For God Loved the World....

I'm sure some of you are familiar with this Bible text John 3:16 that says " For God loved the world so much that He gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." Sad to say very few fully understand nor appreciate the love that God gave us by sending his only-begotten son to pay for mankind's sin. Very few even try to learn or pay attention. But let's talk about why God sent His son Jesus Christ to save humankind? What would he save us for? And what should we do to enjoy the privilege and benefits of this provision? First, why did Jehovah God sent Jesus? It is because our first parents Adam and Eve disobeyed and lost the perfect life they possessed. From then on, the connection between God and men was cut and so as part of the Mosaic Law, in order to communicate with God, ancient Israelites were required to give burnt offering or sacrifice whenever they pray. And that is through burning the finest lamb they have. And so God sent his son Jesus to be the "once and for all" sacrifice. Since Adam lost the perfection, no human ever lived after them became equal to the perfection they lost. And so God let His son leave his glorious position in heaven and live humbly as a man on earth. And just like every man, Jesus suffered the hardships of the ordinary life. The only difference is...he's perfect. And one main purpose also is to preach the good news of his father's Kingdom to all inhabited earth and him as the appointed King. And because God loved the world so much, His purpose of eternal life in paradise for humankind stays the same. And that's why He sent Jesus, for us to have hope to live eternally in paradise on earth. Second, what would he save us for? Just like I have almost tackled in the first question, it is because of the disobedience of our first parents, we inherit their sin and resulted death to humankind.(Romans 5:12) Third, what should we do to enjoy the benefits of this grand provision? The second part of John 3:16 says, "....in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." So we must have faith in Jesus-Christ. And John 17:3 requires us to "take in knowledge from God and Jesus in able for us to have everlasting life". Because "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26) And to cultivate faith, we must have accurate knowledge. And through that knowledge, we will learn what God require of us to do to be able to have everlasting life and enjoy the perfect life in paradise that men cannot give. The "holy week" that Christendom celebrates has just passed. And I wonder how did they reflect over Christ's sacrifice? I wonder what do they think or even understand what does his death means? I particularly want to mention on how here in the Philippines celebrate the "holy week"..... It's a pity that they don't refer to the truth. They don't refer to the Bible on how it should be properly commemorated. The dominant religion in this country is Roman Catholic. I respect their belief, but I am sad because they practice more on "man-made traditions" rather than the Word of God, the Bible. Even to the point of hurting themselves. They imitate what Jesus experienced before his death. Hitting and whipping their bodies until it bleeds and worse, even impaling themselves to the cross. But, did Jesus told his disciples to do the same to show their faith? Does anyone among his apostles did that? Not a single one. Instead, what did Jesus tell his followers to do in commemoration of his death? Jesus and his apostles had the "last supper" the night before his death. And Luke 22:19 says that Jesus, after breaking the loaf into pieces, he said ..."keep doing this in remembrance of me." And that is the "only" thing that Jesus told his disciples to do, nothing else. Shouldn't we be thankful on how much Jehovah God loved us? No father can ever give his son as a sacrifice for many....only Him. And it's up to us on our part whether we appreciate this or not.....

