be what we are today without the past. That’s why it’s important that we take time to look back on who we were before becoming what we are today, to remind us of what we went through to become today’s citizens of the hour.

       Let us not allow fame and fortune to transform us into an overnight sensation. Let us always stay grounded and be humble all the time. After all, what we carry with us is just a tourist visa, with an expiry date. And like all the rest, we will have to say goodbye to this earthly life someday, bringing with us nothing to our grave. Dr. Henry L. Yu (henrio_md@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Jesus our Lord is the perfect image of true humilty. He showed this when He allowed Himself to be crucified to save us from eternal damnation.

 

Father, remind us always of Your brand of humility. Teach us to be humble all the time. All the while. All the way.

 

St. Jeanne Jugan, pray for us.

Do you do everything on your own or do you allow God to reveal His plan for your life? - Daily Bible Reflections August 29,2014

Memorial of the Beheading of

St. John the Baptist

 

PREPARE AND

SURRENDER

 

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. – 1 Corinthians 1:25

 

       I allot my whole Monday preparing and reflecting for the talk I give every Tuesday in The Feast I lead in Makati. I listen to audio talks, read the articles of Bo Sanchez, do some research on the Internet, and read books related to the topic.

       Throughout this tedious and detailed preparation, I also allow God to talk to me and, in turn, I listen to His message for me. After that, I lift up my work to Him. Because at the end of the day, it would still be He who will be speaking to The Feast attendees.

       One of the criticisms I’ve received is that I lack experience. I believe this is because I’ve relied on my own understanding many times. But now, I ask God to speak to His people through me because I acknowledge that what I know is limited. Even as I do my part to prepare, I surrender to God’s plan.

       This applies to our dreams as well.

       Friends, do your best to achieve your dreams but be open to God’s version of them. Place your faith, hope and love in His loving arms. Jan Carlo Silan (jan@makatifeast.com)

 

Reflection: Do you do everything on your own or do you allow God to reveal His plan for your life?

 

Lord, in my weakness You are strong. I offer to You my work today. Let Your name be glorified in what I do. Bless me today. Amen.

 

St. Sabina, pray for us.

Do something grudgingly and it’ll seem a chore. Do something lovingly and it’ll be joy - God Whispers August 29,2014

Do something grudgingly and it’ll seem a chore. Do something lovingly and it’ll be joy.

Rejoice always,
God

P.S. Love gives you energy to conquer anything!

When you let go of what you cling to tightly, then your hand is free to receive something better from God - God Whispers August 28,2014

When you let go of what you cling to tightly, then your hand is free to receive something better from Me.

Fear not,
God

P.S.  I know it can be scary to let go of what you already have, but trust Me, there’s more where that came from

“He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent.” (St. Augustine) - Daily Bible Reflections August 28,2014

DEAD END

 

“So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” – Matthew 24:44

 

Last December 21, 2012, the world should have ended — based on the Mayan calendar. Weeks before that day, media was full of speculation about the date. Some people had a countdown to December 21. Others prepared survival kits. Still, others refused to travel on that day. But the day came and passed. Nothing happened. And life goes on—till the next end-of-the-world speculation.

       We should not wait for the next end-of-the-world prophecy before we take stock of ourselves and change our ways. Scripture says that “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2), so then today should also be the end of “our” world.

       We have to come to that place in our hearts where we realize that there is no one else we can turn to but Jesus, that there is no other hope for our future without Him, and that life could become even better with Him. Humility, repentance, new life.

       May we come to that realization each day. So that each day, new life begins inside each of us. Joy Sosoban-Roa (jsosoban@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent.” (St. Augustine)

 

Dear Lord, enable me to come to that dead end inside of me so that I will always turn to You for salvation. Give me new life, Lord!

What is your greatest habitual sin? Why is it so difficult to give up? - Daily Bible Reflections August 27,2014

NO FAKES ALLOWED!

 

“On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” – Matthew 23:28

 

Have you ever seen those food commercials with the tall glass of delicious iced tea, or the smoking, juicy chicken, or a delectable slab of roast ham? Did you know that just as actors are given makeup, so are food in commercials? They’re made to look good so people will buy them. But it isn’t really what you’ll get at the restaurant.

       That’s a lot like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. He says they are attractive in appearance but inside, they are full of “hypocrisy and wickedness.” Just like food in commercials, the Pharisees were fake!

          But what does it mean to be authentic?

         Jesus plays favorites with those who are authentic. The first person to see Him resurrected was a former prostitute, the first person to enter heaven with Him was a former thief. And the first pope? A former liar! Yes, Jesus plays favorites but only with sinners who have been transformed. That is what made them authentic — that they have been changed from the inside out.

