LEARNING DEEPLY, December 1-31, 2022
Here's a new year thought and challenge to us, Bible-believing Christians, something counter-cultural, almost bordering on faith deconstruction:
When our Savior said,
"to give and lend without expecting in return", because our God is a
Person too, whom we believe think and feel the same way we do, can we also
expect it of our tithes and offerings that we give to our churches and
congregations today, and our donations for other causes?
(Because if we are
truly blessed, we are not just recipients, but channels of grace, with almost
nothing left for ourselves, but to pass on every little blessing to the next
person; we are rivers of living water, not a stagnant pond, lake, nor the Dead
Sea, and living is best done fulfilling that purpose.)
Like Caleb, who wholly
followed the Lord, may we too allow our beliefs and convictions to bear fruit
in our lives; by treating others with respect and consideration, by not only
connecting with them when we need funds and favors, but to truly care about
other people's issues and concerns, their needs and situations, while keeping a
wholesome distance, respecting boundaries and not being unnecessarily nosy...
For kindness and concern may have less visible markers than lots and
boundaries, but it is nonetheless real; and if we have to show we care, we act
without saying much, we give without expecting anything in return, we support
and encourage without patronizing, we are honest and truthful and not gaslight,
and if anybody asks, we render generously to those deserving, with added wisdom
and loving rebuke to those who need it most...
One of the reasons I
love doing the grocery is because one learns a lot, and is able to immediately
confirm so... Like a quick and casual convo during our queue at the supermarket
CR a few days ago, where some elder Moms are saying that in the two-cubicle
room with only one that is functioning, regular and prompt maintenance should
be done... They then compared the store to the bigger one with a wider store
area, more stocks, and definitely more comfort room cubicles... But then
immediately followed it up by saying they would always choose to shop at the
smaller store because it is brighter, cleaner, stocks are well-arranged, and
the store area itself smells good, while implying that the bigger store is
completely the opposite... And we all nodded our heads knowingly... But this
does not apply to these stores though, for as stated by management experts for
several years now, it is not the price nor quantity, but the customer
experience that is the selling point... So that whatever product one is
offering, be it a tangible good or service, however cheap or costly, quality is
established by how satisfied the customer feels, which come not from being
treated as exclusive VIPs or being given high-end brands, but even for
ordinary, unnamed, irregular customers, to be afforded equal respect, dignity
and courtesy... May we learn and live addressing these needs in our daily
lives, especially in our interactions with other people too...
#FridaySupermarketLearn12302022
History is always
written by the victors, and so we never know how the victims and casualties
felt; that even though they believe differently and belong to a different
culture, they too may have dreams, have families and friends they care deeply
about, and would have wanted to live in a better world, and face a better
future... Such is the irony of the Good Book, that also unabashedly records
evil and destruction... So therefore, may we not lose the lesson: that cruelty
and evil does not pay, that mercy and compassion will always save the day, that
rather than being 100% literal, we learn instead from the motivations, the
thoughts, emotions, actions, lusts and desires of the ancient peoples, in order
for us now to act more mature, with humility and wisdom, with faith, patience
and endurance, and that we might share and live at peace with one and all,
regardless of gender, nationality, belief and conviction...
It seems offensive and
deconstructive to learn that in the formation of the legacy of our faith, the
ancient fathers went on a genocidal rampage... But these are not unique in the
annals of history; for apart from Christianity and Judaism, other faiths also
were recorded to have gone through such oppressive and shameful, immoral and
violent eras... Yet, one lesson should not be lost: that with wisdom and
humility, peace can be attained, such as that initiated by the princes of
Gibeon, and that faithful allies can indeed help save the day against more
powerful enemies... To our modern culture, we rightfully denounce the culture
of violence and greed; but may we always uphold what is true, good, just and
right, and endeavor to keep the peace...
Genocide, no matter
and especially if justified as religiously mandated, is always evil... And even
if the word says that in this case, the destruction of Ai and mass killing of
its people has heavenly sanction, yet, it comes at a great price... For
anything done with greed, complacency, pride and selfishness, will always have
lasting tragic consequences... Events and periods in history like that
mentioned in these passages are by no means unique and even now is still
happening in all parts of the world, but may we not lose the greater lessons
unsaid: that life can only be meaningful if lived according to the will if our
Creator, that we be concerned with the needs of others as we take care of our
own, that we do not discriminate but be hospitable both to our kin and
strangers, that in whatever aspect of life, we consistently remain humble and
respectful, sensitive to the will of our God, and quick and courageous to do
whatever is right and just...
