Seeds of Faith: Recent Episodes
Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
With the Delta variant of Covid, let us be comforted that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega.
As the pandemic continues, let us take care of our bodies. What can we learn from Jesus about taking care of our bodies?
What does the Bible say about the death of the believers? What about the legacy that they left behind?
One of the many messages of Christmas is that God is Immanuel -- God is with us in any situation of our lives.
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior this Christmas season, let us remember that Jesus is our hope!
If we prepare ourselves for any calamities, then we have be even more prepared for eternity.
On October 31, 2017, the Protestant Reformation celebrated its 500 years. What is the significance of this event in doing mission?
We should the way Jesus Christ loves us, and that is to love without boundaries and conditions.
When you love somebody it involves commitment. Jesus too asks for our commitment. Committing our lives to Jesus is costly. This is what Jesus said to the people who desired to follow him:
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters— yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple... Anyone who does not give up everything cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25-33
With what is happening around us right now, especially with the coronavirus pandemic, we should remember to live a healthy lifestyle.
YOLO is a popular hashtag in the Internet. The meaning of this hashtag is “You Only Live Once.” You can usually see this hashtag on those who tried something new, and out of their comfort zone. The hashtag is of course self-explanatory. Each one us has one life to live. Some would try something adventurous, exotic and even dangerous. Some would try everything, be it illegal or immoral, because #YOLO.
What about Christians? Paul teaches us a life principle in Philippians 1:21. It says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” This is indeed a principle or an outlook that we should live out every day.
Depression is real. According to the World Health Organization in its 2017 statistics, more than 300 million people are battling depression, and 3.29 million of them are Filipinos. Depression is a leading cause of suicide. The records of the National Statistics Office show that the suicide rate in the Philippines is 2.5 for men and 1.7 for women per 100,000 population.
The Bible teaches us to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Other English Bible translations say, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” This means that we ought to love ourselves also. Furthermore, this presupposes that we cannot fully love our neighbors if we do not love ourselves.
The book of Jeremiah was written during a time when Judah had a chance to repent. Jeremiah wrote it between 630 to 580 BC. His main purpose was to convey God's warning that if Judah will not turn away from its wicked ways, it will be destroyed.
Jeremiah was called a weeping prophet because he would cry his heart out just to convince the people to repent.
They did not accept the message of God, and because of that, they fell into destruction and captivity by the forces of Babylon.
So we read Jeremiah 17:5 to 8 with the help of history. We already know that the people of Judah did not listen to Prophet Jeremiah.
So what the prophet wrote here, the people did not follow. So this is the same with us, as proven in history, that if we do not follow what God says, it will also result in our downfall.
Let us learn from history so that we will not repeat what the people of Judah did.
What is the warning of Jeremiah to us? What is the instruction that he wants us to do?
First, Jeremiah warns us not to trust in human strength only.
Jeremiah wrote that those who put their trust in humans only will be cursed. This does not mean that we should not trust each other anymore. What Jeremiah meant is not to trust in people whose hearts have turned away from God. These people are those who say that there is no God, and we should just rely on ourselves.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that we are helpless without God. Even powerful governments all over the world are still scrambling on what to do. In our country, we can still see a lot of politicking and bickerings.
Jeremiah wrote a graphic description of people who trust in themselves only -- "They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives."
If we put our trust in ourselves, then we are bound to fail. That is what happened to Judah, and will continue to happen to those who rely on themselves only.
Second, Jeremiah is pleading us to trust in the Lord.
Yes, we need to put our complete confidence in God. It took about 70 years during exile when the Jews were able to return to their homeland.
They were stubborn and their captivity was the event that opened their eyes. Hopefully, the pandemic will open our eyes too!
Jeremiah describes a person whose trust is in the Lord -- "They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
Now, it is up to us to choose. Should we rely on ourselves only? Or Should we put our complete trust in God?
May God bless us all! Amen!
The Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake in the world. It is also called Kinneret or Kinnereth, Lake of Gennesaret, or Lake Tiberias in the Gospels. It is approximately 53km in circumference and has been utilized from Biblical times up to now as a major source of tap water, agriculture, and fishing.
In the Gospels, there are many stories that happened in the Sea of Galilee or in its seashore. This is the setting of Luke 8:22 to 25 during the boat ride of Jesus and his disciples.