       Whether we are new to the faith or old stragglers, we all have our challenges with sin. May we never be overtaken by it but remain authentic in Jesus. Rod Velez (rod.velez@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: What is your greatest habitual sin? Why is it so difficult to give up? What is Jesus doing to change you? What about you, what  are you doing to change yourself?

 

Lord, please change me.

 

St. Monica, pray for us.

It’s never too late to start doing the right thing - God Whispers August 26,2014

It’s never too late to start doing the right thing.

Start now,
God

P.S. Forgive. Love. Start again. Whatever it is you need to do,  just do it.

Worry only adds to the burden of your problem by robbing you of peace. Turn your worry into prayer instead - God Whispers August 25,2014

Worry only adds to the burden of your problem by robbing you of peace. Turn your worry into prayer instead.

In control,
God

P.S. Prayer has been proven to solve more problems than worry.

Choose your responses to situations well. You can choose your response but you can’t choose the outcome - God Whispers August 23,2014

Choose your responses to situations well. You can choose your response but you can’t choose the outcome.

Be wise,
God

P.S.It is better to love than to be right

“God is in the sadness and the laughter, in the bitter and the sweet. There is a divine purpose behind everything — and therefore a divine presence in everything.” (Neale Donald Walsch) - Daily Bible Reflections August 26,2014

GOD’S

ENCOURAGEMENT

 

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself… encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. – 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

 

       It was a trying week. I had problems at home and even bigger problems at work. It was the biggest battle I had faced in my life in many years. I couldn’t sleep at night. And during the day, I couldn’t help but fret over my future.

       It drove me to my knees. I implored God to intervene in a seemingly hopeless situation. I believed that even if the worst happened, God was working out His purposes to benefit me.

       It was easy to feel abandoned during a life crisis like that. But the Lord made His presence felt even more.

       On the way to Mass, it was raining hard but the downpour stopped just when I was about to step out of my car. I felt His favor upon me. His messages from Scripture were even more reassuring. “Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you” (1 Peter 2:20).

       During a dark and lonely time, the Lord Himself comforted me with His assuring presence and promises. You can’t beat encouragement like that. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng (justbreatherissa@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: “God is in the sadness and the laughter, in the bitter and the sweet. There is a divine purpose behind everything — and therefore a divine presence in everything.” (Neale Donald Walsch)

 

Lord, remind me that You are with me most especially during my darkest hours.

 

St. Joseph Calasanz, pray for us.

Next time you see friends or loved ones who need Jesus in their lives, know that He who began the good work in them, will be faithful to complete it - Daily Bible Reflections August 25,2014

TRANSFORMATION   We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. – 2 Thessalonians 1:3        Facebook is a great way to connect with friends you have lost touch with. What is more amazing is what you learn about them through their status updates.        Three friends come to mind. One is a batchmate from high school. The other is a girl I knew from my theater days in elementary. Another is a former colleague.        How I knew them then is a far cry from who they are now, if their Facebook updates are any indication. What do they have in common? All three openly express their love for Jesus and faith in God, often quoting Scriptures and sharing biblical principles. They have fulfilled and blessed lives, dedicated to their families. In fact, one of them is now a full-time pastor.        The Lord truly works in marvelous and mysterious ways in transforming lives, especially those you’d hardly expect to have a growing, personal relationship with the Lord.        So I encourage those of you who are praying and hoping for loved ones and dear friends to turn to the Lord. Keep the faith. You may just be surprised with their next status update on Facebook. Erwin Roceles (erwin_roceles@yahoo.com)   Reflection: Next time you see friends or loved ones who need Jesus in their lives, know that He who began the good work in them, will be faithful to complete it.   Lord, teach me to remain steadfast, never wavering in my faith. Amen.   St. Louis of France, pray for us.

Are you having trouble making plans at the moment? Why don’t you start by lifting them up to God? - Daily Bible Reflections August 24,2014

OUTDONE

 

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! – Romans 11:33

 

       I love that God’s dreams for me are far bigger than the biggest dreams I have for myself. I always get excited when I finally understand the reason for a certain detour I had to take, or a certain roadblock I had to overcome. I always experience a light bulb moment and I go, “Ah! So that’s why that had to happen and why I didn’t end up having those.”

       Thank God for the depth of His wisdom and knowledge! He has already made contingency plans for us even before we make the mistakes, and He has already polished the very best of the plans we have for ourselves before we even begin putting them into action. We only know too well how our foolproof plans go wrong, but thankfully we have a God who’s waiting in the wings to solve our failures.

