Daily Bible Reflections

July 7, 2011
YOU ARE A PREACHER, TOO!

“Go and preach, ‘The Kingdom of heaven is near!’” – Matthew 10: 7

Jesus said this to His 12 Apostles when He sent them out to preach. But as I’ve said before, “All of us are preachers.” All of us are sent out to “preach.” Everyone shares in the mission of telling the world that “the Kingdom of heaven is near!” We just differ in our ways of expression.
When you, a public servant or a private employee, work well and serve well with excellence and passion, integrity and honesty, you are proclaiming God’s Kingdom!
When you, a businessman or an employer, think of the benefit of others by conducting your business with social conscience and responsibility, and by taking care of and paying your employees well, you are spreading the Good News!
When you, a father, a mother, a son or a daughter, create a home where understanding, joy, peace, forgiveness and love are the main rule, then you create heaven on earth!
Yes, by all means, let’s declare that Jesus is Lord and Savior, God and King! And “that God so loved the world He sent His only begotten Son.” But let’s preach loudly and more effectively by living our lives the way Jesus did! Then maybe, we wouldn’t need to “preach” it at all. Alvin Barcelona (kpreacheralvin@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
Am I consciously preaching God’s Kingdom by living a godly life?

Lord, grant us the grace to preach about Your love, not only by words, but above all, by our lives. Amen.

Daily Bible Reflections

July 6, 2011
MY CARING GROUP

“Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” – Matthew 10:6

In my work as managing editor of Kerygma, I get to read all of Bo’s books and articles, listen to his talks and watch his videos — all for free. Add to that the Sabbath and Didache reflections, which we edit and proofread, and I get my fill of spiritual nourishment for weeks and months to come.
However, I cannot be like the Dead Sea that receives water but does not give it away. For now, I feel that the call of the Lord to me is still to accompany His special children — those with mental handicaps — and their families in their life-long journey of dealing with their disability. It is to them that I share “in action” whatever I learn from Bo’s books or talks. They are, in truth, my caring group. I don’t get verbal affirmations because they cannot express themselves well. But with them, I do experience genuine love and acceptance — more than words can ever say.
God calls us in different ways and sends us to different places to bring His love. And it is precisely the reason why He wired us differently. Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)
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REFLECTION:
Where is God sending you at this stage of your life?

Lord, lead me to where You want me to bring Your love more.

Daily Bible Reflections

July 5, 2011
COMPASSION

At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned … – Matthew 9:36

We will never forget Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) that caused one of the worst flooding disasters which hit the Philippines on September 26, 2009. It left deep-seated wounds especially to those who lost loved ones, homes and possessions.
Nevertheless, to us who were not directly hit, Ondoy has given us special opportunities to be selfless and show our love and compassion to our brethren.
I grabbed those opportunities and volunteered in relief operations and feeding programs to various evacuation centers. The sight of the evacuees moved my heart with sorrow and pity especially after having heard the struggles they went through during the onset of the typhoon. I found it difficult to utter words of comfort. I knew though, at those moments, our presence and the relief goods we distributed were enough for them. Troubled as they were, they saw and felt that their fellowmen went out of their way to be one with them, and that in such worst times, we could assure them that our God remains to be our only stronghold and source of hope. Sol Saura (sol_saura@yahoo.com)
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REFLECTION:
When tears are in your eyes, remember that Jesus will dry them all.

Lord, make us compassionate especially to our needy brethren. May we find the joy of sharing Your love.

Daily Bible Reflections

July 4, 2011
LIFE-GIVING TOUCH

“My daughter has just died; but come and place your hands on her, and she will live.”– Matthew 9:18

While on the road, I would often see a man walking aimlessly on the street, covered in dirt and grime, talking to himself. We refer to the likes of them as “taong grasa” (greasy man) and people who are in clean clothes would often walk away from them in fear or disgust. Who would dare touch them, when we often avoid their gaze?
Many more people in the world feel like they are garbage because no one is brave enough to touch them. They do not receive the healing love that comes from a simple pat on the back, a power hug, a back rub to let them know they are not alone and that someone cares. Studies show that we need at least four hugs a day in order to survive. No wonder many walk like they are already dead. How blessed are we when we receive hugs from our family and friends, the same healing touch that is able to bring the dead to life.
Like Jesus, we can heal others by acknowledging people’s presence and touching them. We need to express our love for the broken and the wounded with our healing embrace. Marjorie Duterte (marjorie.travels@gmail.com)
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REFLECTION:
Who can I touch today and bring to wholeness?

Jesus, let me be Your healing hands today. Help me to be brave enough to give Your life-giving touch.