NEW BEGINNINGS, February 1-28, 2023
Keeping at it... Repetitive tasks are boring, yet, doggedly doing things for all time has its rewards too: it's what keeps civilization going... Like the story today, with proper reward, animals can be taught to do tasks like humans, and can faithfully do it too... But one video online was posted, where the blogger said, what if, in the robots programmed to do the same, yet bullied and mistreated, they get back at their abuser and take revenge... That would be a nightmare... And so we learn that if even animals and inanimate things need proper care and encouragement, how much more so an ordinary worker, a lowly person... And so we realize that in order to keep doing our life's purpose, to fulfill our human mandate, we need to work well with others, regardless of their faith and belief, personality and persuasion, in an atmosphere where we respect each other, none abusive and oppressive to each, but in respect and love...
On the right side of history... They say
history is written by the victors, no matter if winning is achieved with force,
brutality and violence... Yet, it is often those who work behind the scenes,
those who help despite being unacknowledged, those who are kind to the most
despised and underprivileged even if unknown and judged to be less than or
unqualified, and who bring comfort and hope to others even if perceived to be
weak and slow, that drive life and civilization forward... In our story, while
we admire Peter for the miracle and praise God for it, the narrator showed us
that we celebrate the life of Tabitha / Dorcas more, who, because her life was
a great help and comfort to others, faith brethren or not but especially the
poor and needy, that even at death's door, life was given back... And so we
believe that each kind act, each understanding and humble word we may do for
the rest of our days, will not be wasted, but will become one more nail of hope
towards our solid confidence and faith that our God will see us through, and
will always be ready with His greater blessings yet...
Signs and wonders... Growing up and
knowing still less about life, I used to be big on this; but learning more, I
realized that the signs we have always been waiting for at life's turning
points have always been there: that with humility and discernment, we learn
that if things go against what's proper, noble, true, just, fair and right,
then it isn't meant to be; that is, if things cause us to have lesser respect
of ourselves and others, if it causes us to ruin and destroy others' lives,
confidence and esteem, the environment and the future, even with great pay or
remuneration, even with an increase in status and position, it is not worth
pursuing... May we go through the rest of our lives in humility and wisdom, in
living a life free from the burdens of materialism, pride and the vain pursuit
of fame and glory, but to dedicate each day to making life better for all, with
eternity and the kingdom our motivator and goal...
Walking and talking.... It's good to
never get tired of sharing our faith, conviction and source of hope, but it's
better to walk it everyday... When one takes long walks or hikes, at the onset,
one feels discomfort and pain, but the overall effect is good health and a good
feeling... And so it is like when one lives their faith and conviction, the
ones that bring life and light, hope and joy; more than making the believer
becoming stronger, wiser and more spiritually and emotionally mature
themselves, such true testimony encourages and inspires others too...
Troubling heaven... An old poem once
expressed the poet's anguish, that his prayers were unanswered as he
"troubles deaf heaven with his bootless cries"... But a life of
living, seeing, hearing ourselves and others have shown us that indeed heaven
is not deaf; and our prayers, no matter how mundane, lowly, basic and bootless
are always given a resolution; even if at times not what we asked for, but
really, we have been granted whatever it is that we need to learn and go on...
And so we thank our God and have this hope and confidence, that His heavenly
realm and host hears and cares; and if we but humble ourselves, not flatter Him
with words of empty praise and platitude, live simply, honestly, fairly and
with grace and mercy towards others, not imposing ourselves nor abusing and
oppressing others to promote ourselves and to accumulate more materially, He is
attentive to our cries, and gives us strength to go on our way...
Desalinated...
