Good Business

First came the puzzled stare. Then the "question mark" look. Finally getting back some composure, the doctor asked me to explain. I clarified, "We can make a website for your company that sells veterinary products, but if you will be involved in cockfighting promotions to market your products, I am sorry but that is something that we cannot do."

Thank God, our meeting went well. Although the business was not awarded to us, the owner referred us to other businesses that needed our services.

Before committing myself to Christ, I also didn't see anything wrong in what I did, such as cursing, lying or bribing. But seeking God's will has allowed me to see things more clearly, as pleasing to God or not. I have thus dedicated my business to Christ, and am determined to do things His way.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against those who own or breed fighting cocks. But the more I seek God, it becomes clearer that aside from gambling, it is not His will to see animals killing or harming one another as form of entertainment. May we be given eyes to see what God sees.

Prayer: Dear Lord, open my eyes that I may be guided by Your Word, and not compromise my faith in You. Amen.

"When it comes to matters of principle, moral and ethical foundations, biblical absolutes, the axioms of God's Word, God's clear commands, and the truthfulness of God Himself, it is never right to compromise." John MacArthur

"Blessed are the eyes that see what you see!" Luke 10:23

Tune In

"How dare you say God spoke to you!" the elderly man growled. Of course he meant no one is worthy to have an audience with God. We all are unworthy before God, and yet He chose to speak personally to Moses and the prophets. Today, however; He speaks to us differently in our hearts and minds, through people and circumstances in our lives. He guides us to the right path, and unstable our lives can be without the voice of God. But the problem is, do we hear when God speaks?

I learned to listen to God by disciplining myself to "tune in" as one would a radio. When I turn on the radio every day, I become familiar with the voice that speaks. In the same way, when I regularly tune in to God by praying, worshiping and reading His Word, I become familiar with His voice as well as the words He speaks. I am able to distinguish His voice from anyone else's, no matter where I am.

Connectedness to God therefore makes one sensitive to the Spirit. It also make us experience the Father's deep love. If you want this same experience, "tune in" to God!

WISE WORDS: "God is not silent. It is the nature of God to speak." AW Tozer

Prayer: "Lord, please tell me what You want of me each day and bless me with the grace to obey. Amen"

"If now I have found favor with you, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me." Judges 6:17

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