Rejoice

I thank God for Family . . .

. . . for Relatives . . .

. . . for Friends . . .

. . . for a Community . . .

. . . for moments to rejoice!

All glory and praise to you, Lord.

Obedience

We're back to meditating on a word. The word? Obedience. This is a big, difficult word.

Some learnings I gathered:

(1) Before even going to the act of obeying, there should be the existence of rules and persons to obey - commands, authorities.
(2) The ten commandments. Come to think of it, I was never really consciously obeying them. I am more aware of just obeying school and company rules, doing what my parents and teachers ask me to do for as long as we do not break any major rule. Realization? It's practice then. If I can obey men, then I can obey God.
(3) To comply, I must know the what, the where, the when, and the how. Take "crossing the street" as an example. You must know where the pedestrian lane is, when to cross, what the traffic lights mean, etc. or else you can be run over by crazy drivers.

In the case of obeying God, it does not pertain to just mere compliance with the laws or the 10 commandments, but on top of such, it is willingly saying "Yes" to His plan for you.

Have you discovered God's plan for you?.

Abraham about to offer his only son to God, photo taken at Kamay ni Hesus, Quezon

I can never forget what my former boss, one of the top brass of the multinational company I used to work for, told me: "If we are to sum-up our religion and faith in just one word, then it would be OBEDIENCE".

Encouraging Words

A friend of mine shared this through e-mail. Worth knowing . . .

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )
You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Photo of the statue of Noah (a man of true faith) in the ark, at Kamay ni Hesus in Quezon.

Help From Above

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
John 14:26

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide you with my eye.
Psalm 32:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5

He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength.
Isaiah 40:29

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that give to all men liberally, and upbraid not; and it shall be given him.
James 1:5