       It’s definitely my kind of being outdone! Ria Macasaet (ria.macasaet@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Are you having trouble making plans at the moment? Why don’t you start by lifting them up to God?

 

Thank You, Lord, for Your infinite wisdom that outdoes my finite own.

 

St. Bartholomew, Apostle, pray for us.

Have you loved yourself lately? Why don’t you declare a “me” day? - Daily Bible Reflections August 22,2014

Memorial of the Queenship of the

Blessed Virgin Mary

 

THE ORDER OF LOVE

 

Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’”– Matthew 22:37-39

 

Growing up, I always thought that the proper order of life is this: Love God. Then love others. And only then, can you love yourself. For some reason, I thought that I should put myself last just because not doing so means that I’m being selfish. But looking at this passage again, I realized that the correct order of life should be this: Love for God is first and foremost. Loving God simply allows me to tap into a limitless source of grace. This in turn fuels me to give more love continuously — without running out of it.

       Love for self is crucial. Loving myself allows me to set a high standard on how I live life. The more love I experience, the happier I am. The happier I am, the better life I will lead.

       Love for others is the goal in life. Loving others allows me to become a flowing river of life. I become a channel of God’s love to the people and the world around me — bringing God’s love wherever I go. Orange V. Garcia (orange_garcia@hotmail.com)

 

Reflection: Have you loved yourself lately? Why don’t you declare a “me” day? Follow this formula: Pray — spend time with God alone. Eat — treat yourself to your favorite food. Love — do something special for someone else. Then slowly expand this “me” day to “every” day.

 

Lord, teach me to love myself so I can be more loving to others.

 

St. Andrew the Scot, pray for us.

Who or what irritates you over and over again? That irritant carries with it a lesson that you have yet to uncover - God Whispers August 20,2014

Who or what irritates you over and over again? That irritant carries with it a lesson that you have yet to uncover.

Don’t give up,
God

P.S. Turn that irritant into a source of grace.

Enjoy being you and celebrate God’s beautiful creation

Enjoy being you and celebrate God’s beautiful creation.

- Bo Sanchez

Be inspired Bo Sanchez

Photo credit: http://500px.com/photo/80052493/reverse-by-wave-faber?

Life is a Journey, It's up to you if you'll enjoy the trip or not

Do you live your life with great joy or do you allow your day to pass by without giving your best? - Daily Bible Reflections August 19,2014

SO LORD, WHAT’S

NEXT?

 

Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” – Matthew 19:27

 

       Peter’s question is close to my heart. It’s the same question I asked when I went full-time for the Light of Jesus Family.

         Before I said yes, I had a good career, good health benefits, the chance to work abroad, and many other opportunities. For me, that was everything.

       But when the Lord called me, I couldn’t help but say yes. As a missionary, God provided me with greater things in my life — like peace of mind that what I’m doing is what I’m called to do, being mentored by the best preachers, attending Christian conferences abroad, and more importantly, being used as God’s instrument to bless people. I feel that greater blessings are coming because I’m doing something I love.

       You may not be asked to resign from your job to follow God’s calling. You may never be called to go into full-time ministry. But whatever state you are in right now, do what you do best with greater purpose. You’ll be surprised that blessings will come chasing after you. Jan Carlo Silan (jan@makatifeast.com)

 

Reflection: Do you live your life with great joy or do you allow your day to pass by without giving your best?

 

Lord, give me the gift of wisdom to know my path. Bring me to greater heights as I carry out Your unique purpose for my life.

 

St. John Eudes, priest, pray for us.

 

God made us rich to love the poor. Can we detach from our wealth when we are called to share and give it to those who need it the most? - Daily Bible Reflections August 18,2014

GOD, WHY AM I RICH?

 

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor...” — Matthew 19:21

 

At 25, Dylan Wilk became the ninth richest man under 30 in the United Kingdom. He owned one of the largest mail-order computer games businesses in the UK. When he sold the business, he got £2.6 million in cash, and five percent of the enlarged company which valued his shares at £16 million. One night, rich but feeling empty, he asked, “God, why am I rich?” In 2003, Dylan sold his BMW and gave all the proceeds to build a Gawad Kalinga community to provide homes for 80 families in the Philippines. “I learned to know the difference between pleasure and happiness,” he said.

       In the Gospel today, Jesus invited the rich young man to sell his possessions and give it to the poor. Unlike Dylan, he went away sad because he couldn’t part with his wealth even if it only gave him temporary pleasures. But today, the Lord is building a new breed of millionaires who choose to use their wealth for God’s purposes.

