Priorities in Life

Even if we need to make a living, it's important to remember to make a life first. I listen to Guidelines for Family Living every morning now after I bring my daughter to school. And one profound thought I got recently was that

We are a composite of how other people's lives and how they have touched our life. It is imperative to put Christ at the center because only when we are right with God that we can ever be right with others.

Even then it's difficult but with Christ in us, anything is possible

Be Calm and Know that I am God

I've been quite tense recently. I don't understand it. But I feel so stressed out that I just want to stop working. It's too bad though that bumming around doesn't put food on the table. I do have a family to support & a child to feed, as well as put through school so I guess I have to keep on keep on.

I read one article though from "2 Thoughts for Today." That's a nice Christian subscription that at least reminds me when I'm at work that God is there with me.

The nice thing about this article was how it reminded me of how God comforts His people - "Be calm & know that I am God." It went something like this (not exactly word-for-word like this but to the same effect anyway):

• Feeling frustrated? - Be calm & know that I am God
• Tired? - Be calm & know that I am God
• Angry? - Be calm & know that I am God
• Uncertain? - Be calm & know that I am God

And just like that, I realized how unnecessary it is for me to feel alone because I know that God is with me. I'm so fortunate. Thank you God that You are in control

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God's Tough Love

I went to church this morning and heard the message on God's "tough love." The speaker branched off from how Jesus was highly praised and adored on what we commemorate as "Palm Sunday" to when He was crucified during the "Holy Week" celebration.

She springs from this question, "What made the crowd change their tune in as fast as a week?" That is a rather difficult thing to digest there, having people shout "praise the Lord, Jesus is king" to "crucify him." That is a 180 degree turn.

As she explained it though, in the short span of time between those 2 dates Jesus started to speak of things that people didn't really want to hear:

• He reprimanded those selling and doing business in the temple
• He welcomed sinners (adulterers & tax collectors) as those who may enter heaven
• He told the people to pay their taxes so to speak

These were unexpected for people, they all wanted to hear good things - happy things about heaven and about salvation.

I guess it is rather difficult to hear reprimand and to hear correction. I certainly understand how that feels but I guess if we want to pick up our cross and follow Jesus, these are necessary for us to follow.

I do hope God can give me the strength to abide by His love - though how tough it can be sometimes. What I think though, similar to what Job said - we should accept both good and bad from the Lord

God's Daily Bread May Not Always Be Delicious, But They Are For Our Benefit

Here's a beautiful devotional/ testimony by Max Lucado From: The Great House of God on the lessons of how God provides us our "daily bread."

I hope you can learn as much from it as I have

What a statement of trust! Whatever you want me to have is all I want. Some days the plate runs over. God keeps bringing out more food and we keep loosening our belt. A promotion. A privilege. A friendship. A gift. A lifetime of grace. An eternity of joy. There are times when we literally push ourselves back from the table, amazed at God’s kindness. “You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup fills with blessing” (Psalms 23:5 MSG).




And then there are those days when, well, when we have to eat our broccoli. Our daily bread could be tears or sorrow or discipline. Our portion may include adversity as well as opportunity.

This verse was on my mind last night during family devotions. I called my daughters to the table and set a plate in front of each. In the center of the table I placed a collection of food: some fruit, some raw vegetables and some Oreo cookies. “Every day,” I explained, “God prepares for us a plate of experiences. What kind of plate do you most enjoy?”

The answer was easy. Sara put three cookies on her plate. Some days are like that, aren’t they? Some days are “three cookie days.” Many are not. Sometimes our plate has nothing but vegetables—twenty-four hours of celery, carrots, and squash. Apparently God knows we need some strength, and though the portion may be hard to swallow, isn’t it for our own good? Most days, however, have a bit of it all. Vegetables, which are healthy but dull. Fruit, which tastes better and we enjoy. And even an Oreo, which does little for our nutrition, but a lot for our attitude.

All are important and all are from God.