The Truth That Sets Us Free

It has been three months of "off-season" at work. My colleagues starts to relay their problems and what had happened for the past three months. Different kinds of problems, to different kinds of people, different situations...and different approach on how to handle everyday stress. One particular is my friend who is single and lives by his relatives. I would say he's still fortunate and i really told him that. That he should feel lucky because he's got no obligation whatsoever. He's got no kids, no wife, no monthly bills to pay. All he cares about is his food everyday. I was somehow disappointed in hearing him complaining. But i still talk to him in a kind and positive way. I just told him that look at those with families, with lots of obligations compared to him...how much more are these people? That he should realize how they survive.I even compared myself to him. Telling him that even i am single, i feel as if i have a large family already. Because i'm the one who pays all the bills. Electric bill, telephone, cable, internet service, food and some everyday little things that need to buy. Not to mention my mom's monthly medical maintenance. Imagine how and where do i get money for that in a regular basis? But i'd say i am blessed that i got support , though little, but helps a lot...by my significant other. His financial support to me somehow helps in paying the bills. But the food and my mom's medicines, it doesn't suffice. And i end up with the conclusion of, it really makes a big difference when one has knowledge in the bible. If all people would just try to study the bible, they will know and not left clueless on why these things happens. Questions like why does God permits these things to happen? If God is Love, how can he allow men to suffer? These are the common questions that common people ask. And having the knowledge in the Bible is an advantage. Like Jesus said "the truth will set us free" (John 8:32). Because knowing the truth will help us understand why these things are happening and why does God allows it. I was reading the "Examining the Scriptures daily" yesterday and the text yesterday is from I John 5:19 and it says, " The whole world is lying upon the power of the wicked one." And this is the main reason why wickedness and sufferings are happening in the world. Because mankind in general, has rejected God as a Ruler. Thus, humans have unwittingly submitted to God's adversary, Satan. Knowledge of this fact makes it easier to understand why bad situations exist. Satan is evil, hateful, deceptive, and cruel. So we should expect the world to reflect the personality of its ruler. No wonder there is so much wickedness! Human imperfection is another reason for the suffering we experience. Sinful humans tend to struggle for dominance, and that often results in wars, oppression and suffering. Ecclesiastes 8:9 aptly says: "Man has dominated man to his injury." A further reason for suffering is "time and unforeseen occurence". People often experience calamity because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
And it's such a privilege that by knowing these facts thru studying the Bible helps us to understand and never wonder anymore on why these things are happening. Truly, the "truth sets us free".....

Faith

It feels good when you were able to let someone unburden their loads to you. That somehow, one way or another, you were able to help them just by listening and comforting them. Today i had a heart to heart talk with one of my close friends. Though i am much, much older, that she even calls me "mommy" but she was already married and has kids. Well, it's a typical everyday woes of a mother and wife trying to keep her family together despite the hardships of reality. But i am glad that she chosed me to confide with and pour out her heart to me. I felt that she trusted me fully. Sometimes, it's hard to absorb other people's problems. It's true that it's draining your energy out. You are like a sponge, sipping their worries out and sucking it into your system. Yes, sometimes it gets to my nerves and it somehow affects me too. But over all, it feels good that a true friend appreciates your presence, and the comfort and help you extended.
Well, since we are of the same faith, and even though these trials we are facing is not new to us, i reminded her of that once again. Particularly i remember Bro.Walls's talk(i'm not sure of the real name,Brooklyn Branch Committee member). It's about how Jesus left us a perfect example of endurance. That even to the brink of his death, even when he was already impaled at the stake, he never gave up his faith with God. Even his flesh was exposed due to what Roman soldiers did to him, he never stop preaching the Kingdom of God and giving hopes to faithful ones. He even promised the "thief" who was also impaled alongside of him, the resurrection in paradise. And we today, though being tried differently, we are expected to have faith also. But we don't have to be as perfect as Christ, but we can endure trials and tribulations. We have to be aware that we are living in the last days of this wicked world, and because of that, satan will do everything and anything to give up our faith and perished together with him and his demons.
It's not easy...it is indeed real hard. The fact that we are only human, and as humans, we tend to err all the time. We are prone to do and think bad rather than do good,. It's a real struggle. The imperfection itself and the temptations that satan put before us. But then...it is still possible. We have to put trust in God, that he's not going to forsake those who have faith in him. We are given fine examples of faith shown by the early christians and patriots. I want to particularly mention Job's faith. Job was put to test by Satan, by killing all his children, take away all his material possessions and up to giving him a dreadful disease. Plus, using his wife and friends to, instead of encouraging him, gives him false advice and encouraged him to curse God! They were pretending to be concerned but actually they will just provoke you to do what is bad. But Job's faith was remarkable. He said that it's not only good things that we received from God, but we should expect bad things too! Although his perception was wrong, it is understandable. Why? Because behind those words and in between the lines, the faith of Job surfaced. That no matter what, he will never curse God or blame Him for the bad things happened to his life. And the result, his blessings were doubled.
So when i tell these things to my troubled friend, she was relieved and thankful to me. But actually, it helped me too. Because although i may not be facing the same kind of problem she has, i have tribulations too. And all of us do. No one is exempted. Satan is very cunning and creative in doing various trials for us. We just have to be aware and never cease in asking strength from God. because we should always remember, God is the most powerful being, and everything is possible with Him...and no way that satan can beat Him.