The lake has squalls or storms. This is because it is surrounded by mountains that act as a funnel of the wind. And squalls could come anytime.
When we were there in 2018, we had to transfer to another port because of a squall.
The squall that came without warning during that boat ride can teach us the following lessons:
First, Jesus will always be there for us.
Jesus is our ever-present help in times of need. He will always be there to assure us that He will calm the storm when we ask for His help.
Second, Jesus should always be our first recourse rather than our last resort.
In the story, Jesus was sleeping while there was a storm. The disciples, most of them fishermen, couldn’t do anything to steady the boat. The boat during their time is not as well-built as the small fishing boats now with outriggers.
When the disciples realized that they cannot do anything anymore, they asked for Jesus' help. This teaches that we need to come to Jesus first and not try our own solutions that will eventually fail.
Third, when Jesus asks us "where is your faith?", we have to be ready to answer it.
The disciples were questioned by Jesus about their faith. They were not able to answer it because they were afraid to say that they had none during that time. Well, it is okay if you have no faith in Jesus now. But like what happened in the Gospels and the book of Acts, the faith of the disciples eventually grew. We hope that this would be the same with us.
May we grow in our faith in Jesus as we go through the "storm" of COVID-19!
With the different quarantine orders all over the world, people are resorting to a lot of things to occupy the mind. Some are reading, some are into binge-watching, some are gardening, some are browsing the Internet and social media, some are taking pictures and videos.
Indeed, aside from the deadly threat of COVID-19, another threat is on maintaining sanity. There are various responses in different countries, some have efficient government services, and some are still apathetic. But slowly, fear has crept in. Fear has the ability to cripple us.
In Psalm 13, King David wrote some very sorrowful words. What can we learn from this psalm that could help maintain our sanity in these trying times?
First, it is okay to vent our disappointments or anger towards God.
We have this notion that we cannot express what we truly feel towards God. We keep telling ourselves not to question God.
But David, in this psalm and in many of his psalms, is teaching us that God can accept whatever we vent out. Venting what is in our minds and in our hearts will help us maintain our sanity.
David wrote what he felt. It was a great release for him to write down these complaints - "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?"
In these difficult times, Psalm 13 is encouraging us to vent what we feel towards God. Try it. It is liberating.
Second, we must hold on to God's unfailing love for this will surely come to pass.
David was able to hold on to God because of what happened in the past. History was on the side of God. In spite of what was happening in the life of David during the time that he wrote Psalm 13, he was comforted by his trust in God's unfailing love because God has already proven it to him. David probably remembered how a shepherd boy defeated the giant Goliath, or how he became a king. And when he reviewed his past, he began to sing God's goodness.
So another recipe given by David to us to maintain our sanity in these difficult times is to look back in the past and count how many times God has been faithful to us. When we do that, it will surely strengthen our trust in God. We will someday look back and say, God was with us during the pandemic.
Let us continue to hold on to God. May God bless us all!
With the rising cases of COVID-19, we have received a lot of prayer requests. Indeed we pray for both healing and a cure.
Is there a difference between healing and curing? A Centralian medical doctor who is also a pastor told me one time about these two terms.
Dr. Florentino Alerta II said that a cure is primarily medical in nature and the objective is the elimination of the physical illness. Healing, on the other hand, may not necessarily mean a physical cure, but the improvement of the quality of life that includes the mental and spiritual health even if no physical cure is possible.
Indeed, healing and curing are different. To find a cure involves medicine while healing is becoming "whole."
Jeremiah 30:17 says, "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord..." In this verse we can see that God is both capable of curing us of our physical illnesses as well as healing us of our wounds.
Meaning, our traumas, our fears and anything that was broken because of the disease.
As prophesied by Isaiah, Jesus the Messiah is able to bring healing to anyone who believes in Him. Isaiah 53:5 says, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
So in this time of the pandemic let us pray not just for a cure but more importantly, for healing. Let us pray the prayer of Jeremiah "Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." (Jeremiah 17:14)
May God's healing be upon all of us.
There is a legend about Abraham and his father. According to the story, Abraham as a young man has already believed in the one true God in the midst of a society that believes in many idols. Abraham's father was a maker of idols, be it wood or any metal or stone. They would oftentimes have lengthy conversations and debates about this issue.