Especially to our
modern-day perspective, taking other people's lands and lives is evil and
wrong; yet it seems that many today, like some narcissistic leaders and
powerful people, may still have been stuck in such ancient and outdated mindsets...
And so we learn the greater lesson of the second great circumcision operation
and the taking of Jericho; that no matter how much we have accumulated for
ourselves things, wealth, fame, status and people, in one fell swoop, when we
least expect it, they can all be taken away, regardless of whether we believe
the one taking them be deserving or not... May we realize that we are mere
stewards, and whatever our hands find to do, whatever may be the fruit of our
labors, are not something to brag about or feel ourselves great in; for our
whole duty consists in using those things to support our families and loved
ones, to care and help our less privileged fellow man, to remain humble and
responsible, in replenishing creation and making this world better... In spite
of the challenges, may we still continue to prove ourselves faithful, diligent
and true...
The ark and the river
stones... Like in Joshua's time, we today will also know if we have aligned
ourselves with the One greater than all, if we have established His Covenant in
our hearts, treating it preciously and faithfully, and putting it on a special
pedestal over our lives like the Ark, taking care that none of our greed,
pride, selfishness and sense of entitlement rule and reign above that of doing
our best to fulfill His will, and making sure that our sensitivity, our care
and concern for others manifest in good manners, in courtesy and respect
whether by word or deed, or by giving thanks, acknowledgement and recognition
to whom these are due and at the right time... For that is how we can tell our
future generation when they ask what our faith and tradition means, whatever these
may be; that these are not done for show, for likes, for status or just simply
to make ourselves feel good... For like the Jordan River stones, our deeds and
words, their rewards, and their effects on others, will be etched in stone and
last beyond our lifetimes; so that even if we ask forgiveness for offenses,
there is forgiveness, but there will always be eternal consequences... May we
live our days being careful and pondering our every word and deed, whether by
commission or negligence, omission or forgetfulness...
Quite a lot of people
are crowding around the gate of a rich man's house this morning, eagerly
waiting for the promised rice dole-outs... Not saying much here, but to borrow
and appropriate a cousin's shared post on waiting for Mary's water to break
before doing the Christmas shopping... Please, if we must be charitable, let's
not wait until Mary's post-partum to help put food on the table of our poor and
indigent neighbors, the so-called informal settlers that we consider an eyesore
364 days of the year... Because true generosity is timely and relevant...
Being strong and of
good courage, come not from the status, position, nor the appointed or elected
office... For as in Joshua's case, as an example for all humanity, it is daily
meditation, deep understanding and faithful obedience of the law, whether that
be spiritual, secular or civil and political... For understanding and
obedience, far from being brainless and coercive, are actually the test of
faith and conviction... One may have all the trappings of beauty and wealth, or
even the illusion of intelligence and qualifications, but the one most
deserving is one who is diligently law-abiding, not for fear of punishment or
retribution, but as a fruit of the heart that is inherently loving, generous,
caring and concerned of all life and accountabilities, of life's greater
purpose and design, and of the One who breathed life to us all... May we be
proven faithful and true, may we be proven obedient and wise...
The blessing and the
settlement... One knows that one has received something good and lasting, if
apart from the joy and gladness, there is peace and acceptance: that though we
might be in places, in statuses and situations, and with people whom we want
and love, at times, these will not be enough to stop us from feeling lonely and
nostalgic and sad... For dwelling in safety in these passages comes with
dwelling alone, like the proverbial loneliness of being lonely on top... Still,
if we can settle our hearts to accept and make do with what life has given,
beyond this season and beyond, we will realize that what we have and will be
blessed with in the future come not only for our hopes and efforts, but because
who we are being built up to be will soon meet the challenge of becoming the
greater person that we are destined to become... And so, whether the
realization of our hopes and dreams lie in this present life in the form of
being settled and spending our days with our worthy companions, or even beyond
it to eternity, we can have deep and lasting peace that when the dust of
confusion and pride are settled, we are always at the right time, and the right
place, and with the right people...