The next time your plate has more broccoli than apple pie, remember who prepared the meal. And the next time your plate has a portion you find hard to swallow, talk to God about it. Jesus did. In the garden of Gethsemane his Father handed him a cup of suffering so sour, so vile, that Jesus handed it back to heaven. “My Father,” he prayed, “if it is possible may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).

God's Love Shepherds us from Mara to Elim

In the church sermon today, the reference was Deuteronomy 8, where he started with verse 3

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

God led His people, the Israelites out of Egypt and into the desert. There He taught them humility. In the same way this is how He deal with us Christians.

I have endured this lesson as well. I came from a great work-place that offered great pay where I was revered as someone who was sort of an "expert" at what I did. I moved though thinking that I would have better opportunity in another company. This indeed was quite a humbling experience as I realized I was an expert at nothing.

God allows His people to taste the bitter waters of Mara. As we are allowed to learn lessons the hard way because some times this is the only way we can learn them. It's kind of difficult to teach humility by word only but it's a lot easier to absorb it by practice.

After Mara though, God also let's us taste how sweet the waters are after we have learned our lessons. He is also gracious enough to let us enjoy Elim - a land with 12 springs and 70 palm trees. Imagine that within the desert.

We enjoy God's presence in this abundance these days. We are very fortunate. The speaker called on the congregation to appreciate that day by day and to always acknowledge God's hand

Talking about Love

In the last few weeks, speakers at our church have been talking about love. Earlier today the talk was about how love is kind, love is sharing and love is giving. I know it sounds quite simple but it's actually true.



The speaker today emphasized how difficult it is to actually share the gospel outright. Nobody will listen. But people will not turn their heads when they are shown kindness. That is what I think the difficult thing to do. "Living" the Christian way versus just talking about it.

Living the Christian way means being kind, being forgiving, being generous. That's pretty hard considering how difficult it is these days. When God asks us to pray for those who persecute as and love our enemies, it feels like we're tearing our hair out. But I do think it's true that's what it takes to reach out.

I'm not saying I'm any good or any better than anyone else, but I do see the wisdom in that.

Overflowing Joy and Generosity

The speaker in church today was very moving when he shared about the current world crisis. Not only has it affected a lot of businesses, it has affected a lot of people. People have lost jobs, lost businesses, have tight budgets and even have a harder time getting by (not that it wasn't difficult getting by in the first place)

What the speaker tried to drive though was that despite these times of severe trial and poverty, as Christians, we should stand out. How is that? By showing overflowing joy and generosity during these times. Indeed that is difficult. He cited 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 for his talk and it did touch me.

I hope I can live up to that. It's difficult to give when you have nothing to give and it's hard to be joyful in the midst of trial. The key he said was to commit everything to God. When you are holding on to nothing, then you have nothing to lose.

Laws of the Lighthouse ~ more like guidelines for living

I got this one day in my email subscription in "2 thoughts per day" and it really helped me a lot. Here's hoping it might enlighten you too

The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal preferences, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested truths that define the way you should navigate your life. Observe them and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged rocks of reality.

The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the signal of the lighthouse. A wise person does the same.

Herewith, then, are the lights I look for and the signals I heed:

- Love God more than you fear hell.

- Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.

- Make major decisions in a cemetery.

- When no one is watching, live as if someone is.

- Succeed at home first.

- Don't spend tomorrow's money today.

- Pray twice as much as you fret.

- Listen twice as much as you speak.

- Only harbor a grudge when God does.

- Never outgrow your love of sunsets.

- Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.

- 'Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.

- God has forgiven you; you'd be wise to do the same.

- When you can't trace God's hand, trust his heart.

- Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.

- Don't feel guilty for God's goodness.

- The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.

- Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.

- Live your liturgy.

To sum it all up:
Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And only get off the boat when you get home.

New Year's Resolutions?

During my morning devotion today I was greeted by a reading about "resolutions." I found this funny because over the last few days of the year, repeated in television talk shows were "New Year Resolutions" whether it be of the stars or celebrities or what-have-you.

I'm not a big fan of resolutions. Such long term goals don't really appeal to me as much. After having planned my life at a young age and then see all of it go to shite when uncontrollable circumstances changed the very course of my life, I realized... what's the point?