One day, while his father was out, Abraham decided to go to the shop and cut and smashed some arms, feet, ears, and heads of the wooden idols. When his father came back and saw the shop, he was angry at Abraham for he suspected that it was Abraham who did it. In his defense, Abraham answered, "I heard some commotion inside the shop. There was a lot of fighting. When I came in, I saw that they have cut each other already."
His father said, "Nonsense! They are just made of wood, metal, and stone. They cannot do that to each other!" Abraham, then said, "Yes, it is indeed nonsense to worship these idols for they cannot do anything."
In Psalm 31:6, King David wrote, "I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD."
In this chapter, David beautifully explained why we should put our trust in God alone and not in idols.
David said that the God of the Bible is:
First, a rock of refuge and a strong fortress of salvation.
Second, the God of truth, and not of lies.
Third, a merciful God who listens to prayers.
Fourth, a trustworthy God who has an unfailing love to those who trust in Him.
Fifth, a shelter where you can hide from the intrigues of people.
Sixth, a safe dwelling place from accusing tongues.
Seventh, a God who preserves the faithful.
King David reminds us that if this is the God whom you are serving, then "Be strong and take heart."
Our hope is in the one true God, and not on mute idols. As we pray on what is happening around us, especially on the spread of the COVID-19, let us remember to pray to the one true God, and not on idols.
Here is a warning from Prophet Isaiah who wrote what God said to him. In Isaiah 44:9,17-18, God said, "All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame... From the rest he makes a god, his idol; he bows down to it and worships. He prays to it and says, "Save me; you are my god."
They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand."
Yes, let us pray to God and not to mute idols!
It is a reality in life that we will surely encounter pain. Be it through death, persecution, bullying, losing a game, a breakup or separation.
Let us look at the early Christians on how they dealt with persecution. We can learn how to turn persecutions into blessings.
Acts 8:1 tells us that a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem and the Christians were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
What did they do? God gave them a new beginning. We can see how they answered the persecution in Acts 8:4. The verse says, “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
How many times have our pains became blessings later on? Let us be clear. We do not ask that pain and persecution should come to us so that we can learn something. No. That is wrong. What is right is we reflect on what happened and give meaning to it.
I have a friend who was a drug dealer before. When he was imprisoned he met Jesus through a prison ministry. He is now pastor.
I also have a friend who shot his commanding officer. He was also imprisoned. Inside his cell he met Jesus through a prison ministry. He is now a pastor.
Both of them were my students. I asked them if they think it was God’s will that they will be imprisoned. Both of them said no. It was not God’s will. It was their own will why they were there. But they said that the grace of God will not let them go. Even inside the prison cell, God worked in and through their lives. God gave them a second chance.
This was the same with the first century Christians. They did not see it as God’s will when they were persecuted. They did not blame God. They turned their persecution as a gateway to spread the Gospel.
Be conscious with what is happening in your life. You will surely realize how God is making a new beginning in your life. Identify these pains. Surrender it to God. Pray that it will become blessings.
One story after the resurrection of Jesus happened while the disciples were inside locked doors. This can be found in John 20:19-22. It is somewhat like our situation during the time of complete lockdown.
The message of Jesus to the disciples then is very relevant to us now.
First, Jesus gives us a message of peace.
When Jesus appeared to them, His first message was "Peace be with you!" The disciples locked their doors because of fear of the Jewish leaders, who were looking for them, the message of peace gave comfort to their troubled hearts. And this is the same message of Jesus to us.
Amidst the fear caused by the COVID-19, Jesus is telling us that if we are in Him, there is peace.
Second, Jesus gives us the message that He will find us no matter where we are hiding.
The disciples were hiding. The Gospels are silent where they were hiding. It could be in the Upper Room where they had their Last Supper or it could be in Bethany.
No matter where it was, the point here is that Jesus found them.
Today, it is very encouraging to see reports of churches who have seen a lot of people surrendering their lives to Jesus. The pandemic is telling us that we cannot really hide effectively. So how much more if we are hiding from God. Let us stop hiding from God. Let us surrender ourselves.
It is only by surrendering to God that we will become secure.
Third, Jesus gives us a commissioning even in the midst of trouble.
The disciples of Jesus were commissioned. Jesus breathed into them the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent them out into the world to become His witnesses.
After this closed-door encounter with Jesus, the next story was that the disciples came to Galilee. They probably did not want the commissioning that Jesus gave them. Some of them went back fishing. But Jesus sought them out again. It was only then, after Jesus' reassurance, that they were able to follow the Great Commission.