       Like Dylan, let us use our financial resources to help us live out Jesus’ command to love our neighbor and build up His Church. Marjorie Ann Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: God made us rich to love the poor. Can we detach from our wealth when we are called to share and give it to those who need it the most?

 

Lord, help us to be good stewards of the resources You have entrusted to us. May we use them wisely for the building of Your Kingdom and to serve our brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

 

St. Jane Frances de Chantal, pray for us.

Regret is a thief that steals your present treasure using yesteryear’s guilt.- God Whispers August 17,2014

Regret is a thief that steals your present treasure using yesteryear’s guilt.

Prince of Peace,

God

P.S. Bury yesterday’s mistakes and never allow them to resurrect and haunt you today. 

Like the Canaanite woman, God will grant you what you wish for because of your great faith - Daily Bible Reflections August 17,2014

WALKING IN FAITH

 

“O woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you as you wish” – Matthew 15:28

 

       We got word that during the Habagat season, the rains had swept away our parcels of agricultural land. When I visited the area, I saw that the side of the mountain had eroded and our property had disappeared. It was a horrific sight. But my first response was to thank God that I had not yet built any structures on it and that no one was hurt.

       The developer was very apologetic, as well as defensive, when my husband and I met with him. But he was surprised that we showed no anxiety and instead offered him our understanding. He was probably relieved at our response and proposed to replace the lots. We were elated that the proposed lots had a panoramic view of Metro Manila. Our parcels of land were, in effect, upgraded from agricultural land to residential land and the value more than doubled!

       My faith produced a grateful heart. And grateful hearts are always rewarded so that we can thank God more for the blessings that are to come. Donna España (donna@homeliving.com.ph)

 

Reflection: Like the Canaanite woman, God will grant you what you wish for because of your great faith.

 

Lord, I trust that You are working miracles in my life, no matter what circumstances I face.

 

St. Joan of the Cross, pray for us.

In which area of your life do you feel that God wants you to exercise faith and obedience like that of a child? - Daily Bible Reflections August 16,2014

KIDS SAY THE

DARNDEST THINGS

 

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14

 

Kid Lesson #1: Darrie Cleason was watching TV when her three-year-old daughter Emily said, “Talked to Jesus over the phone and He said I’m going to heaven.” Darrie said,  “That’s great! But how did you know His number?” Emily replied, “No, mom, He called me!”

       Kid Lesson #2: A father gave his little boy P50 and told him he could use it any way he wanted. Later, when the dad asked about it, the boy said that he had lent it to someone.

       “Who did you lend it to?” asked the dad. The boy answered, “I gave it to a poor man on the street because he looked hungry.”  “Oh, that was foolish. You’ll never get it back,” said the father. “But Daddy, the Bible says that people who give to the poor lend to the Lord.”

       The father was so pleased with the son’s reply that he gave the boy another P50. “See,” said the son. “I told you I would get it back — only I didn’t think it would be so soon!”

       Kid lessons from the two stories: I am called by God — to be blessed and to be a blessing. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: In which area of your life do you feel that God wants you to exercise faith and obedience like that of a child?

 

Lord, please give me back the grace of childlike faith and reckless obedience to Your Word. Thank You.

 

St. Stephen of Hungary, pray for us.

Decisions shape your life. Decisions define your future - God Whispers August 15,2014

Decisions shape your life. Decisions define your future.

The Master Planner,
God

P.S. What life-changing decision do you need to make today?
 

God may be calling you to do something greater that you feel you’re not ready for - Daily Bible Reflections August 15,2014

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary               GOD IS READY   “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” – Luke 1:49          Have you ever done something that you weren’t prepared for? In the Bible there are many men and women who weren’t ready when God called them. One of the best examples of this would be Mary. God called her to be the Mother of Jesus. At 15, without any relations with a man, this was a shocker. She definitely wasn’t ready. But what was more shocking was her response. “Be it done to me according to Your word.” In other words, “Yes, Lord, I trust You.”        Friend, God may be calling you to do something greater that you feel you’re not ready for. God’s message for you is that He doesn’t need you to feel ready. He just wants you to follow and obey.        Blessing is God’s department, obedience is ours. Even if you’re not ready, God is saying you can get ready on the way, because He is ready. He is ready to empower you and provide for you.        So today I encourage you to say yes and trust God for the greater things He has envisioned for you. Mike Viñas (mikemichaelfcv@yahoo.com)     Reflection: Interestingly, Mary pronounces the verse above even before she did what she was called to do. In faith, she was already trusting God for the greater things that will arise in her life because of her obedience.   Father, I may not fully understand, but help me to completely obey.   St. Alipius, pray for us.