Is how our local water system provider described their efforts to acquire more
water source for many parts of the metropolis, since freshwater sources are
severely limited... The former salty water has supposedly become fit for human
consumption after much filtering, but as personally observed, not entirely
potable to sensitive stomachs, hence, the need and the boom of the purified
water industry on one hand to feed the growing demand for drinking, life-giving
water... Indeed, our story mirrors this all too well: here is a woman greatly
misunderstood as having had many husbands and being adulterous, which bible
scholars say was not actually how it was worded in the original scripture; for,
per Samaritan tradition, it might be that as one widowed and abandoned multiple
times and lacking in economic means, she might not actually be having a sexual
relationship with the man she was currently living, but there as one
financially and socially supported by a brother or a male kin, like in the
story of Ruth and Boaz initially... But the whole story showed us that our God
and Savior does not show favoritism, going beyond His local Jewish congregation
to reach out to neighbors and the world beyond... And so should we mirror our
faith and how we live it too... As leadership and coaching experts say, let us
go beyond our comfort zone, beyond the people and situations we are familiar
with... There are a lot more people out in the big wide world who need our
attention, our friendship, our care; and if we are to be faithful stewards and
witnesses of the faith we profess, more than our friends and little ministries
in our local church, it is this mass of weary, confused, sad and disoriented
humanity that we must shine our light and share the love of God with, without
prejudice, stripped bare of our limited knowledge of people and life, and set
free of our ignorance and pride...
The more
one talks about it, the lesser there is of it... Humility that is... And so our
message speaks for itself; that if we say we believe and worship the same God
and Savior, who in humility and simplicity lived like one of the least
privileged and most inconvenienced yet most generous among us, so too must we
likewise emulate such a life--in humility, service, generosity and magnanimity,
simplicity, contentment, joy and obedience... May God give us the grace and
wisdom to do so...
The first
and the last... We learn in biology class that the first organ that forms after
a baby is conceived is the heart, and in medical shows it seems that the last
organ that lets go of any sign of life is also the heart... Indeed, in between
the first heartbeat and the last beep, there is life and living, where we make
our daily and lifelong choices, where we are led by our urges and wishes, where
we are inspired and driven by our hopes and dreams... May we examine the things
that we hold in our hearts, the things we are passionate about, the people we
care for; that in these and for these we might manifest our God's goodness and
love, His wisdom and patience, good judgment, honesty, responsibility and
accountability, health and healing, restoration and nourishment, joy and
peace...
"Nothing
to lose", the basic English translation for some friends and neighbors
when asked why they still observe some superstitions and traditions... But like
our story and text today, the realities of daily life should remind us that
what is more important are wisdom and love: if we love our God, we choose to
listen to His words, be humble and refrain from saying and doing things that
hurt us and others; if we love ourselves and others, we choose to take care of
our bodies and minds well, help and support those in need, that we might bring
peace and share His joy and goodness to all... For, traditions may persist
across generations as we seek to honor our ancestors, but wisdom and love
should compel our every motivation and action now and for the rest of our
days...
Excessive
and verbalized humility is pride; just as talking about your own spiritual
revival, achievements and milestones in front of an adoring crowd is not
testimony but a stand-up performance... For revival comes from a humble heart,
manifested in how we treat others whom we can see, hear and touch, as a
reflection that indeed, we have allowed the Spirit of our God to come dwell in
us, and ignite our faith, our passion for life, and our love for the rest of
humanity, faith-and-belief brethren or not... May there be no programmed or
scheduled, advertised or orchestrated revivals in our lives, but a daily one,
an everyday outpouring of His love, grace and mercy to us, and to all we come
to touch in our journey...
Of prayer
cards and goal cards... The things and people we care for, are usually and
naturally the ones we pray for... And feeling a little guilty when people ask
me why I'm still single until now (which is not unusual since every generation
in my maternal side of the family has one), I blurt out a lot of different
reasons other than the very simple and honest one that it really was not in the
goal card I made when I was in high school, after attending a church youth
camp... Still, life hands us out difficult experiences and challenges that try
to discourage us, makes us doubt if we can achieve our goals or receive the
answers to our prayers, and causes us to meet and know people who often brings
us to a point where we start to doubt the goodness and sanity of humanity; but
our God gives us grace in such a way that when we pray, all our hardships and
discouragement pale in comparison to His blessings, and in the companionship of
the people who are worthy of and with whom we too are honored to spend our time
and affection... And we realize that what we prayed for, guided by goal cards,
prayer cards and whatnot, are slowly yet steadily and fully being granted... As
we go through the rest of our days, may we always remember our God's goodness,
be humble and honest yet childlike in the things we pray and ask for, and
believe and be confident that He hears and answers...
