Are you aware of your true purpose in life? What do you need to do to stay on track? - Daily Bible Reflections September 30,2015

THE WRONG RACE

 

And to another he said, “Follow me.” – Luke 9:59

 

       My lungs were burning. If my feet could talk, they’d be screaming and howling for me to stop. I was one push away from keeling over. I was already so exhausted, but I kept on running. I had to finish the race. But something was wrong.

       I was among the hundreds of runners that were scattered all over Bonifacio Global City for a marathon. I took the 10-kilometer challenge because I knew my body’s capabilities and limitations. But I wasn’t expecting to be this tired. When I looked up to pray for strength and endurance, that’s when I saw it. A huge banner that said, “21K Runners U-turn Here.”

       Oh, my gosh! I had been running the wrong race! I must have ran along with the 21K racers after I bent down to tie my shoes. By God’s grace, I was still able to finish the marathon. But I literally collapsed on the pavement.

       How many times in the past have we strayed out of our routes? How many times have we just gone along with the flow? When we don’t follow our true purpose, we may or may not finish the race, but it would still feel wrong. Let’s put our eyes on God so that we won’t ever stray from our paths. Karren Renz Seña (karren.s@shepherdsvoice.com.ph)

 

Reflection: Are you aware of your true purpose in life? What do you need to do to stay on track?

 

Lord, I often don’t look at where I’m going. Teach me to just look at You, so that I won’t stray from my true purpose.

 

St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

 

Wanna be truly rich? Be a giver - God Whispers September 29,2015

Wanna be truly rich? Be a giver.
     

Discover real satisfaction,
God


P.S. Here's My challenge to you: earn to give.

In what ways has God shown His consistent favor in your life? - Daily Bible Reflections September 27,2015

UNSTOPPABLE

 

They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent… – Numbers 11:26

 

       After I got married, I reduced my service in The Feast, our weekly prayer meeting. I focused on my transition to being a wife and moved to a home far from the venue, which made it a challenge to attend evening activities.

       When I discovered I was pregnant, the nights serving at The Feast remained limited as I refrained from being out late. I managed to serve virtually instead, through prayer — via the intercessory ministry e-group.

       I felt guilty for not being able to attend The Feast regularly, and my silly mind wondered if I might not receive God’s blessing because I was not there.

       God had shown His In what ways has God shown His consistent favor in your life?

 

Lord, always remind me that wherever I am, whatever my circumstance, nothing can stop You from blessing me.

 

St. Vincent de Paul, priest, pray for us.

 

“Faith is about trusting God when you have unanswered questions.” (Joel Osteen) - Daily Bible Reflections September 26,2015

MASTER PLAN

 

But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it... – Luke 9:45

 

       In the TV series Prison Break, Michael Scofield intentionally gets himself imprisoned and engineers an escape plan from jail together with his brother who has been sentenced to death. Michael’s imaginative escape plan and how the brothers faced every challenge made the series a hit.

       The unfolding of Michael’s elaborate escape plan is full of excitement and drama. For the prison break to succeed, the plan was kept on a need-to-know basis that even the followers of the brothers suffered frustration and confusion. Eventually, those who believed and trusted Michael gained freedom.

       In today’s Gospel, Jesus intentionally revealed things to His Apostles as they needed to know. Too much information would overwhelm them and lead to doubt and confusion. In the end, those who trusted in Jesus understood everything He had told them from the beginning.

       Let this be a lesson for us to keep faith in Jesus even when we find ourselves caught in impossible circumstances. He had a master plan to save us from sin and death. He will not fail us now. Leo Villarico (leovrico@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: “Faith is about trusting God when you have unanswered questions.” (Joel Osteen)

 

Lord, cast out our fears and confusion and teach us to believe in Your divine master plan.

 

Sts. Cosmas and Damian, martyrs, pray for us.

Are we busy building the church for our glory or His Church for His? - Daily Bible Reflections September 25,2015

TAXI SERVICE

 

“Bring timber, and build the house that I may take pleasure in it and receive my glory...” – Haggai 1:8

 

    A local network did an insightful investigative report on child prostitution. It was not the usual case of young girls taken from the province with a promise of decent work in the city, then forced into the flesh trade. The report entitled “Taxi Service” was about girls, boys and gays aged 10 to 16 who go out on the streets at night, board taxicabs that pick them up, and provide quick sexual services for a few pesos. At P30 to 50 per service, they do the rounds until they have enough to hand over to their mother.

       The show could have stopped at simply reporting on the plight of these child sex workers. But the producers went further to show compassion by taking concrete steps in giving the children a new lease in life.