To live strong and of
good courage, is to run counter to the culture of our time: that upholds fame
and wealth as measures of success rather than a generous life; that promotes
unhealthy body shapes and sizes as desirable rather than a joyful and prayerful
attitude; that puts a premium on looks, on financial prosperity and social
connections, rather than humility and spiritual and emotional growth; that
prioritizes people's affirmation more than truth, wisdom, understanding and
discernment, peace and love... As we all approach the twilight of our years,
may we not waste each moment by passing on to the next generation, the virtues
and good characters we try so hard but fail to live by, and in humility, to
acknowledge our own inadequacies that they may learn from our mistakes... Like
Moses who learned to let go when it was the right time, may we learn to let go
of the spotlight we shine on ourselves, and let our God alone be glorified in
how our lives have become...
To see and hear, and
not ignore... Just as our Savior also said later that from those who were given
much, much is demanded, so also like the ancient Israelites, from those of us
who have been blessed with wisdom, with a good education, with material means,
with abilities and talents, it is demanded and considered a lifelong and worthy
call to give back and be part of something greater... One hears of the phrase,
"active concern"; and we learn that no matter how good and qualified
we think we may be, how high in our careers and levels of society we may go,
however much and many wealth, connections, relationships, degrees and
certifications we may have received, these are all worthless if we cannot even
give a moment of our time to teach and encourage, to give clarity and wisdom,
to stand up for truth, justice and right... May we heed our God's call to
choose life, to choose obedience and goodness, to care and be actively
concerned, so that our life's journey will not be meaningless, but rather be
filled with warmth and light, with hope and joy, grace and love...
The blessing and
cursing are really vivid, raw, wonderful and terrible in these passages...
Unfortunately for many of us, we think they only apply to ancient Israel, when
in fact today, people around the world are experiencing them too, which speaks
of their universality... May we learn that greed, corruption and wickedness
does not pay; and though we may condescend, flatter, or cover up our selfish,
envious and cruel acts and intents, but we reap the effects nonetheless... For
no matter how high or far we may go in life, we share the same mortal fate with
those lower than us whom we abuse, oppress or take advantage of: we are all
accountable to our Maker, and equal in His eyes, and it is best we heed His
words and conduct our affairs in honesty, in goodness, in truth, in peace and
love...
Strange as some
ancient customs may seem to us today, but at the heart of all laws and
ordinances is to remind people to live with justice and fairness, and to treat
each one with dignity, respect and equity... However, goodness cannot really be
mandated, because it is innate, and because it is a choice, regardless of laws
and penalties... May we be people who do good from the heart, not just for
show, who respect other people's rights and boundaries because we genuinely
care and not because we fear the repercussions of our offenses... For being
humane cannot be expressed in flattery or condescension, but in the way we
speak, what we say and the message we put forth, how we respect other people's
time and effort and their situations... Because life is not all about us, but
about each and every one of us in equal, lowly standing before our God and
Maker...
Rather than misinterpreting
these passages as an ancient God's discrimination against people with
disabilities, or those less able, or socially and civilly ostracized and
disadvantaged in life, one may choose to understand His aversion to willfull
mutilations, and avoidable situations that demean anyone's personhood... For
indeed, one must, as far as it is within our power, take care of our bodies and
members, that we may be in the best condition to worship Him and serve and take
care of our fellowman... For in the succeeding passages, He commands justice,
generosity and right, regardless of who we are, our gender and nationality...
May we learn to accept and live the truth, that fulfilling the purpose of our
existence means that we always deal fairly and honestly, to respect each
other's rights and persons, to remain humble and giving, to encourage and give
hope, to stand up against oppression and abuse, to defend what is right and
just, and to spend the rest of our days in courage and persistence; that no
matter the trials and difficulties, we remain steadfast, strong, full of
inspiration and joy, faith and love...
Proper boundaries...
Good thing that we are not anymore living now like the ancients, where any offense
on infraction to boundaries and morals are meted with death... However, the
effects of such offenses by no means have decreased in severity, for always,
any act of disrespect, disregard, insensitivity, favoritism and nepotism,
lasciviousness and instigation, are always demeaning and offensive, destructive
to character and hope, ruinous to morals and good relationships... May we learn
to respect each other's healthy boundaries, and conduct ourselves in dignity
and honor, in love, peace and grace...
Living with honor,
dignity and respect takes humility and courage... For a naturally humble and
brave person, full of wisdom and love, respects other people's issues and concerns,
their time and effort, their potentials, preferences and dreams... While the
proud one is ignorant and stupid, only looking out for itself, considering
itself more superior, entitled and privileged, over-estimating its capabilities
and qualifications, too greedy and selfish for recognition and rewards... May
we learn from the ancients, from history, from our very own lives: that pride
goes before destruction and fall, but that humility and courage, aside from
being their own rewards, bear fruit in building up other people's lives and
keeps their souls too...