When we strive for
control, we lose it... In whatever situation, whether at work and play, in
careers and relationships, none of our best efforts could ever bring us to that
desired point that everything will follow and fall in place as we wish; for
life, being itself, is always greater, and more so, the One who gave it beyond
understanding... Control is playing God; but living our days always follow His
will; so that we could not even come near Him in wisdom, in making fool-proof
and fail-safe plans, in influencing and changing people's minds, in imposing
our beliefs and convictions on others... Only our God has moral capital over us
all; and the more we humble ourselves and submit to His command to do our best
to be good and honest with our fellowman, not to abuse their kindness and
graciousness, not to step all over them and take advantage of them to promote
our own wants and desires, and to respect their rights, boundaries, persons and
principles, the better and more peaceful life can be...
No
blackouts... With our God and Savior, that is... For He is good to all,
regardless of whom, even to some who do not acknowledge His presence and
authority, and even to some who only pay lip service and act their faith for
show, or do their convictions only to impress... And so may we too not turn off
or dim His light in our lives; to resolve and strive to live the rest of our
days in honesty and transparency, diligently, consistently, faithfully; that
with His Spirit in us, for ourselves and for others, there may be no blackouts
in our character...
True
faith manifests in social justice, in treating every person right and fairly,
in recognizing each individual's rights and dignity, regardless of nationality,
age, gender, beliefs and preferences, backgrounds and abilities... And true
Christianity is best displayed in action, in respecting others as fellow
creatures made in the image of our Maker, and not harshly commanding,
enslaving, abusing, oppressing, taking advantage of, or disregarding them when
we feel inconvenienced or have to face truths and realities we feel inadequate
or ill-equipped for... And that is also where love comes to play, for love
compels us to be patient even with those whom we do not know, or in partially
knowing or not understanding, are uncomfortable, embarrassed or awkward with...
True love leads to justice, and justice is the fruit of treating our God and
other people in truth and right...
Loving
life, loving the Giver of life... Whether we are in a relationship or blessed
to be single, free and independent for life, love is true when we direct it to
the proper party: the Giver Himself, the One who is love, and the life He has
given, more than any of our temporal, fleshly desires and wants... For love
genuinely bears fruit as we express gratitude for each morning that we are
given a chance to wake up and go about our day, for it is His love and mercy
that sustains us each morning, and it is love that gives us the peace and grace
to lie down in rest at night... May we therefore always discern the love and
light that envelopes us each moment, that the love we express to others may
likewise be full of life, hope, joy and peace...
For the
many of us who believe and as even what behavioral studies say, regardless of
what religion or denomination we belong, our prayers and appeals to a Higher
Being or God or a Divine Presence, have saved our sanities amidst life's many
confusions, challenges and tribulations... It is counter-culture, it seems
foolish and crazy, since such faith often defy logic; but trying to rise above
what overwhelms us each moment, and believing that there is a higher purpose to
our existence, and that we are called to triumph over our troubles, wisdom over
our inner wars, and peace over our pain, is what actually makes life more
meaningful and worth living for... May we continue to discern the good, the
purpose, the meaning of such in our every day...
Often,
the most wordy among us, myself included, are doing so because we want to
convince others to accept and believe the same things we do... Yet, because we
don't hold moral capital over others, even towards our family and loved ones,
we can only show them a good example, earn our respect, and maybe wait for them
to give us the time of day, to examine and consider what we say... And so, much
like the ancient disciple who said that all books are not enough to tell about
our God and Savior, so too until today, no sermon, writing, motivational and
self-help text can convince people about our faith and conviction more than our
very behaviors, our words often carelessly and thoughtlessly said, our
characters and choices often devoid of wisdom on most occasions... May we learn
to build our lives showing that we have truly been saved, that we are
worshipping a living God who has inspired us to do good, to act with justice
and mercy to all, regardless of what they look like and believe in, regardless
of their status and capabilities... For that is a true witness and disciple,
the clearest reflection and image of the Son of God, the God of love,
understanding, patience and wisdom...
