How often do you attribute what you have and what you have achieved to God? Focus on the Giver, not the gift - Daily Bible Reflections November 13,2015

THE GIFT GIVER

 

For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen. – Wisdom 13:5

 

       She was one of those girls whom guys would love to take home to their parents and whom girls would want to be best friends with. She was beautiful, with clear skin, bouncy hair and naturally doll-like eyes that twinkled as she smiled. Compliment her, and she’d tell you, “Thank you. Bigay ni Lord. (It’s God’s gift).”

       She was gifted with a love for music. Her voice could be likened to an angel’s, and this has become her instrument in serving God. As friends pat her on the back as she goes offstage after leading worship, she would humbly say, “Thank you. Bigay ni Lord. (It’s God’s gift).”

         One time, she shared about her success in her flourishing career. A new car had been offered to her as a reward for her hard

work. She answered my congratulations with “Thank you. Bigay ni Lord. (It’s God’s gift).” To her, everything is a gift from God.

       When we focus more on the Gift Giver rather than the gift, we can see God more. When we become more astounded by the generosity of God rather than the greatness of His blessing, we become more grateful to Him. Osy Erica (osy.erica@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: How often do you attribute what you have and what you have achieved to God? Focus on the Giver, not the gift.

 

Thank You, Father, for everything You have given me. For every blessing, help me to focus on You more. Remind me that every good thing is not of my doing but a gift from You. Amen.

 

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin, pray for us.

Beware and never let your guards down - Daily Bible Reflections November 12,2015

HIS TRUE PRESENCE

 

“The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed... the kingdom of God is among you.” – Luke 17:20-21

 

       In the early days of my conversion, I was always invited by different religious sects to attend their Bible studies and prayer meetings. They quoted passages in the Bible just to convince me to leave my religion and join theirs.

       There were life-changing testimonies from former Catholics who converted when they felt Jesus was more “present” in that specific religious denomination. But every time I asked them about Mary as the Mother of God and the Holy Eucharist as the true presence of Christ, they couldn’t give me concrete answers.

       Finally, after so many groups had tried to convince me about their “true” religion, it was God Himself who manifested His presence to me. I attended daily Mass during my lunch breaks and the first of those daily Masses happened on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. What further proof did I need to show the people on the real presence of God?

       From then on, my life changed. To this day, I continue to receive Jesus daily in the Holy Eucharist, where God’s presence is truly magnified. Monty Mendigoria (montymendigoria@yahoo.com)

 

Reflection: Beware and never let your guards down. There will be voices of deception to make us believe that they were sent to bring salvation. Let Jesus reveal Himself and let Him manifest in your life.

 

My Lord, let Your almighty power come like a flash of lightning and let the world see Your greatness in every corner of the Earth.

 

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

A grateful heart is a magnet of blessings. Start thanking God and get ready to be blessed - Daily Bible Reflections November 11,2015

FOREVER CHANGED

 

And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice. – Luke 17:15

 

       I can identify with the lepers in today’s Gospel. Not that I had leprosy — only that I was also as despicable:

       I was ugly, short, and had a not-so-pointed-nose, big eyes (with big eyebags), a rough complexion, unkempt hair, and teeth resembling a broken fence. I was also pimple-infested, bad-smelling, skinny and frail, asthmatic, poor in math, accounting, grammar and writing. I was a total failure.

       Then God entered my life! The amazing Savior poured in His grace. He loved me and gave beautiful color to my rather boring, pale and dreary life.

       Now, I’m still vertically-challenged, yet I have a nearly-pointed-nose, expressive eyes and manly complexion. I have a fair-skinned face, am good-smelling, fit and sporty. I am an entrepreneur and investor, speak good English, an author of books, an international speaker, a visionary, have a great family life, and living a life of success and significance.

       All thanks to Jesus — and that is why I preach His Word.

       Indeed, when you realize and see that it is the Son of God Himself who heals and redeems you, you will never be the same again. Obet Cabrillas (kpreacherobet@gmail.com)

 

Reflection: A grateful heart is a magnet of blessings. Start thanking God and get ready to be blessed.

 

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. (Psalm 100:4)

 

St. Martin of Tours, bishop, pray for us.

Where is God leading you? - Daily Bible Reflections November 8, 2015

JUMP IN FAITH!

 

‘The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’ – 1 Kings 17:14

 

       I resigned from my stable job in advertising to focus on building my dream — to be a full-time crafter.

       When God planted this desire in my heart, I asked myself, “How the heck am I going to survive without a regular income?”

       For more than a year, I prayed for direction every day, and as I prayed, my passion for crafting grew. So I asked God, “What do you want me to do?” He answered with a smile on His face, “Pia, whatever it is that you decide to do, do everything for Me and with Me, and everything will fall into place.”

       My fear was replaced with peace and excitement. I knew I had to take a leap of faith. So, after more than a year of thinking and praying, I submitted my resignation letter. As promised, God made everything fall into place.

       Big and small freelance writing projects lined up like ants, enough to sustain me for the rest of the year. I now have more time to do arts and crafts, bringing me a step closer to opening my dream craft store. My God provides for my every need.

       Open your heart to God. Share your dreams with Him, because His will for you is to be happy more than words can express. Pia Angelica Suiza (piasuiza@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION: Where is God leading you?

 

Jesus, my Provider, You make all things new in Your perfect time. Grant me the humility and patience to listen to Your voice each and every day. Amen.

 

Blessed John Duns Scotus, pray for us.