No prior
presumptions... May all our dealings with our God and others be fair and just,
honest and true, full of wisdom, goodness, hope and love, and bear much
fruit... For presuming we are the only one special, entitled and privileged,
smacks of ignorance and stupidity, and is the prime recipe for comeuppance and
downfall... But like what was written long ago, those that remain humble yet
fights for what's right, will always find a lasting legacy, their dreams and
good futures come to pass, the good message and word enriching their lives, a
truer understanding and acceptance, more true friends and more loyal companions
through life...
Generosity is the true
measure of a person... How we manage and dispense with the things entrusted to
us--whether they be material or temporal, spiritual and intangible, even our
very lives and the things we most value--tells a lot about our eternal
destiny... For a closed and greedy hand, a selfish spirit that disregards the
needs and concerns of others in favor of its own, excusing itself as too busy
or that there is never enough time, will only find that their most prized
possessions become like quicksilver in their hands; while the generous hand,
brave enough to open itself up, to let go and give, to consider that other
people may have more pressing and weightier matters, and that they can actually
and will help, even just in the giving of knowledge, truth, comfort and hope,
will find that what they want and need most will be more than amply provided
for, and will be added unto it, blessing, love and well-wishes from good and
well-meaning friends and loved ones... May every day be a day of jubilee for
us, and may we learn to give, to love, to encourage, to bring peace and hope
and joy...
The God we know, and
what's inside of us... Thankfully, our Savior opened our eyes to the truth,
that it is not what goes inside of us that makes us unclean, but what comes
out--in words and deeds... For we may claim to be religious, spiritual, holy,
knowledgeable and qualified; but lacking the actions motivated by genuine
mercy, truth and honesty, peace, joy, love and grace, we are merely empty
gongs, unemotional robots in life, without substance, right minds and
judgments... Indeed, it is not what we claim to have and believe, what we have
achieved and accumulated that defines our lives; but we find meaning, purpose
and fulfillment, if our faith and belief bear fruit through us, in blessing and
encouraging others, in responsible stewardship of life and creation, in making
this world better than when we first came to it...
It could have been
better, nicer, happier; we could have been more complete... But the Christmas
that is now, because we're still alive healthy and hopeful, will always be the
best...
A blessing and a
curse... Because wherever on earth we choose to settle, we always live in
community: accountable to our Maker, and responsible towards our fellowman and
families... And how life turns out to be is a direct effect of these; for we
might struggle so much in life, to rise economically, socially and materially,
to gain degrees and qualifications, to receive awards and recognitions, to put
ourselves above others and claim superiority and mastery, yet, we are a failure
if we cannot even teach our children respect and good manners, if we cannot be
truthful and honest, if we let greed, pride and envy rule our motives and
perspectives... Therefore, a blessing and a curse only awaits--the blessing to
one who remains humble, tolerant, transparent, understanding and patient, while
the curse to one who thinks too highly of themselves to believe that they could
do no wrong and that there is no need for them to consider other people's
issues and situations yet insist that they be indulged, accommodated and
entitled to privilege at every turn...
Worthy of the Word...
Just like the ancient Israelites to whom the Ten Commandments were given, have
to prove themselves worthy of the word and law they have received from God, in
our time today too, in a time that we claim to be socially and technologically
advanced, we need to prove worthy of the education, the degree and
certification, the knowledge and skill we have received: by living lives that
uphold truth and justice, respect for people's basic rights and boundaries,
consideration for each other's needs, issues and situations... For wisdom is
proved right by its actions, even to our acceptance and care, support and
encouragement of those whom we believe are weaker and under-privileged... For
it is how we act towards the least of us that shows our love and respect for
our God... For how can we claim to believe in His Name whom we cannot perceive
but only imagine, to be called as His people, if we cannot be truthful,
respectful, honest, humble, transparent and accountable with those with whom we
can see and commune with everyday?...