       Evangelist Nick Vujicic said, “There is one more thing greater than going to heaven. It is bringing another soul with me.” In the parish, we solicit for church renovations, parish vehicles, or an adoration chapel. But do we spend as much effort to steward a lost soul and help transform his life? Wouldn’t that honor God more? Marie Franco (mariefranco_pie@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Are we busy building the church for our glory or His Church for His?

 

Pardon us, O Lord, for neglecting Your people who need our help. Give us a clean heart to pay attention to them and be instrumental in bringing them back to You.

 

 

St. Pacifico of San Severino, pray for us.

 

Are we busy building the church for our glory or His Church for His? - Daily Bible Reflections September 24, 2015

TAXI SERVICE

 

“Bring timber, and build the house that I may take pleasure in it and receive my glory...” – Haggai 1:8

 

    A local network did an insightful investigative report on child prostitution. It was not the usual case of young girls taken from the province with a promise of decent work in the city, then forced into the flesh trade. The report entitled “Taxi Service” was about girls, boys and gays aged 10 to 16 who go out on the streets at night, board taxicabs that pick them up, and provide quick sexual services for a few pesos. At P30 to 50 per service, they do the rounds until they have enough to hand over to their mother.

       The show could have stopped at simply reporting on the plight of these child sex workers. But the producers went further to show compassion by taking concrete steps in giving the children a new lease in life.

       Evangelist Nick Vujicic said, “There is one more thing greater than going to heaven. It is bringing another soul with me.” In the parish, we solicit for church renovations, parish vehicles, or an adoration chapel. But do we spend as much effort to steward a lost soul and help transform his life? Wouldn’t that honor God more? Marie Franco (mariefranco_pie@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Are we busy building the church for our glory or His Church for His?

 

Pardon us, O Lord, for neglecting Your people who need our help. Give us a clean heart to pay attention to them and be instrumental in bringing them back to You.

 

 

St. Pacifico of San Severino, pray for us.

Perspective can make a rich man feel poor and a poor man feel rich. Which are you? - God Whispers September 24, 2015

Perspective can make a rich man feel poor and a poor man feel rich. Which are you?


Be grateful, 
God


P.S. Counting your blessings instead of your misfortunes will make you a feel rich

Remember and thank the one who empowered you to love and serve the Lord. Say a prayer for him or her - Daily Bible Reflections September 23,2015

BRO. ROY   And He sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. – Luke 9:2          Bro. Roy was the elder-in-charge of the Singles Ministry of the Light of Jesus Family where I served for many years. He taught us to plan, organize and conduct our first Living in the Light Seminar (LLS), our evangelization program. Through the years, we have organized and conducted many other seminars and events for the singles group.        In December 2008, some friends invited me to visit them in Dubai. I remembered Bro. Roy. He was then our head for missions. I called him up and asked how we can bring the Light of Jesus in Dubai.        In January 2009, we conducted the first LLS in Dubai in a small apartment where about 30 servants participated. The first Feast (the regular prayer meeting of the LOJ Family) in UAE was born. The following week another LLS was conducted in Abu Dhabi. The second Feast was born. Since then, the servants have conducted regular LLS and evangelized many to deepen their relationship with the Lord.        Today, there are four Feasts in UAE with more than 300 members. In October 2013, the first Grand Feast was held in Abu Dhabi attended by over 800 empowered members and guests. Thank God for mentors like Bro. Roy. Meann Tee (meanntytee@yahoo.com)   Reflection: Remember and thank the one who empowered you to love and serve the Lord. Say a prayer for him or her.   Father, thank You for mentors who empowered me to love and serve You.   St. Padre Pio de Pietrelcina, pray for us.

Are you applying in your life the Word that you hear at Mass, read in the Bible or preached to you? - Daily Bible Reflections September 22,2015

OPEN TO ANYONE   He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the Word of God and act on it.” – Luke 8:21          Ate. Kuya. Tita. Tito. Mommy. Daddy. These are terms we use not only with our blood relatives, but also with others who are much older than us. It’s a Filipino habit that shows our respect and honor for those older than us.        God’s Kingdom pays its respects not based on blood or age. It doffs its hat to right action. This is a wonderful thing for people who cannot claim royal blood or citizenship in a developed nation, or claim to be of the right age to demand respect. In that sense, God’s Kingdom is very egalitarian. So it is open to you and me — to anyone — for as long as we are willing to hear God’s Word and obey it.        Are we giving ourselves the opportunity to hear God’s Word? Are we following it? Then an eternally blessed kingdom awaits us. Joy Sosoban-Roa (jsosoban@gmail.com)   Reflection: Are you applying in your life the Word that you hear at Mass, read in the Bible or preached to you?   Jesus, let me not only hear Your Word. Let me also do them. Grant me grace, Lord.   St. Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, pray for us.

