Rejoice

"Break forth together into singing." That's exactly what we do at the strike of 12 midnight every Christmas. Our family together with other families in community, gathers together and makes worshiping the Lord the first agenda in celebrating Christmas.

Isaiah 52:9 gives us the reason for singing joyfully during Christmas: "for the Lord has comforted his people." Christmas is the time we remember Jesus' coming into the world to save us. Christmas is the time we celebrate God's great love for us. And so there is so much reason to sing, rejoice and give thanks!

Today, make it a point to be joyful. Whatever situation you may find yourself in, there is a reason to rejoice. Christ has come to save us. God's love is available to us. Aside form being joyful, take time to give thanks. And as you recount your blessings, you will experience your joy well up inside of you.

And so, Merry Christmas to all! May the love and joy of Jesus fill your hearts and your families today.

"I give You thanks, Jesus, for coming into the world to save us. Amen"

"Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine; Love was born at Christmas; Star and angels gave the sign."

Equitable

I remember learning the word "equitable" in a vocabulary exercise when I was in elementary. It touched me when I realized that the Master in today's parable was indeed equitable. "Equitable" means something characterized by equity or fairness. The adjective pertains to something just or right, fair or reasonable. The Master was equally pleased with the slave who turned in five talents and the one who turned in two. Why? Because the former was given five talents and doubled it; the latter was given two talents and likewise ,multiplied it. The Master did not demand of the slave given fewer talents to produce an amount equal to the one who was given more. He was only disappointed with the one who did not use what he was given.

The Lord made each of us unique, with little bits and pieces of His very own image. He will not ask us to do things that He will not enable us to accomplish. He asks us only to be faithful to His plan for us to and not to be overcome by fear.

If the Lord is asking you to do something for Him, trust that He is also equipping you. So do it and share the Master's joy!

Wise Words: "God does not have to come and tell me what I mus do for Him, He brings me into a relationship with Himself where I hear His call and understand what He wants me to do, and I do it out of sheer love of Him." Oswald Champbers.

Prayer: "Thank You, Father for giving me all the gifts and talents I need to be faithful to my calling as Your servant. Amen."

Distraction

One of my passions is fixing and organizing homes, though I never had a degree in interior decorating. I am happy to help family and friends when they call help to upgrade or refurbish their homes. This time it was our basement, we were building two rooms for our sons. I found myself caught up in all details, dealing with hardware stores, furniture shops, electrical concerns, plumbing and so on. The confusion and noise within me surfaced when I moved too fast and prayed less. The results came out, only to make me regret that it could have been better. I believe that it was the Lord's way of telling me that my relationship with Him was subtly fading away. Instead of asking Him to guide me, I kept moving and deciding on my own.

Are you in the same predicament? Is the excitement of making more money or other passions distracting you from prioritizing the Lord? Do you spend time with Him? More than anything else, we need to take care of our relationships with Him before taking care of other concerns.

Come into His presence now, and receive His peace.

Wise Words: "Love of Christ does not distract us from interest in others, but rather invites us to responsibility for them, to the exclusion of no one." Pope John Paul II

Prayer: "Dear Lord, I am sorry for allowing the things of this world to distract me and skip my precious time with You. Grant me the grace to focus on You now. Amen."

"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." John 6:27

Different Rest

Several months ago, I was shocked to hear news from my sister that something happened to our 13-year-old niece, the daughter of my first cousin. My niece, together with her aunt and family went for an outing in a beach. While enjoying the cool water, she was accidentally hit by lightning. She was rushed to the hospital and the doctors tried to revive her, but to no avail. Surprisingly, her whole body did not get burned; only a part of her chest did.

What ministered to me was the attitude of my cousin toward the incident. She never questioned God and asked why He allowed such a thing to happen. She just said that God had a purpose why He took her daughter at an early age. Although she would miss her daughter, she knew that her daughter was now with the Lord. And it was only the Lord whom she could depend on and find rest in. Such a woman of faith! During the lowest point in her life, it was the Lord she held on to.

Are you experiencing trials in your life? Just come to the Lord and He will give you true rest for your soul.

Wise Words: "You have created us for Yourself, and our heart cannot be stilled until it finds rest in You." St. Augustine


Prayer: "Dear Lord, thank You for the irreplaceable rest that You give me. Please strenghthen, me especially when I am burdened. Amen"


"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

The Hand of God

A new missions community was scheduled to open within six weeks. My wife was to head this new flock. We both knew what it was going to take both spiritually and financially. We were going to need, initially, a sound system, speakers, microphones, cables, laptop and LCD projector. In our walk with the Lord, we learned to trust Him for our needs.

Twice a month, I serve in a community in Makati City where gatherings are held in the company garage. I noticed that two or three laptops in their office seemed to be not in use. So I asked them if they would sell me one of the laptops. "Sure," they said. The price: only Php 6,500! I said, "I'll take it! I'll take it!" I could take it home after they had fixed it up and loaded a few programs.

After sometime, I dropped by to say that I'd have the money ready. They said I didn't have to pay them anything! I said , "What?!" They were giving me the laptop as an offering to the Lord!

Friend, whom the Lord calls, He equips! All the glory belongs to Him!

Wise Words: "Nothing can happen to a believer; without God's ordering and permission. There is no such things as 'chance,' 'luck' or 'accident' in the Christian's journey. All is arranged and appointed by God." JC Ryle

Prayer: "Lord, I seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. I thank You even now for providing for all my needs. Amen."

"The king granted me what I asked, for the gracious hand of my God was upon me." Nehemiah 2:8