Right now I'll just try to be a better person, resolutions aside. I have resolved to trust in the Lord for strength and sustenance. This is not something I make as a New Year's Resolution. This feels more like a daily struggle.

Maybe my resolution will be to have a daily resolution in the Lord. That sounds right. One thing I'd like to do this year though is read through the Bible with substance. You know, reading AND understand, not just reading for the sake of reading. I hope God gives me the strength and faith and open-mindedness for that.

Happy New Year to all!

Gift Giving Season - Remembering the Giver as well

It's December and everybody knows it's a holiday month. I'm having difficulty just getting up and going to work being in holiday mode. December is also gift-giving season as well. We all love to get gifts. It's a lot harder to give these days though the economy being what it is

Reading "Purpose Driven Life" has helped me a lot in that area, one of the lessons there was about how God gave us gifts so we can share them with others. I have always tried to live my life in this perspective. It's not easy because we all need money and I do think I have yet to give more of what I have and/or more of myself before I can truly say that I have given my fullest, but I try.

One of the things we should remember about the season though is the Giver more than the gifts. God gave us Jesus this Christmas and I think we should always put that at the center of all that we do. In the midst of all the material blessings, let's remember the spiritual blessings as well, particularly the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ.

Jehovah Jireh - God our Provider

Just last week I was rambling about how I had to pay taxes to the tune of fifty thousand pesos. And I'm just about ready to pay that too, slowly of course over the course of the next few months. Saying goodbye to what's left of my measly paycheck.

I was budgeting what was left of my money and trying to distribute them to the different bills I had to pay from the electricity bill to house loan to phone bills and house help. But whatever I did, there just wasn't enough to go around. I had succumbed to the idea that I'll just try to make up for it next month. Being late in paying my bills isn't something I'm pleased about, but I'm even more uncomfortable with borrowing money from other people. By far I think the latter is worse. I decided that in time I will be able to pay for all my bills, late as they may be. Better late than never right?

But just the other day I got a pleasant surprise when in the mail I found a check from Google for my Adsense earnings in the last few months. I had forgotten all about it, but God just had it for me in time to pay the bills for this month. It's enough. That's all I have to say. With the amount that just arrived, it's just the exact amount to add to what's left of my salary to be able to pay for this month's bills.

Indeed God is our Provider. He has never failed me. Thanks Lord

The Lord Giveth, The Lord Taketh Away - Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord

I just found out the other day that I have to pay fifty thousand worth in taxes before the year ends. I was just shocked and aghast and I just cried my eyes out. How in the world will I get that kind of money? Where will I get that kind of money?

And if they took it out of my salary, what would I have left? Never mind that I don't even get paid that kind of amount, but that it's Christmas for crying out loud!

I picked myself up later in the day and prayed. What am I supposed to do? Eventually I realized that God had given me so much I don't have a right to complain.

I remembered Job.

I'm not as good as he was, in fact I'm probably the exact opposite. I thought I was probably being punished for all the wrong I've done instead of just being tested.

Either way I though this is the time for me to just give it back. I wasn't going to think about how much money we're already paying to our corrupt government, but that in faith God will provide. God will see me through this.

The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Purpose Driven Life and My Life

I'm starting to read Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, I've been feeling a little lot recently. Although I still go to church and do my thing. I'm not a bad person but I don't really know what's going on with myself and my life.

I go to church and say my prayers. I do try to be a good person. But this time I just got caught in this mess in the office.

What happened was a friend of mine helped me to get hired here. I owe her a lot, but even she thinks that I got in by my own merits, all she really did was hand over my resume. I still think though that somehow by doing that she let a little of her credibility rubb off on me, and this helped me to get hired.

Right now though the department I'm in, the entire division I'm in, doesn't really like her as a person, whereas I have the highest regard for her. Unfortunately though people talk and in the process such rumors have hurt her.