Who brought you closer to God? Say a prayer for him or her now - Daily Bible Reflections September 21,2015

Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist

 

REACHING OUT TO THE

UNCHURCHED

 

“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” – Matthew 9:11

 

At The Feast (the weekly prayer gathering of the Light of Jesus Family), we welcome everyone — the holy, the broken, and all sorts of people that Jesus used to minister to in His days. In fact, Bo Sanchez, The Feast founder, intended it to be a place where the “unchurched” can experience God’s love for them. That’s why it’s held in commercial places such as mall cinemas.

       Through the testimonies that I, as managing editor of Kerygma magazine, have been receiving from Feast attendees, I can say that, truly, God is using it to extend His love to the people who are away from Him.

       An example is Faye, a practicing lesbian then, who is now happily married to a man and is serving God through one of Bo’s media ministries. The unconditional love she received from a caring group at The Feast made her see her true identity as a daughter of God.

       Jesus’ style. Pope Francis’s style. Bo’s The Feast style.

       They all seem to work in bringing people back to God.

       What’s your style? Tess V. Atienza (theresa.a@shepherdsvoice.com.ph)

 

Reflection: Who brought you closer to God? Say a prayer for him or her now.

 

Dear Jesus, thank You for showing us the way to love others, regardless of their past. Use me more to love and serve Your broken people.

 

St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, pray for us.

God rewards those who work “invisibly” to make Jesus visible to the world - Daily Bible Reflections September 20,2015

REAL SUPERSTARS

 

Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” – Mark 9:35

 

       Just to be clear: I don’t do manicure. But I observed a right-handed nail polish enthusiast. Using her right hand, she applies the nail polish perfectly on her left fingernails. When she’s done, she would soon feel sorry for the right hand. Why? Because the left hand cannot return the favor of the same flawless manicure for the right hand. Since the lefthand is not the dominant hand and therefore not as skillful, the polish on her right hand is always smeared and messy.

       Think about it, the right hand does the better work, but the left hand gets the attention and honor. It’s very much like some  people I know. They specialize in one thing: to make others look good. We call them servants in the Church. I call them Real Superstars!

       They seldom get noticed and get little appreciation. Unfair? Not for Real Superstars! Only the genuinely “big” people, with no insecurities and who don’t have the need to prove their worth to others, can choose to be under the radar. They are genuinely happy as they serve — invincible in their joyful condition.

       Are you a Real Superstar? I should have your autograph! Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: God rewards those who work “invisibly” to make Jesus visible to the world.

 

Father, give me the desire and courage to serve. Then surprise me by the joy it brings! Amen.

 

Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions, martyrs, pray for us.

If you fear it, it’s because you can do it. What is it that you’ve been dreaming of doing? What’s stopping you from doing it? - Daily Bible Reflections September 19,2015

JUST DO IT

 

... But the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. – Luke 8:12

 

       If you fear it, it’s because you can do it. That’s what I always tell my students whenever they tell me that they want to do something but are afraid to do so. Some of them want to dance, but they are too shy. Some of them want to sing, but they think their voice isn’t good enough.

       I believe God puts these talents, dreams and desires in us so that we could use it to share His goodness and proclaim His glory to the world. But the devil doesn’t like it when we do God’s work.

       Chances are, when God gives you a talent or the desire to learn a new skill, then tells you to use it for Him, the devil will do everything in his power to prevent you from doing it. He’ll use his favorite tactics — shame, fear, doubt, pride, and even false humility— so you won’t even take that first step towards God’s dreams for you.

       Whatever talent we have been given, we have to share it, multiply it, and bless the world with it. You are blessed, talented and amazing. Do not let the devil convince you otherwise. Karren Renz Seña (karren.s@shepherdsvoice.com.ph)

 

Reflection: If you fear it, it’s because you can do it. What is it that you’ve been dreaming of doing? What’s stopping you from doing it?

 

Father in heaven, I pray that You bring to completion whatever good You have started in me. Protect me from the whims and cunning words of the enemy, so that I may continue to do whatever You ask of me, all for Your glory.

 

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

Are you easily taken in by a preacher’s smooth style that you accept his every word — hook, line and sinker? - Daily Bible Reflections September 18,2015

TRUE OR FALSE

 

Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching… has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions. – 1 Timothy 6:3-4

 

       I parked my car in the free parking area adjacent to the city hall. I had parked there for countless times, so I was confident that there’d be no problem.

