God Whispers - March 31, 2012

If you want to change anything in your life, the most important question isn’t how but why. If you want to overhaul your life, you have to find your burning, powerful, explosive “why.”

 

Your reason for being,

God

 

P.S. In other words, you change not so much by the greatness of your program but by the greatness of your purpose.

Daily Bible Reflections - April 2, 2012

“Back Off!”

 

“Here is my servant, whom I strengthen.” – Isaiah 42:1

 

“Back off!” Piurie heard a male voice from out of nowhere. It was Saturday night. She was alone editing the video to launch the Caring Groups at our Feast the next day. This was the last incident in a string of spiritual harassments that our Media Ministry experienced that week.

Osy, who conceptualized the presentation, figured in a three-vehicle smash-up. My monitor, which was working fine, suddenly flat-lined. Our videographers with their high-tech cameras and our talent were unavailable. One member was hospitalized due to asthma and severe back pains.

The thought that we were being attacked by evil forces to prevent the video from being used to harvest souls was chilling. But God provided and God protected. Tin, usually busy, was free to make the presentation. She roped in her friend, Piurie, to volunteer. Mike was able to borrow a camera. AJ from the youth ministry agreed to do the funny poses we needed to shoot.

When we asked for prayers, we were assured that God had sent His angels to cover us. Backed by the strength of God’s forces, it was our turn to say to the devil, “Back off, we’re showing this!” And we did. Lella Santiago (mirellasantiago@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

Do we allow dark forces to prevent us from doing God’s work? Remember that God is mightier than any force in the universe.

 

Lord, protect us from the evil that tries to prevent us from harvesting souls for Your kingdom.

 

St. Francis of Paola, hermit, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections - April 1, 2012

PALM SUNDAY

 

Ready for Restoration

 

He humbled himself. – Philippians 2:8

 

Steve Jobs is a genius. In 1976, he created the first personal computer when the world only knew mainframes — those things that were bigger than your mother’s refrigerators. From a business he started in his garage, he made Apple grow to a $2-billion company

with 4,000 employees.

But Steve had one weakness: he couldn’t work with other brilliant people. He wasn’t open to people contradicting his ideas. In a word, he wasn’t humble.

So in 1985, something crazy happened: Apple kicked out Steve Jobs. The board of directors fired their founder.

Thankfully, the story of Steve Jobs didn’t end there. Today, Steve Jobs is back in Apple. After many years, he was rehired. And because of him, Apple has been more successful than ever. Since his return, Steve has created a string of monster products: the iPod, iTunes, iPhone and iPad.

What changed? Steve now loves working with other brilliant people. He listens and learns from others. He now admits his mistakes.

My point? Restoration can happen in your life if you humble yourself.

Friend, God wants to restore you.Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@kerygmafamily.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Are there areas in your life that need restoration? Humble yourself and it will happen.

 

Lord, I entrust my whole life to Your loving hands. Restore me and bless me so I can glorify You more.

 

St. Hugh of Grenoble, pray for us.

Daily Bible Reflections- March 31, 2012

WANTED: CASKET

 

“What shall we do?” – John 11:47

My father’s death in Samar in 2000 was the most unforgettable story my mother ever told me.

They lived in a remote place. Tatay farmed and fished while Nanayharvested fruits and vegetables that she sold or exchanged for rice among their neighbors.

Then Tatay died of a heart attack. Nanay needed money badly for his burial. His body had been embalmed, which was only good for three days, and they still didn’t have a casket for him.

“What shall we do?” asked everyone, worried about the much needed coffin. Just then they heard a loud thud. The heavy marine plywood that served as a kitchen divider fell right where my father’s body lay.

“Ghost! Ghost!” everybody yelled as they ran outside the house. But Nanay rushed to where Tatay was. When she regained her composure, she ordered the men to build a casket from the plywood and presto — the problem was solved.

Tatay, even in his last minutes on earth, didn’t want us to worry at all! Beth Corral (bethcorral_0330@yahoo.com)

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REFLECTION:

When all seems hopeless, remember our God of Hope with whom nothing is impossible.

 

Father God, thank You so much forgiving me a father on earth whose love never ceased. May I also love without boundaries.

 

St. Stephen of Mar Saba, pray for us.