Thankfulness
or gratitude is kin to humility and respect... If we believe we are in the
right, what we believe in is good, and the things we hold on to are true and
noble, there should be no room for pride, self-righteousness, abuse and
oppression, hurt and domination of others, envy and materialism... For the God
we know has given us unmerited favor each day, and His son has granted us a way
to salvation and eternal life... We do not impose our beliefs and convictions
on others, because we are confident that each of us are given grace and a
chance to live better; we do not have selfish motives and malicious intent
because we know that other people, no matter how different, are also made in
our Maker's image, capable and worthy of love and respect, each just trying to
do good and survive; and we can afford them that much respect and kindness,
because we understand our faith, we know intimately whom we worship, we have
learned life's lessons, we are aware of our principles and the world's present
predicaments, tumultuous history and better future... We know, therefore, we
can be like what our Savior wants us to be, and with hope and faith, towards
the rest of our journey we can peacefully and confidently go...
The universal prayer... At the heart of every sane person is the
desire to be safe and secure, in body and spirit, in mind and soul, in relation
and livelihood, in the present concerns and in the future... But life's
uncertainties and challenges are such that these goals are often elusive...
However, only when we realize and acknowledge our Maker and purpose in
life--that we were created in the image of our God, and that He desires our
communion and to be a reflection to a confused and hurting humanity--can our
actions and motivations be truly full of love and grace, and able to bring hope
and healing to all... May our faith and conviction not only be in words, but
with wisdom and understanding, be full of respect for other's rights and
boundaries, while reaching out to help and support those in need as much as our
resources and time allow... For our final reckoning is not how many people we
have actually talked to and shared our faith and principles, but as a good and
faithful servant--one who has served in actions, one who has brought comfort
and hope to those whom God sends our way...
Jesus in
our ads... An online writer commented about a certain commercial shown during
break of a secular game, that showed refugees, and how Jesus, because He too
was like them in His physical and earthly childhood, "gets them"...
Indeed, it makes us think... Yes, Jesus Christ indeed has been one of the most
polarizing beings, which a third of the major religions couldn't even agree on
how to follow, canonically and traditionally; but almost everyone can't deny
His impact on History and many people's lives, on how world events were shaped
by how people espouse and manifest their belief in Him and their resultant
behavior... But to see Him on commercials, like a commodity, makes one question
if our lives, who say we believe in Him, are not enough as living testimonies
of who He is... If we have to see Jesus advertised on a billboard, a marquee,
or a half-time show, does this mean He cannot be seen in how we live, or that
we have not been faithful messengers of His gospel through our actions?... If
we have to use paid-for commercials that only generate profits for the media
operator, does this mean that the fruits and profits of God's Holy Spirit cannot
be viewed in our lives?... May it not be so, and may it be that instead of
verbally spouting our faith and conviction, our Savior's work can truly be seen
in our lives: that have been saved and destined for eternal glory, that brings
grace, peace and love to all...
Our actions should
match our words... Our story today is sadly common to many; how, it is quite
easy to go on self-righteous mode by thinking that even if we have a rift with
others, at least we believe our God has forgiven us and is good to us... It
misses the one most important point: how we have failed to obey the command to
love others as our God loved us, by allowing conflict, resentment and offense
to breed, not owning up to our mistakes, by thinking we are already good and
don't need to change our words and behavior... Yes, people may disregard, abuse
or hurt us, but living humbly, honestly, fairly and with integrity, with
respect, especially of ideas and boundaries, beats a false sense of confidence
from self-righteousness... For our faith and person are not measured by our
words, but in our actions, especially in how we have shown that the God we
serve is our Father, when we heed His word to bring peace, love, justice,
wisdom and goodness to all, regardless of who they are, or whatever may be
their beliefs, persuasions, and affiliations...
Never too
far gone... Many of us often just think within our spheres, feeling confident
within our little comfort zones, not caring about other people's issues and
concerns if it wouldn't benefit us, because even in our relationships and
dealing with others, we have been too commercialized and materialistic,
thinking that our lives are all about us... What would have happened if our God
and Shepherd were like that, not caring that one sheep got lost, because
anyway, He still has 99... But thankfully, He showed us that each one matters
and has precious value, especially the lowly and forgotten, those who have been
neglected, unseen, and fallen through the gaps in life, no matter if they have
grown weak and weary, or simply disillusioned... May we draw confidence and
strength in this, that even if the world forgets about us, or disregards us for
not giving them what they want and what pleases and benefits their selfish
ends, our God still cares for us deeply, and will always be with us, whether we
be alone in life's trenches, or in the company of those He generously and
lovingly sends our way...