I got dragged in there just for being part of the team. I felt really down when she got upset. I was really sad that this had to happen. I apologized to her, not because I had any part in those rumors, but because I didn't do anything.

My personality is really to just ignore the unpleasant. That's what I did when I heard what was said about her. I didn't believe a word of it and so I just let it pass out my other ear and withdrew from what I thought was a futile & stupid conversation.

In this case though, non-participation was not enough. The rumors ended up sounding like it came from the group when I did not take part of it. She felt really bad and even said she was disappointed - I figured I was part of the disappointment as well.

I went to her at first not knowing what in the world was going on, just that she was giving me this "I-don't-like-you" vibe and then that was how I found out about the above incidences.

I apologized profusely and even feel bad to this day. I have a feeling I probably couldn't mend her image of me and that's really sad but I do hope she forgives me. For some reason though I pray that the opportunity won't have to rise that I have to defend her, that people will just keep their mouth shut and let her be. It's tough being brave. I do hope God will give me the courage when the time comes.

I think it's all a big misunderstanding. The people I'm with aren't bad people, sometimes gossip just gets twisted as it is passed around.

The Story Of Joseph - Waiting For God's Promise

The speaker in church today spoke of the story of Joseph but in an entirely different perspective. I had always though Joseph (the dreamer) was a very fortunate person, favored by God and man was how he was described in the bible.

Although a bit tragic that his own brothers sold him off to be a slave in Egypt, that must have been difficult.

It's amazing his faith never faltered and so he saw how the Lord's will unfolded in his life. The speaker in church today mentioned that it took 13 years for Joseph's dream to be made real. That dream where the sun, moon and stars bowed down to him.

He had to go through a lot of trial and suffering before he arrived to that place of honor and respect. Along the way he was maltreated and imprisoned and well, just tested by everything that happened in his life.

I can relate because nothing ever came easy for me. It always seemed like whatever I had to do I had to put so much effort in it whereas I saw other people just ease through things in life that I seem to have to work twice as hard at for the same results.

The speaker did mention that we learn best through steps of faith. I'm not sure I agree because it is most difficult but I guess that's how we best assimilate the lessons in life. In the end though it's true what she said about God's will, it doesn't unfold the way we expect them to. But God is faithful and so should we.

Adulteress Faces Condemnation?

In John 8:1-11, I'm sure a lot of you out there have read or at the very least heard about this story. It was about the woman who was brought to Jesus on charges of adultery. The pharisees wanted to trick Jesus by asking Him if they should stone her for her sin. Just so we've got it right, here's the passage again from BibleGateway.com

John 8

1But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

11"No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

Often we see ourselves on the receiving end of this passage, helping us to remember that we should not judge others if we do not want to be judged but the message in church today gave the perspective of the adulteress.

The speaker said, "Wonder how we would feel if we were charged like that in front of all those people? Where would we put our face?" He often brought up those questions. We'd die of shame if we were put in the spotlight like that, I can only imagine she must have felt that way too.

The speaker also mentioned that we wouldn't stand a chance if God kept a record of our wrongs. Specially with God's standards, where our thoughts alone, if sinful are already sins by themselves even if we don't act them out. Now that is difficult

But Jesus shows a love that does not condemn. We are so blessed. Jesus doesn't want us to obey him and to abstain from sin because we're terrified of punishment, Jesus wants us to obey and be sinless because we love Him and are grateful for His forgiveness. I hope to learn that lesson Lord.

Be Still And Know God

I have been in my new office for about 3 weeks now and more than anything else, I have been quite terrified. It's difficult becoming a manger in a place full of experts and people expecting you to be an expert as well. I don't mind the hard work, I'm fairly used to that - I've been working since I was 16. But the thought of being thrown out there with the sharks is just scary.

While in church today I felt this sudden rush when I sang with the rest of the congregation...

When the oceans rise and the thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm

Father, You are king over the flood
I will be still and know You are God.

It was comfort and relief and also immense gratitude and a sense of being "taken care of" just filled me when I sang through those lines that I just cried the rest of the song. Everyone else was calling this God's presence. This is why I attend this particular church. When I used to be a Catholic, I stood with hundreds of other people and I didn't really feel anything and I had to focus really hard to pay attention to what the priest was saying... just to feel the presence of God.

