Give and Receive!

I was chatting with a friend. He just received his much-awaited green card/ permanent residency and has been blessed abundantly. While sharing he said, just tithe. Don't forget to give 10% to God, and He will give you so much more! 

He quoted Malachai 3:8-10 

"Give your 10% increase to the Lord because that belongs to Him,, If you do that I will open the doors of Heaven to pour all the blessings and fill up your barns more than you expect- declares the LORD."

I couldn't say that I've been practicing  it 100% because of financial constraints but I am also a believer of giving back. 

But while browsing about the topic, I've come across this website: Let God Be True! discussing a post about tithing. 

A tithe is basically 10% of your income, given to your church, or whoever helps your spiritual life. 

The question of should it be computed via gross income or net income, indicates a selfish or stingy heart, so they wrote. Why is it that when it comes to God, would a person lower his income to give Him less!... makes sense, right? 

Though the Roman Catholic church does not require tithing because it wasn't written in the New Testament. This is their answer to the question:  

Should Christians tithe? No, they should give more! Israel under the weak and beggarly Old Testament gave more than 10% in tithes and offerings, so we under the blessings of the New should give more than they, and the Spirit-filled examples agree (Gal 4:9; Heb 7:19,22; 8:6; Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37). Remember, the Lord requires based on what He has given you (Luke 12:48).

Here are their answers to what ifs:

What if I do not give? You rob God, and you will suffer (Hag 1:1-11; Mal 3:8-12; II Cor 9:6; Gal 6:7). Everything you have is from the Lord, and you should willingly give some back. It is often the love of money that causes some to oppose tithing and/or giving, but disciples of Jesus Christ give liberally, for they reject covetousness and the love of money (I Tim 6:6-10,17-19).

What if I cannot afford to give? You must be in financial trouble, so you cannot afford not to give! Joseph and Mary, though poor, brought two turtledoves for our Lord's dedication (Luke 2:22-24; Lev 12:8). Jesus took note of a widow giving two mites over rich men giving much (Lev 12:1-4). Moses required a soul offering of every citizen without regard for ability to give (Ex 30:5). The Philippians gave generously, though they were comparatively poor (II Cor 8:1-5).

Kind-a scary powerful words "You will suffer!" and then quotes from the Bible. 

What if I cannot afford to give? Then obviously the person is in financial trouble - "suffering?"!!!

What is the bottom line? The Lord is a great king, and He deserves your best (Mal 1:14; Heb 12:28-29). If you want the heart of David, you better give more than a tithe (I Chron 22:5,14-16; 29:2-5). Let the lovers of filthy lucre argue about tithing. Since the world began, God has blessed liberal givers (Gen 13:2; 26:12; 32:10; Pr 3:9-10; 11:24-26; Mal 3:8-12; Luke 6:38; II Cor 9:6). The most exciting use of your money should be generous giving to the Lord, off the top, often!

Here I am a pro-believer of how your thoughts can change your life - and then this! So I am now thinking of changing some perspective and making this happen soon! - 100%. 

Never mind about the repercussions, consequences and fearful words, it doesn't really matter. 

It basically makes sense to give. Give, give, give.. because the more we do it, the more we'll receive.

Period.

Kid's Morning Prayer

credit

I drive my kids and a friend's daughter to school. 

As soon as I start the car, we'd pray. It has become a habit already. I'd start the prayer and then they would one by one, say their prayers too.

My youngest would always say, "God bless the trees, God bless the houses, God bless the sun, the moon, the cars..."

My eldest would say, "God help us do good in school, bless the sick people in the hospitals so they would get well.."

A friend's daughter would pray differently every time, she'd pray about China, the floods, bad people...

and then we'd all say AMEN.

It is a good morning habit. It also prompts the kids to be grateful and constantly be aware of God's goodness in our lives. 

It is a joy to be with kids and hear them speak their minds. It is a pleasure to listen to them praising God and thanking God for all the beautiful things that He has done for us.

In our own little ways, let us continue to spread God's love through our words, actions and silence. As we aim to be better persons, let us continue to be  patient and forgiving for the many times we have failed to be loving.

Let the children be our inspiration, their innocence and purity of hearts, we can always emulate.

NAMASTE.

My soul longs for You!