Miownlil'way (episode 2)

Ok, so here goes the second part of my everyday analysis series. These were actually written way back, so just indulge and think you can relate...somehow.

"Accepting the truth that there is no perfect relationship, is what makes the relationship perfect." ---Acceptance makes it easier. If we keep on looking for the best, for perfection, it won't happen. Simply because it doesn't exist. Same applies in a relationship, in every aspects. Recognizing and accepting the truth that all of us fail, nobody's perfect, we're only human, can help to bettering every relationship and hence makes it perfect.

"Poor is the one whose life is full of vanity and pride. And peace to the one whose heart is humble and wise."---Humility keeps our feet on the ground. So, no matter how successful we have become, life is more peaceful if we stay humble and not become haughty and vain.

"It is so sad that we were brought up to meet people's expectations. To please others and deprive ourselves of the happiness we deserved. I learned in life that if we would love and please someone, it should be ourselves. And the rest will learn to accept and love us." ---That explains it all...many of us cannot accept who they are, and that's why people cannot accept them too.

Until next series...

Reformat

Oh well, my computer has just been bugged. Good thing i have back- up so some of the files were saved. But too bad there are those i saved that i cannot find in the net again. I have to figure it out, oh well, i know it will take ages...And good thing i got a friendly discount in doing the reformat of my computer. I guess, that's the advantage of being friendly ha! Heniweys....it still stinks though...but i wonder if we can also reformat our lives as in delete all the unpleasant things and people we met along life's journey. But anyways, they somehow contribute to what we have become. Be it good or bad, it somehow helps. Sometimes, we really need to experience it all for us to learn . And it's also a sort of a blessing in disguise...this way i think my computer needs a general clean-up anyway and so is my life, ha! Start a new fresh one with a smile and all the burdens and dirt and unnecesary things must be elimidated. Just try to see the brighter things in everything and we'll have peace of mind. Those who hates our guts? They are welcome to eat our shorts!

Miownlil'way (episode 1)

I have a journal of what i call "everyday analysis". And i thought of sharing them all with you through here. Thay were quite many and so i thought i'll post it in parts. And here are some of them. comments are welcome though...Enjoy!

" Praises and compliments,however beautiful it was uttered...is worthless to a dead man's ears." (Just when the person is already dead, people tend to pay them tributes, spending fortunes to give them an expensive burials and even broadcast on national TV. But, what are those for? The guy is dead, man! Gimme a break! He can't even hear or see what's going on outside his coffin...So why not show the person how valuable he is while he's alive? How his work is greatly appreciated. Does it take a man's life to be a hero? To be remembered and honored?)

" Envy, when nurtured, is like a sharpened knife that pierces deeply and crushes into one's maddening soul." ( i remember the movie AMADEUS, when Wolfgang's contemporary Salieri is very jealous of the talented young musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri is so jealous and envious of Mozart that it kills his career and even his life. So avoid being envious of other people's success. Be happy for them, and make them as your inspiration instead of thinking negatively on the person. And work on yourself in order to achieve whatever you want in life. Because ENVY KILLS.One great example is Satan the Devil, who used to be a glorious angel in heaven, but because of his selfish intentions and nurtured envy, he became slanderous and liar,hence the name, Satan the Devil,)

" A loud mouth is someone who utters destructive words to humble people, trying to cover up a deep-seated foul odor inside their rotten soul." ( These are the ones whose hobby is to criticize and fault-find other people. Well, it's normal to criticize, we are all critics anyways, in our own right. But there are those who doesn't appreciate anything at all. And all they do is look for other people's weknesses without looking at themselves first. And i specially noticed this to ones who's got lots of "skeletons in the closet". And they were trying to cover up their smelly rotten self by throwing up words to others so it would divert the attention that is mainly and should be focused on them.)