But in this church I sense God is there even as we sing and as we pray. God is not just an abstract concept that people talk about. God can be felt and God can be heard. I'm so grateful for this church and hope and pray that God will always abide there.

It's important to go to church every now and then. God gives us this opportunity to recharge ourselves and remember that He is around. Life is really difficult sometimes but as the speaker said this morning, God does not want to make our lives miserable. More often than not, we make our lives miserable. God just hopes that we learn from them and that we remember that at all times, His gracious hand is there to guide us.

Although I do pray and have morning devotion on a daily basis, the collective blessing felt in the church is quite powerful and I will never take that for granted.

What Kind Of Church Do You Want To Go To?

The message this morning was simple and very direct to the point. The sermon in church today centered around how there are 2 kinds of churches:

1. A church that only asks for the forgiveness of God, but does not really seek a relationship with God. Stemming from Isaiah 4:1 (mentioned below) -
   
   
   1 In that day seven women
   will take hold of one man
   and say, "We will eat our own food
   and provide our own clothes;
   only let us be called by your name.
   Take away our disgrace!"
   
   This church does not really love the Lord, this church is of a people that just wants the name "Christian" for God to take away disgrace. A church that doesn't really care about the Lord, of following the Lord's commands or wanting the Lord's provision. This is not a true relationship with God.
   
   The sad truth is that many churches these days and many personalities just want a church that preaches what they want to hear. Nothing of striving for perfection or being holy like the Lord but just that God is there to forgive our sins. Although the latter part be true, we should also strive to do what God wants us to do.
   
   
2. The 2nd church wants to glorify God and make a meaningful relationship.

The speaker really connected with me because sometimes I fall into the trap as well. We all want to be forgiven for our sins like the people who seeks the first church. But God's forgiveness isn't the end of our relationship with God.

A friend of mine once said what's to stop me from shooting anybody after I become a Christian? God will forgive me anyway. Now I had a difficult time arguing that fact at first, but I did manage to say that if forgiveness is the only thing God requires of us then we are quite pitiful.

As it is, we are already quite blessed that God is willing to forgive us and is just waiting for us to ask for forgiveness, but that forgiveness doesn't give us the right to abuse the Lord. It more than anything else, should bind us with God.

The path of Christianity is to have intimacy with God in such a way that we aim to please God and love God. I know it's not easy, sometimes I treat God like the ATM, just asking for one thing after another and then begging for forgiveness when I make mistakes.

When we have a relationship with the Lord, we should let Him be the Lord of our lives. That's the only way for the relationship to work. We should love the Lord and obey Him. Not just make him a laundry person to cleanse us when we make mistakes.

A Rather Dark And Horrid Bible Story

Most of the bible stories I've read are mostly very wholesome and just filled with moral lessons, as should be as the bible is the book of God. Just today though a very sad chapter was discussed in church this morning. This chapter was Judges 19. Here it is word for word from Bible Gateway

Judges 19
1And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah.

2And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father's house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months.

3And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

4And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.

5And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way.

6And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry.

7And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again.

8And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart; and the damsel's father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tarried until afternoon, and they did eat both of them.

9And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.

10But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two asses saddled, his concubine also was with him.

11And when they were by Jebus, the day was far spent; and the servant said unto his master, Come, I pray thee, and let us turn in into this city of the Jebusites, and lodge in it.

12And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah.

13And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah.

14And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin.

15And they turned aside thither, to go in and to lodge in Gibeah: and when he went in, he sat him down in a street of the city: for there was no man that took them into his house to lodging.

16And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites.

17And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?

18And he said unto him, We are passing from Bethlehemjudah toward the side of mount Ephraim; from thence am I: and I went to Bethlehemjudah, but I am now going to the house of the LORD; and there is no man that receiveth me to house.

19Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing.

20And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.

21So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.

22Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.

23And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly.

24Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing.

25But the men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine, and brought her forth unto them; and they knew her, and abused her all the night until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go.

26Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man's house where her lord was, till it was light.

27And her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way: and, behold, the woman his concubine was fallen down at the door of the house, and her hands were upon the threshold.

28And he said unto her, Up, and let us be going. But none answered. Then the man took her up upon an ass, and the man rose up, and gat him unto his place.

29And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel.

30And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds.

Sad and tragic as this story may be, the speaker this morning reiterated that our era is not so different from the time this story was told. Everyone is living a life where we try to live by our own standards of what is good. I know God's way is a lot more difficult with a lot stricter standards, but we've got to try.

A couple of the key points of his sermon were that people should be more spiritually discerning and that we should be spiritually feeling. We should be able to know and feel when we are in God's presence and we should be able to know and feel when we sin.

If we are numb to these things then we will end up like the Levite who sacrifices his concubine, the very reason for his being in the predicament just to save himself. It's quite tragic. I felt most sorry for the concubine and the virgin daughter that the men were so easy to give away for the perverts' consumption. It hurts as a woman.

But more important to this story I guess is that now is the best time to commune with God and to seek His guidance. To be spiritually feeling and discerning. God is a good God and He wants to lead us, if we will just let Him.

Where God Leads, He Provides

I've been facing difficult times recently, not because of sickness or poverty, but because I felt I was lacking in direction.

I ended up quitting my high-paying job for another one. I was quite confused at first because I was praying to hard to the Lord to "take me out of the dark" so to speak. My job and my employer were becoming more and more difficult it was so stressful just to go to work and even more difficult to get the job done. I usually felt to exhausted when I get home even if I had only worked 8 hours or so.

I started working there for only 9,000 pesos a month, and eventually rose the ranks to make more than 100,000 pesos per month. Not bad if I do say so myself, but this was not because of anything I have done but because God has provided me with this growth opportunity at every step. I never dreamed I'd become a manager, I'd never really dreamed of earning that much money anywhere.

However as I continued on, very grateful. It became so difficult to be a good person in the high-paying position I was in, day-in and day-out I felt I had to be part bitch just to get things done in the way that I thought was effective and efficient.

And so I began rethinking if this was still the place I wanted to be in. I did make a conscious effort at being nice and being as Christ-like as I could possibly muster. It would drain me everyday to make that effort. Becoming frustrated and stressed out seemed like it was part of the daily routine. I didn't want that

I prayed for a different opportunity from the Lord and He was so kind, so full of kindness that He gave me 2 of them. Two great companies and 2 great offers. Both offered relatively less in terms of monetary compensation but enough growth opportunities to make me think I was getting a better deal if I moved.

But then I was left at the fork on the road last week because here they were 2 offers that were pretty good. And then I thought, Lord which one do you want me to take? I prayed a lot. Asked advice from many friends and family members. I even went to church when it was deserted thinking I could probably hear God more clearer in church than I would at home or at work.

I asked over and over again, and this was what the Lord answered me

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -- Romans 8:28

I felt at that point that God was leading me so it was fine. In the end with God's leading, I chose the job offer with an even lesser monetary compensation, under the premise that God will provide. Although the better-paying offer had me traveling, it also meant I would work on Saturdays which would eat up my family time.

This job would give me an opportunity to be with my daughter more while still being able to go to church on a routine basis. And in this way of putting my God and my family first, I hope that God will guide me in each and every step. And that His purpose will be fulfilled in me.

Waiting For God's Timing

It can be so difficult to wait on the Lord. I know that He has His way that has been prepared for me and I'm so excited to take it that I can't help but feel downcast sometimes. Sometimes I think maybe the Lord changed His mind and wasn't going to give it to me after all. Although I still pray for faith that He will provide and that I will be patient enough to wait for His perfect timing.

And then all of a sudden in my morning devotion earlier today, this is the verse I get

For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay.
Habakuk 2:3

Praise the Lord. I continue to pray for patience I continue to wait for Your perfect timing Lord.