I was a member of Christ Youth in Action in college days; Lingkod ng Panginoon after college days ; and Ang Familya ng Panginoon after getting married.

I honestly miss those days! I miss my friends in the community!

I miss attending prayer meetings; personal testimonies especially the fellowships!

Maybe, we'll be a part of that community again. I hope someday soon.

For the mean time, here's sharing with you one of my favorites. 

AS THE DEER

As the deer panteth for the water

So my soul longeth after Thee.

You alone are my heart's desire

and I long to worship Thee.

You alone are my strength, my shield

To you alone may my spirit yield.

You alone are my heart's desire

And I long to worship Thee.

You may download the song here.

NAMASTE.

-day 133

Artist: DAN GARDNER

I thank You!

 

I am you...

And you are me...

And we are happy family.

I can be

All that I want to be

And it'll be perfect all the way!

God is love

And love is great

And God is great

And we are great

and life's so great!

Think about this

And you will see

That life is perfect

as it can be

Thank you Lord

Thank you so much

and thank you, thank you, thank you

very much!

When He chats!

God : This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I  thought
I will chat.

 

Me : Tell me, why has life become complicated now?

God : Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is
what makes it complicated.

 

Me : Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we
don't know where we are heading....

God : If you look outside you will not know where you

are heading. Look inside.  Looking outside, you
dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight.
Heart provides insight.

Me : In tough times, how do you stay motivated?

God : Always look at how far you have come rather than
how far you have to go.  Always count your   blessing,
not what you are missing.

 

Me : Sometimes I ask, who am I, why am I here? I can't
get the answer.

God : Seek not to find who you are, but to determine
who you want to be.  Stop looking for a purpose as to

why you are here. Create it. Life is not a   process
of discovery but a process of creation.

Me : How can I get the best out of life?

God : Face your past without regret. Handle your
present with confidence.  Prepare for the future

without fear.

God : Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don't believe
your doubts and doubt  your beliefs. Life is a mystery
to unfold not a problem to solve.   Trust me,

Life is wonderful if you know how to live .

Holding Hands

“Yes I am with you always, until the very end of time” - Jesus Christ

faithtalkministries.com

I remember years of coming home late from school after teaching evening classes, I would always end up walking from the gate of the subdivision where we live to our house! 

It was a long walk, dark, and I was always on my own! What kept me safe, sound and secured the whole time was Jesus!

As soon as I stepped down from the jeepney (popular means of transportation in the Philippines), I would say my prayer! It was really more like a-friend-talking-to-a-friend-kind-of-communication. 

In my mind, I would say, "Jesus... here I am again! please hold my hand and lets walk together!" and I know he would do just that!

It was a good 10 minute walk and I felt his hands wrapped around my hands the whole time!

Thank you Jesus for every time I call your Name, You are there!

Thank you for the many times you have held my hand, while we were walking in the dark, you have kept me safe and secured. I felt so loved.

Up until now, You are still with me, and I know You will be until the end of time.

Amen.

Emptiness

“Our hearts won’t rest until it rest in God.” - St. Augustine

 

The feeling of barrenness and desolation persist because we all have a deep down emptiness that can only be filled by God -like a God-shaped vacuum that only God can fill.                                                                            

The process of unmasking and healing are tiring but needed if we want to set forth a new journey, a new life.

When we are open, honest and trusting, we'll begin to appreciate and comprehend the spring of God’s water welling up in us- God’s purpose, God’s will in our lives...including the emptiness. 

When we let God hold the reign, our emptiness will be filled up and it's a beautiful process, like a butterfly coming out of its cocoon, like blooming flower from a bud, like a sun rising and shining forth, like a mother giving birth to her baby, like a wrinkled face of an old man with a sweet smile on his face because his dearly beloved is holding his hand.

Life can sometimes be a struggle. But, God’s fresh, clean, living water is available and it’s never limited!

Let us the continue to OPEN UP.

Let us open our hearts, open our minds, and open our soul and meet God, in His mysterious and special way.

 
FORGIVE.   

Let us forgive ourselves, forgive our past, forgive our world. Let us stop our resentments, stop resisting, stop revenge and Let God take control.

and LOVE.