       Later, when my mom and I returned to the parking area, I saw my car about to be towed away! The traffic officer said that I parked in a “No Parking” area. I argued that there was no sign and that there were other cars parked there when I arrived. He explained to me why cars couldn’t park there but I found his reason unacceptable. I told him that if there was a sign, I wouldn’t have parked there.

       My arguments fell on deaf ears. They towed my car and I paid the penalty.

       Paul warns Timothy to be wary of those who stray from the sound teachings of the Gospel for they open the door to quarrels and division. Laws and teachings — man-made or God’s — are subject to different interpretations and are twisted at times for self-serving purposes. So as not to be fooled, we must study God’s Word and be more discerning. Judith Concepcion (svp_jmc@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Are you easily taken in by a preacher’s smooth style that you accept his every word — hook, line and sinker?

 

Lord, grant me the wisdom to discern true from false teaching.

 

St. Joseph of Cupertino, pray for us.

The alabaster jar can only release its fragrance if you break it open - Daily Bible Reflections September 17,2015

ALABASTER JAR

 

Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisees. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment. – Luke 7:37

 

       To possess an alabaster jar of ointment meant only one thing: you’re rich. In those days, it was worth a year’s salary, like around US$20,000! It was so valuable that it usually served two purposes: as a dowry to anoint your husband with on your wedding night, or as a security for one’s future. For this woman, who was most probably a prostitute, having an alabaster jar filled with expensive oil was most likely her most treasured possession in the whole world.

       Her act of breaking the jar at the feet of Jesus is like what the widow did when she gave her last coins in the temple. By breaking her alabaster jar, this woman gave up not only what could have been her dowry, but also her financial security for her future. She laid it all at the feet of Jesus and received something far more valuable than security.

       What’s so valuable in your life that you can’t give up? An alabaster jar of a career, a dream, a love, a resentment or unforgiveness? Only when we can break it open at the feet of Jesus can He turn it into something beyond our wildest dreams. Ronna Ledesma (ronna_ledesma@yahoo.com.ph)

 

 

Reflection: The alabaster jar can only release its fragrance if you break it open.

 

Abba, continue to break every thing in me that refuses to surrender to Your Kingship until I am totally Yours.

 

 

St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

Don't wait for something to happen before you act. Make things happen! - God Whispers September 16,2015

Don't wait for something to happen before you act. Make things happen!



Take the initiative,
God


P.S. Sometimes waiting for signs is a cop-out for doing the right thing.

Are you marching into hell for a heavenly cause? Be very careful not to stay there. Focus your gaze on the real purpose - Daily Bible Reflections September 16,2015

REMEMBER YOUR

PURPOSE

 

“Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” – Luke 7:34

 

       Jesus knew who He is. He knew His purpose for coming to our world — to bring man back to God. He even ate and drank with sinners to show them hope in God’s love.

       We, too, can and should reach out to others, to the point of entering their world. But be very sure of your purpose. Because it will be tempting to enjoy staying in that world and forget why you went there in the first place.

       How many politicians run for office with the proclaimed purpose of serving the people — and end up serving themselves? How many worked hard to become multimillionaires to help others but ended up wanting for more and forgetting about others?

       I minister to prisoners in jails. But I do not need to become a prisoner myself to reach out to them. I give them hope to be free, not to tell them to enjoy prison life.

       In the same way, Jesus came down on earth to bring us up to heaven, not to stay here on earth forever.

       So be sure that in going down for others, you will go up again, bringing others with you. Alvin Barcelona (apb_ayo@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Are you marching into hell for a heavenly cause? Be very careful not to stay there. Focus your gaze on the real purpose.

 

Lord, grant me not only the grace to dirty my hands and feet to serve others, but also the desire to be clean again and help others be clean,

too.

 

Sts. Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs, pray for us.

Don't center your life on money. Center your life on love - God Whispers September 15,2015

Don't center your life on money. Center your life on love.



Love lavishly,

God


P.S. Spend time with your family. Invest in your friendships. And give your life to Me.

What areas of my life do I need to be humble so that others may see the Christ in me? - Daily Bible Reflections September 14,2015

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

 

 

ON ALL FOURS

 

He humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. – Philippians 2:8

 

         I had the privilege of visiting the Holy Land in 2014. One of my favorite places was Golgotha, the place where Jesus suffered and was crucified. The place was packed with pilgrims from everywhere. It was not an open hilltop anymore. It was a church, built on top of the rock from where Jesus’ cross was erected.

       I fell in line to touch a part of the rock where the cross of Jesus stood. I couldn’t describe how I felt. It was a mix of awe, joy and profound gratitude that I would be able to encounter Jesus not only spiritually, but physically.