God's great
transformation is in how we understand Him... Are we to believe that the same
God our Savior and the apostles proclaim in the New Testament to show no
favoritism is the same One who espouses intolerance against those who believe
differently and observe age-old culture and traditions separate from the One He
just recently declared to ancient Israel on record?... The thought alone speaks
of spiritual and philosophical deconstruction which any believer lacking in
maturity and wisdom would be shattered by... Yet if we can understand that
sometimes His words get misinterpreted and twisted to suit the pride, greed and
selfishness of some of His so-called messengers, we begin to see behind the
layers of programs, canons, creeds, traditions, observances, holidays and
ordinances that cloud and cover His heart and true message: that He is good,
that His mercy is everyday new and enduring, that He wants us to live the good
life according to His terms (that unburdenly demand humility, respect for
others, honesty, accountability for our lives and the lives of others,
selflessness, generosity, genuine concern and care for the weak among us, and
gratitude for everything life and creation has to offer); then we realize that
this is the same God, proclaiming in words each generation can only understand,
grasp and relate to in their era, but collectively manifesting His great hand
of mercy and compassion, hope and encouragement and joy, leading to persistence
and endurance in the face of trials and tribulations; and if we should choose
and accept, we can believe that we will spend eternity not in torment or in
forgotten unremembered states, but with Him in glory forever...
Respect is the key...
In a time of great troubles and difficulties, in life's everyday challenges,
how we manifest respect of God and others show maturity, wisdom, breeding and a
good education not just from the academe but the great university of life...
Not power-tripping or gaslighting, not demanding entitlements and privileges,
not imposing or demanding recognition and acknowledgement, communicating with
others clearly and honestly, not throwing our weight around, not thinking that
because we think we know better or in a higher career or social position,
everyone beneath us must grovel before us and give in immediately to all our
demands--all show that we have truly learned, that we are truly actualized, and
that we are truly happy and at peace... For when we respect our God, His
commands for us to do right and to respect others, and when we consider the
needs of others and not impose upon them or demand that they give us
immediately what we want, then we do not earn their ire, their derision and
cursing, their hate and resentment... And these truly, if we have the wisdom
and courage, patience and understanding to uphold and live by, make life for us
go well and good...
From where we are, to
seek the Lord with all our hearts and souls... Is to recognize that we need not
work so hard to impress others with our religiosity, nor do so much each day,
each week to show our efforts at trying to appear holy and evangelistic; but to
take heed, to spend our moments in quiet wisdom, to live each day in an attitude
of gratitude, stillness, peace, and in an essence of confidence that our God
fights for us; if we only take heed; if unlike many, we do not let greed, envy,
pride, selfishness, and discontent take over us, and we don't let it compel us
to fill our hours with trivialities and issues that have no lasting and real
value, to the point that love, humility and grace had no more room... May we
understand more deeply, what is our real purpose and capabilities, and learn to
trust where our Creator and Savior is leading us...
When one fails to
learn the lesson of history, one is bound to repeat its mistakes and wrong
judgments... Which may be the reason why Moses reminded the people of what went
through in their journeys... And which is a good reminder for us today too...
May we always keep in mind that stubbornness does not pay, that insisting our
opinions are right in the face of overwhelming logic and facts will only prove
painful and embarrassing in the end... Let us understand and remember the consequences
of our pride and ignorance, and live the rest of our days in humility,
circumspect, wisdom, love and gratitude...
The basics of
equity... Whether it be in the matter of settlements, offending and taking
lives, inheritances and compensations, there is a lot to learn from the ancient
tribes; since truth is enduring, and human emotions and concerns remain
unchanged throughout history... May we always act with justice and fairness,
accountability and mercy, wisdom and grace; so that as we go along in life, as
far as it is within our power, each of us receive and give what is properly due
and right from and toward each other...
Life nomads... The
over-arching goal of my generation and of generations past is to achieve the
dream: having a stable job, owning a home, settling... But it seems harder for
many now due to the realities of the times, hence, for most, challenges and a
call to reordering must be necessarily addressed to survive sane, to thrive, to
go on strongly... And we learn of the same dreams in the life of the
post-Egyptian-captivity Israelites too, albeit at the cost of taking lands
already inhabited by others of a different culture... Yet, as criminal as this
may seem, one must not miss the lesson that until today, we must all,
regardless of nationality and faith, still work hard to establish our
inheritance... But this time, not in physical dwellings, but in the collective
psyche, commerce and civilization of humanity--that of contributing value,
bringing meaning, and providing purpose and direction... Yes, we are life
nomads, though many might be settled and in good places, but none Immortal and
invincible to live forever and stick to old, outdated, less-informed norms,
practices and philosophies... Because only when we move, from the tents of old
ways of doing, to the new one of openness, knowledge and wisdom, can we
perceive and discern all the manifold goodness and graces our Creator has
endowed on those who refuse the inertia of the comfortable and familiar, to one
that is constantly challenging, changing and like His boundless mercies, new...