Love like a child. Love like a baby – unconditionally without expectations, without conditions, without ifs and buts. Let love consume us. Let love grow within us and let that be our protection always!

AMEN.

Silence My Heart, Lord

Silence my heart Lord, let me be reminded that You are here.

Silence my heart Lord, let me stay in Your love.

Silence my heart Lord, and embrace me with Your amazing power.

Silence my heart Lord, as You create a clean heart for me.

Silence my heart Lord, as You strengthen my inner will.

Silence my heart Lord, as You heal me.

Silence my heart Lord, as I listen to You. 

Silence my heart Lord, as I follow You.   

  

  Only You can heal my life

Praise, honor and glory Be to Your Name.

AMEN.

The 7 Last Words

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Gospel of Luke 23:34    "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Gospel of Luke 23:43  

"Jesus said to his mother: "Woman, this is your son".
Then he said to the disciple: "This is your mother."

Gospel of John 19:26-27

 

 "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34  
 "I thirst" Gospel of John 19:28  

When Jesus had received the wine, he said,
"It is finished";
and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit. Gospel of John 19:30 

 Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit": Gospel of Luke 23:46  

 Christ Jesus died on the Cross to redeem mankind, to save us from our sins, 

because He loves us. 

Jesus, we thank you for everything!

Go placidly...

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. 

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. 

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.

 

  Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.  

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. 

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. 

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. 
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. 

Be yourself. 

 Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. 
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. 

But do not distress yourself with imaginings. 

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, 
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, 

keep peace in your soul.

 

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. 

Strive to be happy.

 
DESIDERATA 

Max Ehrmann c.1920

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 

NAMASTE.

-day 99
Photos:
Enriquez' aquarium
Gallup, New Mexico

Prayer # 5

Father God, we praise, honor and glorify Your name.

We adore You, we worship You and we thank You.

AMEN.

Prayer # 4

Will you please join me in prayer today?

 

Father God, we praise, honor and glorify Your name.

We adore You and we worship You.

We thank You.

We thank You for all your blessings;

for giving us good health;

for keeping us safe;

for the food in the table;

for our jobs;

for our families and relatives who always support us;

for good friends who stand by us;

for helping us make the right decisions;

and for making our dreams come true.

In Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Prayer # 3

Will you please join me in prayer today?

 

Father God, we praise, honor and glorify Your name.

 We adore You and we worship You.  

We thank You Lord for keeping us safe. 

Let us always be reminded that we are always 

guided, blessed and in good hands with You.

Let us trust with all our heart and soul, 

that no matter what happens, You are with us.

Keep our motherland, Philippines, 

safe from all harm, danger and calamities.

Protect us, with Your mighty hands, 

shield us with Your white light of protection, 

embrace us with Your love.

In Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Prayer # 2

Will you please join me in prayer today?

Father God, we praise, honor and glorify Your name. 

We adore You and we worship You. 

We just want to let You know how grateful we are for everything that You have done and still are doing for us, for our family, for our loved ones and for our future.

We may be questioning Your ways at times, forgive us. 
May we be content with Your promise of life, love and happiness with You. 

May we not forget that You are in control. 
We allow You to drive our lives, to whatever and wherever You want to lead us. 

We thank You, now and forever.

In Jesus’ Name.

AMEN.

Pray with me?

Father God, we praise, thank and glorify Your name. 

We honor You and we worship You.

No one knows our future but You, You are our only assurance.

We know we are destined for greatness, because we are created in Your image and likeness.

We know we are designed for good, because You are our God.

We know we have a lot more to learn, unlearn and relearn in new ways, through people, events and circumstances to allow us to grow.


As we take responsibility for choosing and defining our own lives, guide us.

As we take an active role in preparing our future, lead us to the right path.

As we take life’s challenges, trials and tribulations, show us the way.


Help us learn from our past and celebrate today!

Help us choose life every day, with its joy, despair, hope and pain!

Help us continue to be willing to risk, embrace change, and love again.


   At the same time, help us make peace with death, because it tells us we don’t have forever and not waste time.

At the same time, help us be open… to accept, give and receive… your graces, your blessings through “angels” you are continuously sending …

At the same time, help us remember, that whichever path we take, You are there.


And we are grateful.


In Jesus’ Name. 


AMEN.