We are reminded today that even if we are in our homes, we can still be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for somebody. Tell somebody about Jesus. Spread the Good News of Salvation online. Jesus has commissioned us to do it.
The pandemic caused by Covid-19 is like an apocalyptic movie. The difference is that this is real. We are living in a world with about 14 million positive cases and 600 thousand deaths so far. But we also thank God for the 8 million who has recovered also. Indeed, in these trying times, we should not lose hope.
In chapter 4 of the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians, he wrote: "we should not lose heart." This is a profound statement of someone who has great faith in Jesus Christ.
What can we learn from Paul in this chapter?
First, in the midst of adversities, we realize how helpless we are and then we turn to God.
Paul is telling us that we are all "jars of clay." Meaning, we are all breakable. Our physical bodies are just temporary. When we realize our mortality, we turn ourselves to God. The COVID-19 is doing that to all of us now. It is high time to go back to God.
Second, our hope in God is the fuel that will drive us to continue on living no matter what happens.
To paraphrase 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, we can say, "Our frontliners are hard-pressed on every side by COVID-19, but they are not crushed; we are perplexed by the fear brought by the virus, but we are not in despair; we are quarantined and locked down, but not abandoned; some are struck down by the disease, but not destroyed."
Let us continue to put our hope in Jesus Christ!
Last July 27, 2020, the President of the Republic of the Philippines delivered his State of the Nation Address or SONA. There are of course different reactions to what he said.
In the Bible, Kings would also find the time to publicly address their constituents. One of the stirring public addresses of King David is found in 1 Chronicles 28.
What can we learn from this chapter?
First, a leader must listen to what God is saying.
King David revealed to the gathered leaders that God spoke to him about his plan. It was the plan of David to build a Temple in which people can call a house of worship. Without hesitation, King David transparently told them that God did not approve of his plan because his hands are full of blood.
If King David was a stubborn king, he would have followed his own will. But he loved God and listened to God's plan instead. This is the reason why David was called a "man after God's own heart."
Second, a leader must learn how to delegate.
King David transferred his plans to Solomon his son. He also delegated the work to the different leaders of the land. Each of them had work to do in relation to the building of the Temple.
A great leader as exemplified by David should lay down concrete plans on what to do and give clear instructions to leaders.
Third, a leader must inspire people.
King David inspired the people, especially Solomon, by saying, “Be strong and courageous, and get to work. Never be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor will he abandon you right up to your completion of the work for the service of the Temple of the Lord."
Indeed, the Temple was completed during the time of King Solomon.
In such a time as these, we need leaders who will listen to God, knows how to delegate and inspire people.
There are many Christians who could testify that God works in mysterious ways. A wrong turn became the right one because God had something in store in that area. A simple walk became a lifesaver because you have met someone who was depressed. You listened to a gut feeling and you have been saved in an impending accident. A call or a message to a friend has become an affirmation of his or her prayers. We have so many experiences like these that we could consider mysterious when we look back. But when we reflect deeper, we could see that they were actually God's ways to steer us into His will.
Paul in the book of Acts had a similar experience with us. In Acts 16:6 to 7, he was barred by the Holy Spirit into going to Asia. Paul was not also allowed by God to go to Bythinia which was in Asia minor. What can we learn from this experience of Paul?
First, God will find a way to reveal His plan for us. Paul and his companions had a plan. They must strategize and analyze why they should do mission in Asia. The Holy Spirit prevented them not only once but twice.
In our lives, let us listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. God may have been sending messages through the events around us. What is God trying to tell you in this Covid-19 pandemic? Sometimes, when there is no message, do not be discouraged. No message may also mean a message.
Second, God's way is always better than our way. Paul had a vision to go to Macedonia. He went there with his companions and along the way, they met Luke, a medical doctor and a historian. If Paul insisted in going to Asia, then we could not have read the Gospel according to Luke and the book of Acts.
In going to Asia, Paul might have been able to preach the Gospel without being imprisoned but God led him to imprisonment. Paul's imprisonment became the avenue in which Paul wrote letters to churches and individuals. Sometimes, Paul could not write because he was chained. Paul dictated his letters and Luke was the one who wrote it. Their partnership resulted into a successful writing ministry. Luke wrote two books, and Paul wrote 13 or maybe 14 books. These books are 55 percent of the New Testament.