Our sins will find us out... It
seems unacceptable that the same God whom our Savior said created all and loved
all people, who sent Him for eternal, global salvation, could sanction such
state-sponsored genocide as that done to the Midianites; with such acts as
models of religious persecutions, wars and genocides done throughout history
and until the modern times... Yet the Bible was written by humans, and only God
knows and can judge the wisdom and judgment behind such events... But one thing
for sure though, that Moses' words should be heeded by us today: that in
everything we do, even if we justify it as right and just in the name of
fulfilling our mission to proclaim, evangelize and convert others to our
beliefs and ways of thinking, if done with dishonesty, abuse, oppression and
injustice, is a sin whose effects we reap throughout our generations... Yes,
our motivations, our pride and ignorance, our greed and selfishness will find
us out, giving us no peace, and giving misery and despair not only in our time
but in our children's time too... May every word we say, every deed, every
thought be driven only by our love for Him, and by genuine concern that all of
creation be taken cared of well, and that no soul, regardless of race, age,
gender, beliefs and persuasions be wasted and brought to perdition...
Of offerings, burdens and vows...
One really cannot claim to be a believer and just do it for show, for
ultimately, the fellowship and community will be found out, discerned and
unravel... Likewise, one cannot claim to be good, yet, at every opportunity,
only think of what they want, how to promote themselves and their aims, how to
impress upon others their so-called moral- or spiritual- or clique/group- or
congregational- ascendancy, without considering other people's needs, issues
and situations... May we learn to truly live our faith and conviction; so that
each time, every moment, what we offer to our God be pure and free of selfish
intentions, and what we are that we share to others be free of malice, undue
advantage, injustice and greed...
With all the requirements on
continual burnt offerings, one would think that the Israelite God in the
ancient times did not inform the people on the concept of air pollution and
environmental degradation and depletion... Yet, the Bible being written by men,
could also fall into a few shortcomings for a seeming lack of universal wisdom
in some places, but not enough to diminish its eternal value to change lives
and save souls... However, we must remember that the same Being who did not
want inheritances go to waste by decreeing that daughters in a family of no
sons, and even near kinsmen have equal rights, may be telling us something
else... That in our modern times, sacrifices and a reordering of priorities are
called for in our relationship with Him, with each other, with wealth and
status, and with life itself... That it is only when we truly act with justice
and fairness, with honesty and transparency, with wisdom and love, that our
faith and person truly finds fulfillment--not in tasks and activities, in the
hectic busyness of achieving our goals and dreams... For life must take its
course, and in this journey, it is often not our outward acts and achievements
that matter, but our hearts, motivations and intents, thoughts and attitudes,
and true character that have real weight...
Some would argue in the beginning of
these passages, against a harsh and merciless God, who decreed death on
intermarriage... But one may soberly reflect that the premise here is whoredom,
an ancient word that we come to mean today as premarital sexual relations,
unplanned marriages and even pregnancies, and unions not blessed by the
community and spiritual leadership... Sadly, though far less harsh and silent,
we see the same misery on those who insist on having their own way, marrying
into someone they want so much without considering the person's personality,
attitude and character; in short, people who insist on stubbornly committing
their lifetimes on someone others see and believe are not a good match... Not
to discriminate though, but really, my high school teacher was speaking truth
when she said, our characters in high school stay with us for life; that no
matter how hard we wish for it to be, people will not magically change and
develop ambition to level with our selfish and prideful standards,
assertiveness and wisdom just because they are already married; and that we
must be really careful, and think thousands of times about spending the rest of
our days with somebody else... For like each of the ancient Israelite clans,
our God values each of our lives as precious; and surely, we can believe that
He doesn't want us to spend it in misery and despair for our wrong decisions
and judgments, and our blindness and pride, only to suffer loveless, toxic, abusive
and unfaithful unions... May we learn that we can't be more careful, and we
need to be a million times more careful, when dealing and uniting with another
life, another family, another clan...
God does not lie...
Even if there be some who only think of Him as an abstract concept, yet, for
the many of us who believe, we know and are convinced that God is pure and
holy, that He has truth, and always makes good on His promises... May we always
abide by His ways; so that no matter how miserable life gets, we can perceive
and experience cursing that is turned to blessing, our mournings into dancing,
our sorrow into joy... For wherever His spirit dwells, there lies hope,
courage, faith, love and peace...
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