Blog Archive

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Thursday, October 8, 2020

 I asked a friend who has crossed 70 & is heading towards 80 what sort of changes he is feeling in himself? He sent me the following:

1 After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.
2 I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
3 I have stopped bargaining with vegetable & fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
4 I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.
5 I stopped telling the elderly that they've already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane & relive their past.
6 I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
7 I give compliments freely & generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say "Thank You.”
8 I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
9 I walk away from people who don't value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.
10 I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat & neither am I in any race.
11 I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.
12 I have learned that it's better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships, I will never be alone.
13 I have learned to live each day as if it's the last. After all, it might be the last.
14 I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!
I

 Question: What about our country USA by helping our own people and so we can bring God back and then help others around the world as a nation to help our own country because as its deteriorating?

Profile: Male, North America, 36—45

Answered by: Matt Hilgeman, who has been a volunteer with us since August, 2019.

Answer: Thank you for your question. It is very timely as our country seems to be suffering more and more every day. Though it may seem difficult at times, Christians are called to submit to the government of their country. Romans 13:1 tells us, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." Not only are we called to submit, but we are also called to pray for our leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1–4 states, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." Probably the most important thing you can do for your country and your leaders is to pray for them. Pray that they have a saving relationship with Jesus, and that they lead the country by His principles.

An interesting correlation could be made with 2 Chronicles 7:14 which states, "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." This promise was made by God to His chosen people, the Israelites, through their king Solomon. It is important to recognize that the United States does not have a covenant relationship with God as Israel does, but this is a perfect reminder that God can hear our prayers, and He is the only One with the power to heal our land. This should give us Christians confidence to "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

As our nation nears a very important election, it is so important for us to realize that God is ultimately in control, not man. He will give us the leader we need at the appointed time. Though we have an obligation as Christians and citizens to go out and vote for biblical principles, the results are up to God alone. Try to not get overwhelmed with the negative images and rhetoric that comes at us through every medium available. As Christians, we serve a God who is good, loving, and merciful. We not only need to be confident that God will ultimately win, but we also need to have boldness to share God’s love with those who don’t know Him. These desperate times should give us new resolve to help sinners find their Savior.

Therefore, pray for our leaders, pray for wisdom on how to vote, and pray for those who don’t know Jesus. Always remember that "Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion", says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him!" (Lamentations 3:22–24). God has already secured the victory, and no matter what happens to our nation as a whole, Jesus reminds us that "My Father, who has given them to Me is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one." (John 10:29–30). Finally, Paul the Apostle tells us plainly, "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38–39). Hold on to these promises and don’t fear in the midst of our nation’s trials. God is on the throne, and He will sustain us. May God bless you as you seek to serve Him!

 

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Politics

 Filipino politics. And also defines the filipino psyche

Duterte, while campaigning, I will eliminate corruption. Or kill me.
A few years into his rule, and covering up his buddies, including the department of tourism secretary who openly said She won't return the 60 million peso plus the stuff she took home ... And customs chief caught with his hands in the cookie jar (rewarded by a transfer), and the massive Phil health scam (no corruption per boss)
Duterte "it's hard to eliminate corruption"
Voters: especially those paid trolls "yeah, we understand"
Case 2. 2 politicians strike an agreement, guy 1 will be speaker for half term, guy 2 will take over next
Come guy 1s term expiry, guy 1s supporters "we won't let go of this term as guy 2 is not good, he tried to dislodge guy 1. So guy 1 will continue".
Wrong you say ? I have had pinay GFs like that. Like "I will not honour my word because you looked like you didn't respect me for something trivial"