The word of God in Luke 21:34-35, written over 2000 years ago, prophesied to the struggle that generations would face in pursuing the virtues of Christian living. Fast forward to the 21st century. Newark is in one of the most technologically advanced societies and the most densely populated states in the United States. This is the reality of the environment of a BLD disciple, and this message is more urgent and critical than ever.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.”
The word of God in Luke 21:34-35, written over 2000 years ago, prophesied to the struggle that generations would face in pursuing the virtues of Christian living. Fast forward to the 21st century. Newark is in one of the most technologically advanced societies and the most densely populated states in the United States. This is the reality of the environment of a BLD disciple, and this message is more urgent and critical than ever.
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Life is definitely full of challenges. Many times I thought of just giving up and letting go when challenges come my way, especially when it comes to my marital relationship. Who wouldn’t think of giving up particularly if the pain is caused by someone we love so much and dear to us? Some people easily forgive, move on and forget the pain; others hold grudges in their hearts and continue to hurt. The latter is definitely unhealthy, though this is the typical way of dealing with pain; after all, we are just humans.
“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:2-3)
God has given me so many great things. Even though I don’t always realize His blessings, I’m so thankful for all He’s done. He gave me a great family and loving friends that I can always count on. God provided me with a safe home and school to attend. I can’t thank Him enough for helping me go through all my hard school work every week. The Lord helps me realize that everything is possible and that I shouldn’t give up. He’s blessed me with my John 6 and JC #14 family who make me smile each day. I thank God for the gift of life, from waking up in the morning to going to sleep at night. He’s given me the ability to pray and to worship Him every Friday. God is the reason why I smile, laugh, and live each day. Even though I don’t see Him, I know He’s there watching over me. I thank Him for everything! - JC 6 “Then Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, ‘It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.’” (Lk 19:45-46)
Whenever these verses of the Bible are read, my mind harkens back to when I was young, back in the Philippines. There the approaches to the churches were full of vendors selling their wares. “… older women should be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to drink, teaching what is good, so that they may train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good homemakers, under the control of their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.” (Ti 2:3-5)
Indeed witnessing is a powerful tool. The caring words we speak, the careful steps we take, the just actions and wise decisions we make can convince a negative and doubtful person to believe God’s words. Alternatively, our insensitive words and actions can lead hopeful Christians astray and cause unfavorable long-term consequences. As children, we have a common trait that becomes more evident as we grow older: believing that we know everything. How many times have you heard a parent receive the infamous, “I know what I’m doing!” or “I got this, don’t worry about it!” Probably more often than you’d hope. Honestly speaking, I know I’ve been guilty of that habit multiple times. We think that we know everything and we believe we’re ready to be independent, but we aren’t remotely close to being ready.
Is there a better way to give instructions to our children? Looking back in my life as a father of two teenage boys, I could easily recall the countless times I have unleashed harsh words. I easily reacted to situations without listening to my children’s reasons. Only recently have I come to realize the deep resentments of my children each time they heard the words, “be quiet,” in their formative years. With all good intentions in mind I often misused my parental authority.
Preparation. A word that comes with many negative connotations, especially when we ourselves have to deal with it. Why? Preparation often means much waiting and hard work. When an exam is coming up, it requires hours of studying, sitting and learning. Preparation. If a Christmas party is being held at your house, you will need to commit to hours of cleaning, planning and cooking. Preparation. We do it because we know that only those who are willing to sacrifice will reap the rewards of their hard labor.
Why me? That’s the first question that I asked when I was discerned to write this article for the Covenant News. I was really surprised and hesitant. For the past 15 years, I always refused invitations from every BLD relative and friend to join this community. I was always afraid to speak up, pray in front of other people, or open up about myself. I knew that I would need to share about deep, personal things from my life experiences. I felt like I was the worst speaker and writer in our ME class. So, why me?
In Luke 12:4-5, Jesus makes it crystal clear whom to fear: “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.” It is our soul that is at stake. Satan knows that God gave us free will. He tries to use this against us by deceiving us and appealing to our pride.
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