The areas that Paul wanted to go were later reached by Peter. In that area, the Council of Nicea was later formed and it produced the Nicene Creed. It was not meant to be part of the missionary journey of Paul.
If God is hindering you to do something, pray and listen because God has something in store for you! God continues to work in mysterious ways.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
SeedsOfFaith
The pandemic has brought a lot of changes in our lives. COVID-19 has caught us unaware and our lives were altered. Some are handling the stress, and has come to terms with the "new normal." Some need all the help that we can give in order for them to survive.
Looking back, we can see throughout history, that people suffered plagues, diseases and wars that changed our way of life. Just imagine the Black Death, a plague that killed 200 million people in 1347 to 1351. The Spanish Flu of 1918 infected 500 million (1/3 of the world population that time) and killed 50 million people worldwide. Two world wars that also brought a lot of death including the holocaust.
And yet we are still here. Have you ever thought about it?
As Christians, we should remember the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that says, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Yes, what remains when all else have been stripped from us are faith, hope and love. Christians must be at the forefront of reminding people of these three values that Jesus taught.
First, we must hold on to our faith in Jesus Christ. Christians should be examples on how to have faith in Jesus Christ despite of the pandemic.
Second, we should continue to give hope to people around us. When there is hope, there is the impetus to go on living because the best is yet to come.
Third, we must show our love wherever we are. Agape love is not the same with Phileo or Eros love. Other people may give Phileo or Eros love but it is not the same with Agape love.
Let us go out and spread faith, hope and love!
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
SeedsOfFaith
Nowadays, you can see a lot of warnings like "Wear a facemask," "No facemask, no entry", "No face shield, no mask, no ride," "Senior Citizens and under 21 years old are not allowed to go out," "Be honest with your travel history and possible exposure," and many more. Even with these warnings, you can still see a lot of people who are not heeding it. This is the reason why the transmission of COVID-19 continues.
In the Bible, we can also read about stiff-necked people who did not listen to the warnings of God through the prophets and seers.
2 Kings 17:13-14 say, "The LORD warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your ancestors to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.” But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked as their ancestors, who did not trust in the LORD their God."
What can we learn from these verses?
First, God continues to warn people not to do evil things.
Since God has endowed us with the freedom of choice, we can either choose to obey or disobey God. God's commandments are clearly written in the Bible. It is up to us to heed it or not. Just remember that when you do not obey God's commands, there are corresponding consequences.
Second, God calls people to be His mouthpiece.
In the Bible, we can read how God has called different people to be a prophet, judge, king, priest, apostle, pastor, teacher and many more. This means that in every generation, God sends people to warn other people to choose what is right and to shun what is wrong.
If God calls you to be His mouthpiece, then accept it. It is a noble calling. It is difficult because sometimes you will be speaking to people who refuses to listen but it is rewarding when you see someone surrenders his or her life to God.
Let us do our part in heeding the warning. Let us be responsible citizens of our country. Above all, let us be exemplary Christians who live out God's commandments, also do our sacred duty to warn others to turn from their wicked ways.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
SeedsOfFaith
A lot of people have become prayerful since the pandemic happened. When faced with fear and anxiety, one can have a choice -- to lose faith or to hold on. One Covid-19 positive individual told me that he will testify about God's goodness once he gets out of the quarantine facility. One also promised to be more faithful to the Lord once she recovers. They have been praying fervently when they got their results. Let it be that they will honor their promises to God, and that God will answer the desires of their hearts.
Here are a few reminders that we should remember in praying:
First, let us remember to pray to God, and not to idols or any graven images.
The Bible is full of reminders not to put our trust in idols made by human hands.
Psalm 115:4-8 remind us that these idols cannot answer our prayers -- "But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them."
Second, we must pray from the heart, and not a repetitive prayer.
Jesus in Matthew 6:7 said, "But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their many words."
This tells us that we should converse with God on what we feel and what we desire. Prayer is a conversation, and not a memorization. In the Bible, we can see a lot prayers that were written down. We can learn a lot on how they prayed, and how they poured out their hearts to God. John 17 is beautiful example of an earnest prayer.
Third, let us be assured that God hears our prayers.
