Blessings in Our Midst (12/16)

Gospel: John 5:33-36

You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.” I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. ~ John 5:33-36

All through the course of life, the Lord has paved the way for us to get to know Him and His ways, and for thousand of years we have opted not take heed and continuously ignored His call. God’s love goes undeterred as He send His holy people one after the another to guide us, to lead us, to teach us, so that we may be worthy of a blessed life with Him in His kingdom.

Countless times, human as we are—have chosen to ignore the wisdom of people around us simply because we are too caught up in the grinds of our daily lives. For most, we have managed to reduce the blessing of life to a mere “tick tock” that we ended up valuing the wrong things. But it’s always comforting to know that whatever situation we may be, whether we deserve His love or not, no matter how many times we have refused His guiding hands, the Lord our God will always send people and strangers in our lives to teach us, to guide, to manifest His will in our lives and to lead us back to His welcoming embrace.

Sis Lanie
Unit 5

Believing in God (12/11)

Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.. ~ John 1:6-8

In some point of our lives, we experience questioning God's existence or even asking who really God is, as many have claimed that they are the real GOD. 
We cannot deny that there are  people who have a complete disbelief on God’s existence for some reasons. 
Due to human weaknesses, we also question God's existence during those times when we are broken, devastated and when we experience difficulties in our life.


In this gospel, it made us realize that there is GOD. He always find ways to make us believe that HE truly exist, and that HE is the WAY and the LIGHT and that we will believe through in HIM. 
He sends people in our lives to be our guide, who serves as the witnesses of HIS works. 
This people could be our family, our friends, our workmates, and even strangers who we encounter in our everyday life.


As humans and being a Christian, we accept and believe in God is by simply opening our hearts and letting HIM in and living a life in accordance to His will.

Sis Chai

Unit 5

There is no other time but now (12/10)

Gospel: Matthew 17:10-13

The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”

Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

 ~ Matthew 17:10-13

The gospel of today reminds us brothers and sisters that we have a mighty and powerful God. He has complete dominion over all creatures and mankind. He is a generous giver but He can also take everything away in one snap of a finger.

My brothers and sisters, as we relate this to our daily lives, it tells us to always be READY to face the Lord for we will not know when this time will come.  We should not delay to do good deeds as there is no other best time to start but NOW.   Start giving and share what you have to your less unfortunate brothers and sisters  now.  You may start with your service in the community by offering your talents, time and resources NOW. It is never too late to apologize to someone who you have hurt before or forgive someone who has caused you great pain; you still have the moment now. Whatever the circumstances are, life is too short to let the time and opportunity to do God’s will pass by. We must always live a life that is pleasing to the Lord so that when the time comes, we can face Him with a clean heart and He will welcome us with an outstretched arm and a smile.

Sis Kottie
Unit 5

Straighten the Path… This is His path (12/04)

Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

“a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” ~ Mark 1:3

“May we be able to follow the right path in our lives and serve our purpose in this world.”  This is one of my prayers every night before I sleep. This is quite an uneasy job. Temptations are just too inviting; painful moments are not that easy to forget.  Two months ago we had a heated argument with my immediate boss and the result was an additional one-day work per week. It was unacceptable for me but then it’s a take it or live it chance. I don’t want to lose my job so I had to bear the burden of waking up early in the Saturday morning while all my roommates are still snoring. In my heart, I couldn’t forgive my boss! When I go to church, I’m praying for that. I was really dismayed. But one recent weekend we had this retreat. One of the topics talked about healing. I thought of many things; my shortcomings, my intentional mistakes and my unforgivable boss who make me feel unwell emotionally.  On the other hand, I realized all the blessings I have had. I still have a decent job, earning fair enough, healthy, comfortable, safe, helped a few in need,  a loving family, etc.  It’s just overwhelming and this boss was somehow more than good to me than being cruel sometimes. I regret of feeling bad against him and I decided to forgive him. I felt better. The following day, it was Saturday, and I was in the office as usual. Surprisingly, he came in and said; “Let’s return our 2-day weekend. So now you’re happy?” I said, “Very happy!”  “But remember this,  I was really upset with you.” he added.  I just kept my silence.  Now I find relief! I felt I was forgiven also by forgiving my boss.  It was such a sweet heavenly grace!

Let us remember John who was born, lived holy and done a great job to prepare Jesus’s way. It’s every ones job. Let’s make our own paths straight… for this is the path for our Lord!

Sis Crest
Unit 5

Blessings behind Troubles (12/02)

Gospel: Matthew 9:27-31

“As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” ~ Matthew 9:27

From the words "Have mercy on us, Son of David", I was thinking about the struggles in life.  I know every one of us are aware that struggles in life are part of our life. No one is exempted. I believe that even struggles and pains are also a blessing from above. Without these, how can we be strong? How can we learn to have faith and trust God? How can we know who are the true people that would really care and pray for us? Even sometimes it may seem out of control, we just have to remind ourselves that God has a plan and a purpose for us. He sees and understands the condition of our hearts. He knows. Going out to attend interviews gave me a chance to discover many places, meet a lot of people and hear their stories. Hearing some of their stories may break your heart and somehow be inspired to keep going. That you will ask and pray, "Lord, please let her have this job. I still have good friends and family to rely on. Please, let her have this job."  God has been very generous with me. When I pray and ask for something, in just an hour or before the day ends, there's already an answer. But because I am hard-headed sometimes and wanting for more, I declined some of the opportunities that came my way. I felt bad in asking for more. I pray again and asked for forgiveness for wanting what I want. I began to think about those people I have met along my journey.  Again, it made me realize how blessed I am. During these times of hardships, sometimes, you can't help yourself  but cry out during prayer. You cry… not because of these hardships, but, because God let you feel and made you realize that aside from these, there are a lot of things to be grateful and be thankful for. He showed me and made me feel that I am still blessed for everything that is happening around me. I may cry because of the hurts and pains that my family and I are experiencing right now, but, as I pray and lay down to sleep, I feel hope, peace and comfort.  I believe during these times, God is with me.

Life can be hard at times, but, we always have choices. With God's help you don't have to let struggles defeat you. Remember, we all face struggles in life. God, will always be there to remind you that,
"I will never fail you, I will never forsake you." - Hebrew 13:5.
Listen to your heart. Be still and quiet.
It may be hard but don't let this struggles steal your HAPPY YOU.
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer." - Roman 12:12
The storm will pass... It will pass...

Sis Shella
Unit 5