         We prayed as we inched our way to the altar. Under the altar was a hole in the floor, which was around one foot deep, and opened to the actual rock. Everyone had to bend under that altar in order to touch the holy site.

         It was a humbling experience, not to mention an awesome one. And it speaks of the reality of the cross of Christ.

         Through His cross, we are saved.

      But are we ready to stoop down and humble ourselves to touch Jesus physically in the people we encounter?

         After all, we can only touch the cross when we’re on all fours. Migs Ramirez (migsramirez.seminars@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: What areas of my life do I need to be humble so that others may see the Christ in me?

 

God, may I bear the cross of true humility so that I may see You today.

 

St. Notburga, pray for us.

How do you act out your faith? - Daily Bible Reflections September 13,2015

GENEROSITY IN A

BOTTLE

 

I will demonstrate my faith to You from my works. – James 2:18

      

       I couldn’t help it. Every time I saw images of the devastation caused by typhoon Yolanda in 2013, whether it was on the news or on the Internet, tears would run down my cheeks. I felt for those who have lost their loved ones, their homes and even their sense of hope.

       As my little way of helping the typhoon victims, I thought of asking friends and co-servants from the Light of Jesus Family to pledge donations for bottled water. It was a simple invitation to help.

       In less than 12 hours since I hit “send message,” I received pledges amounting to P11,000 worth of bottled water. I had to worry about how to transport 55 boxes to the donation center, but it was a good problem to solve.

       What struck me most was the incredible generosity people have. In a snap, they were ready to offer help.

       Faith is not only in how we pray but in how we act as we pray. Let us allow God to use our hands and our feet as He reaches out to His children in need. Osy Erica (osy.erica@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: How do you act out your faith?

 

Father, use my hands as an extension of Your love, my feet to bring You to those in need. Use me immensely to bless others, and when I become stagnant, remind me to act out my faith. Amen.

 

St. John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church, pray for us.

The earth may shake but no magnitude can topple you when you stand on solid ground - Daily Bible Reflections September 12,2015

ON SOLID GROUND

 

That one is like a man building a house, who dug down deeply and laid the foundation on rock. – Luke 6:48

 

       I rent out my modular skateboard and BMX ramps. It’s used for BMX and skateboard stunt demos for product launches, TV commercials and competitions. When I acquired those from a friend’s abandoned skatepark, I told myself that I would use it for the greater glory of God.

       One day, I got an inquiry from a woman who needed it for a product launch. She wanted a full set-up. Without asking what their product was, I told her it was P350,000 per day. She said they’d rent it for two days. All of a sudden, I heard the sound of cash registers ringing in my head. That was a clear P700,000 paycheck for me. It was a big amount of money that I badly needed that time. I was about to seal the deal when I asked what product it was for. The lady proudly said, “We’re launching a new flavor of our famous condom collection.”

       I was stunned. I’m against the use and promotion of contraceptives, condoms and other things that suppress life. I immediately thought of losing a sure P700,000 but I kept my faith and rejected the lady’s offer. She asked me to reconsider by offering a higher fee. But I stood firm and didn’t exchange my values for a big amount of money. Monty Mendegoria (montymendegoria@yahoo.com)

 

 

Reflection: The earth may shake but no magnitude can topple you when you stand on solid ground.

Jesus, be my strength amidst all trials. You are the rock of my salvation.

St. Ailbhe, pray for us.

Every person and experience is a potential teacher - Daily Bible Reflections September 11,2015

FINISHED GRADUATE

 

“No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.” – Luke 6:40

 

       My tatay (father) always joked that he “finished graduate” (squatters’ slang for those who didn’t even finish Grade 6). Yet I was a witness to how he would counsel people on the different aspects of life, like faith, family, work, business, relationships, etc.

       When I asked why he could counsel wisely, Tatay would jokingly claim that he had a master’s degree in UE and a doctorate in UP. “Because of all the challenges I’ve gone through, I gained a master’s degree in UE or University of Experience, and a doctorate in UP or University of Persistence. Experience is not what happens, but what you do with what happens to you. Persistence is saying yes to a challenge even when everyone else quits.”

       I was stunned. What wisdom!

       My dear friends, God is the Ultimate Headmaster of this big university called life. He uses His Word and our experiences to disciple us so that we can live out and lead others to a godly life.

       Grow in His wisdom and you’ll graduate with heavenly flying colors. Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: Every person and experience is a potential teacher.

 

Disciple me, O Lord, that I may live life to the fullest.

 

St. Cyprian, pray for us.