The Prophet Jeremiah recorded what God said "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:12-13)
God is telling us to seek His presence and pray from the heart. Then, and only then, will God answer us.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
SeedsOfFaith
The pandemic brought by COVID-19 has made us reflect about time. We counted the days that some of us were not able to come out because of the restrictions. We also divided the month into quarantine status. Some are also excited, and part of coping up as well, about the "ber" months in which we could hear again the famous song, "Christmas in our hearts."
The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us about time. In chapter 3:1, the writer wrote that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..." This tells us that God has given each one of us the gift of time.
During the ancient times about 1500 BC, the Egyptians were able to invent a sundial that measured the daylight into 12 parts and nighttime into 12 parts. This was the concept that Greeks later on developed into 24 hours about 147 BC to 127 BC.
So, based on this scientific observation, God has given all of us the same time -- that means 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
What will we do with our time? The writer of Ecclesiastes called that Teacher can teach us a lot of things. Here are four important things to remember as we spend our TIME:
T - Trust in God.
The Teacher tells us about his experiences -- that all pursuits are meaningless without God. He wrote that we should "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come..." (Ecclesiastes 12:1). This means that we should put our trust in God before it is too late.
I - Integrate faith and action.
Ecclesiastes 3:15 tells us that all our actions will be judged by God. It says, "Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account."
So let us live our lives with the consciousness of living our faith.
M - Meditate on the Word of God.
It is always a good time to open the Bible and read it. We can only follow the commands of God if have read it.
The Teacher wrote, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
E - Enjoy the blessings of God.
The writer of Ecclesiastes in 3:12 to 13 wrote," I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God."
God is telling us to find happiness under His care. Let us enjoy the gift of family, friends and work.
Nowadays, the news of a lockdown in a certain area in our country is commonplace. The government has its own reasons on doing that based on the recommendations of the assigned task force. As responsible citizens, we have to comply with it.
Here are some things that you could do if your area is in lockdown mode:
First, open the Bible and start reading it. How many times have you promised to read the Bible? Maybe many times. But you have not found the time to do it. This is now the time to do it.
Ideally, you do not wait for a lockdown to read the Bible. It should be read every day. But since, you have the time now, get the Bible out of the shelves or install an app in your phone and start reading it.
If we acknowledge that the Bible is the Word of God, then there is no reason not to read it.
Second, make a reflection journal. You probably promised yourself to write something but you were not able to find the time. Now is the time to start writing.
A good friend and mentor once told me that if you write one page a day, you will simply have 365 pages in one year. It is a great practical advice that we could learn from.
You can start writing your reflections on what we have read in the Bible. You can also write about your family history so that the next generation can remember your family heritage. You can write about your struggles and on how you are coping with it. Someday, your writings could be of help to somebody.
Third, make a prayer list and start praying. Due to our busyness, we sometimes pray during meal time only. We have not found that time to really talk to God, and pour out the content of our heart. Now is the time to do it.
You may write down your prayer items. Pray for each one there, and wait for God to answer your prayers. In one way or another, God will reveal the answer to you. Be conscious of it because God will surely answer it in His time, and in His own way.
As Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, let us "Pray without ceasing."
So read the Bible, write down your reflections, and pray.
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
SeedsOfFaith
The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has brought some protocols that prohibit mass gatherings like church services, movie screenings, and many more. This led churches to be creative and used social media to broadcast worship services. This has become the "new normal" of going to church. Of course, we long to go to our local church, and worship together.
There is one thing that we need to realize in this experience -- and that is, the worship services that are happening in our homes are similar to what happened during New Testament times.
The worship services in the 1st century happened in the houses of Christians. Acts 12:12 tells us that went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. In Acts 16:40, we can see that Paul and Silas went to Lydia’s house where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. In the same manner, Paul wrote in Romans 16:5 to greet the church that meets at the house of Priscilla and Aquila.
So what does it tell us?
First, the transformation of society starts inside our homes.
This is the time to overemphasize the truth that our values and personalities are molded first in our respective homes. So in this time of quarantine, let us check ourselves and our children especially on the principles that we teach ourselves, and what we pass on to the next generation.
Second, a faithful Christian family can strengthen an individual.
It is so sad that the morality in our society has degenerated. A recent report states that 40 to 50 Filipino children ages 10 to 14 give birth every week. This should wake us up! There is even graft and corruption in the distribution of goods to needy people.
We should not just profess to be Christian in our lips and in our bio-data, but more so in our deeds. We need Christian families to lead the way!
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on