Daily Bible Reflections

July 3, 2011
BURDEN BEARER

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

I felt desperate. My brother had just called me in the middle of the night. He was on his way to Cebu from Bohol and he sounded depressed and confused, so unlike himself. Then it came to me in a panic, “What if he decides to jump off the ship? What if I’ll never see my only brother again?”
Helpless, I prayed hard. “Please, Lord, keep my brother safe. Don’t let anything happen to him.” In the midst of my fears, I happened to read Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the water, I will be with you; in the rivers you shall not drown.” I suddenly felt at peace.
Nothing happened to my brother and we were able to overcome that time of trial. I was not very far into the renewal then. Today, the Lord continues to talk to me when I’m uncertain, and comfort me when I’m down. He continues to be my Burden Bearer.
They say that Christianity is about a Person — Jesus. It is a great relief for me that Jesus is who He is — someone who accompanies me through the trials, temptations and challenges of life. What more could we want from our God? Joy Sosoban (jsosoban@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Jesus, my Burden Bearer and Comforter, thank You! Let me always run to You.

Daily Bible Reflections

July 2, 2011
MOMMY AND YANTHY MOMENTS

And his mother kept all these things in her heart. – Luke 2:51

Two years have passed since I got pregnant and left my full-time job. My son is now more than a year old, but I continue to be a stay-at-home mom.
God has given me so much reason for rejoicing in giving me this child. He has doubled my joy by enabling me to witness his milestones firsthand. Moreover, God has gifted me with many memorable moments with Yanthy.
I remember when he was just 13 months old and could barely reach our dining table. He’d rush to help me set the table by getting the placemats one by one. Then, he’d tiptoe to put the placemats on top of the table. One time also when I had a fever and was wrapped in a blanket, Yanthy walked up to me and gave his sweater. What a helpful and sweet little boy! These are just a few of my treasured moments with my son.
Like Mary, I cherish and keep these moments in my heart. I thank God for this special privilege of being a mom and for the many lessons I learn as I raise my son. Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag (teregmps@yahoo.com)

REFLECTION:
What personal experiences do I keep in my heart? What is God teaching me through them?

Lord, help me to be sensitive to Your voice as You speak through my daily experiences.

Daily Bible Reflections

July 1, 2011
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

OMG!

Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. – 1 John 4:7

Two years ago, I went on a short trip to the US. I met with a very special man — a spiritual mentor to presidents, kings, prime ministers and other leaders. Each month, this spiritual giant holds 30 plus face-to-face meetings with high-level officials, guiding them how to lead their country using the Bible. For three days, I sat around his table (we were just four students) to learn one thing: how to disciple heads of states. It was mind-blowing.
So on my way home, I felt very important, too. But the moment my plane landed in Manila, everything became clear to me. I knew the first Heads of States I would meet. Upon arriving from the airport, I spent time with the two Kings who’ve conquered my heart since I saw them: my two boys. Together, we did very high-level, critical, world-changing, life-altering work. We drew robots and airplanes, played with little cars and video games (I lost, as usual).
Why did I spend the entire day with them? Because before I’m a preacher, writer, leader and businessman, I’m first a father.
So it is with God. Before He is supreme judge and King of the universe, He’s a Father.Your Father and mine!Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@ kerygmafamily.com)

REFLECTION:
God wants to be Your Father. Will you allow Him to?

God, our Father, help me to see You as You want me to — a Father who loves me through and through.

Daily Bible Reflections

June 30, 2011
CHRISTIAN READINESS

Sometime after these events, God put Abraham to the test. He called to him “Abraham!” “Ready!” he replied. – Genesis 22:1

The call to serve God is a grace from God Himself. My call was built by grace through meaningful small encounters with Bo Sanchez. A bond of friendship was first developed when I joined a Marian pilgrimage that he organized. I was not actively involved with any of Bo’s numerous ministries but he would come to our home in Calamba to bring his ministry groups to a retreat.
One time, on short notice, he brought his elders to the house and they brainstormed on some issues and he invited me to join the meeting. A few months thereafter, he asked me to head a caring or sharing group of businessmen, and then asked me to join him as a council member for one of The Feasts, a Sunday worship service and then added more responsibilities, which I accepted readily.
Community service makes a Christian whole. That thought drowned any objection in my mind stemming out of my business priorities. That was my predisposition. The readiness to accept ministry service is pure grace which I embrace as God’s way of expressing His love. Rolly España (rnespana@nwineskin.com)
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REFLECTION:
Do you procrastinate when God calls you to serve? Do you create all sorts of alibis and excuses?

Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your abounding grace that keeps me answering Your call.