Greed
breeds loneliness... In our stories today, both men are thrust in situations
where they were alone, seemingly abandoned and friendless, yet in fact, are
selflessly fulfilling something grand for their families and humanity, though
largely forgotten and uncredited... And that is what makes them at peace even
in solitude, primarily too because of confidence that God is there, our
ultimate companion and guide... Unlike a person full of greed and selfishness,
who can never trust the next person, who always fears for their life and
wealth, who always thinks that somebody or something is out to get them or is
out to take advantage of them, who is always filled with a guilty conscience,
may we learn to spend the rest of our days in humility and generosity; for open
hands and hearts truly connect us with one another in love, gives us peace and
joy, and is the fulfillment of our true purpose...
Peace,
unbounded by resource, space and time... One can do their best to accumulate
much wealth, fame, status and honor; but that only shows how desperate and poor
a person truly is, not only psychologically, emotionally, intellectually, but
more so spiritually... For true wealth is peace, especially in the here and
now, in however dire the situation, in whatever time and wherever; and
confidence, in the awareness that our souls are totally secured beyond this
life, that our physical needs amply and more than sufficiently provided for...
If such thought is beyond comprehension, that is its whole purpose; for
something so eternally grand is not to be understood by our human metrics that
are often clouded by prejudice and bias, by our pride and greed, but could only
be appreciated by a life of humility and thankfulness, truth and justice,
fairness, honesty, joy and love...
It's
cliché, but still worth repeating... That our God has a good plan for each of
us, if we don't lose hope and hold on in faith... Like Naomi whose life had
turned upside down, yet, with wisdom and a bit of maneuvering that is
nonetheless legal and ethical, however out of the box, there is hope for us
amidst our difficulties and defeats, there is a good future even amidst our
present darkness and pain... A glorious story yet awaits to unfold for us
according to His will, and may that give us hope and strength for the rest of
our journey...
While
familiarity breeds contempt, it is always good to get to know people a little
bit more, regardless of who they are and where they're from; it teaches us
about life on earth, about culture and current events, personalities and
perspectives, about how common life's challenges and struggles are to every
one; and with that knowledge, we will better be able to treat others with
respect, with healthy boundaries, with honesty, generosity, understanding and
love... Our time should not just be consumed with fellowship of friends,
colleagues and our little congregations and communities; but like what our God
and Savior reminded us, to converse, accommodate and relate with strangers,
albeit at a safe and understanding distance, not too close for comfort, neither
too far for love... For that is true faith in action: a willingness to open our
hearts and hands, our minds and souls not only to the people in our limited
spheres of influence, but most especially to the greater mass of hurting,
struggling, bewildered and needy humanity...
A famous
quote said that "effective teachers don't cover a curriculum; they uncover
it"... So it goes in life... Our Great Rabbi and Savior did not stop
teaching two thousand years ago, but even now, amidst a world of chaos and
confusion, misunderstanding, hatred and war, hardship and trouble, in times of
want and deprivation, still He uncovers life's great lessons for us, and shows
us ways how to become more like Him each day: how to care for the needs of
others and for the greater good more than our own, how to overcome our bias and
prejudice; that we might become true and living testimonies of His salvation
and goodness, of His generosity and love for all, irrespective of race, age,
gender, belief and persuasion, past misdeeds and even current failures... May
we be proven true and faithful with the knowledge and wisdom, the light and love
He has granted...
Blessed
are the marginalized... For sadly, in our world today that highly promotes self
above others, that only considers the material as a measure of success more
than character, that puts a premium on fame, power and authority, and having a
good time more than making life better for all, far too many fall in between
the gaps... And that is where grace and true blessing comes... For even as
people are abused, oppressed, deprived and taken advantage of; even as we mourn
our losses and grieve over our misses, we know that our Savior hears our
cries... May we be found faithful and true, may we spend our days in kindness
and understanding, in hope and faith and love...
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