How are you doing in the area of forgiveness? - Daily Bible Reflections August 14,2014

HARD TO FORGIVE

 

“So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.” – Matthew 18:35

 

A priest friend of mine once told me that he is more likely to deal with other people the way he deals with himself. He could be right.

       You see, I have detached myself from a few people who have hurt me or caused me trouble in the past. That’s what I usually do when I can’t bring myself to forgive — I remove them from my life. It’s much easier to not have to deal with them anymore. But then I also realized that I am very hard on myself when I make mistakes. It takes a while for me to forgive myself, and I end up dwelling on every mistake like there was no tomorrow.

       After reading today’s Gospel, I see why I often feel ashamed to ask for God’s forgiveness for my misgivings. His pardon is always available to me, but I don’t easily pardon others, much more, myself. This is one of the areas of my life that I continue to work on, that I seek God’s grace for, because only by His grace are we really able to forgive. Nova Arias-Sevilla (nova.svp@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: How are you doing in the area of forgiveness?

 

Teach me to be merciful to others, O Lord, as You are to me.

 

St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest and martyr, pray for us.

Don’t let the little things that are wrong in your life blind you to the many things that are right in your life - God Whispers August 14,2014

Don’t let the little things that are wrong in your life blind you to the many things that are right in your life.

Look up,
God

P.S. Focus on the good and it’ll keep growing.

When you’re between the devil and the deep blue sea, between a rock and a hard place, then get ready for the oceans to part - God Whispers August 13,2014

When you’re between the devil and the deep blue sea, between a rock and a hard place, then get ready for the oceans to part!

Going before you,
God

P.S. Impossible situations are perfect ingredients for a miracle.

There is nothing the devil fears more than a group of Christians who pray with believing hearts - Daily Bible Reflections August 13,2014

PRAYER WARRIORS

 

“Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.... For where two or three have gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst.” – Matthew 18:18, 20

 

It was the night of the baptism of the Holy Spirit for the participants of the Life in the Spirit seminar in the parish church. There was a group of intercessors in the vicinity, praying together the whole time for the protection of the servants and the deliverance of the participants from bondage to sin.

       We didn’t realize how powerful those prayers were until the five-year-old daughter of one of the servants told her mom after the seminar that there were so many monsters screaming and jumping out of the windows and the doors of the church while we were all praying!

       Jesus doesn’t mince words. He doesn’t lie. If He said that He is there in the midst of people gathered in His Name, believe it. If only people could actually see what happens in the spiritual realm when people gather to pray, I think more people will get down on their knees and pray together for every little detail in their life. Ronna Ledesma (ronna_ledesma@yahoo.com.ph)

 

Reflection: There is nothing the devil fears more than a group of Christians who pray with believing hearts.

 

Jesus, keep me from falling into the trap of being complacent in prayer.

 

St. Pontian, pope, and Hippolytus, priest, martyrs, pray for us.

To have an abundant harvest in every area of your life, some things in your life will have to go - God Whispers August 12,2014

To have an abundant harvest in every area of your life, some things in your life will have to go.

Growing you,
God

P.S. If you want all that I want for you, and if you want to fulfill the God-sized dreams for your life, I urge you to submit yourself to My pruning.

“The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11) - Daily Bible Reflections August 12,2014

THE LITTLE MANAGER

 

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” – Matthew 18:1

 

One late evening, Leah, Tina and Mark argued with one another. They all wanted to be the restaurant’s next manager since the post was vacant. Leah was the “employee of the month” for five consecutive times. Tina was always assigned by the owner to attend to VIPs. Mark was always chosen to represent the boss in annual food and beverage conferences.

       The new employee, Ritchie, wanted to sit with them. They shooed him away. A couple entered the restaurant while the three were still debating. They told the new customers that the chef was gone and they were about to close. Ritchie knew this wasn’t true. He found a table for the couple but they left.

       The following day, the boss arrived. He introduced Ritchie as his son, part-owner of the restaurant and their new manager. Their jaws dropped. Apparently, he worked as a waiter for a month just to observe the ongoings in the restaurant.

       Leah, Tina and Mark, in a way, were like the disciples contending who among them was the greatest while trying to put the others down. Jesus cautioned them from looking down on fellow disciples and not to despise the little ones (Matthew 18:10).

       No one is too little, customer or employee. Carlo Lorenzo (carloflorenzo@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: “The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)

 

Jesus, I can think of no one greater than You, yet You were born in a little manger. Help me have a humble heart.

 

St. Louis of Toulouse, pray for us.