v.8-11
For we do not want you to to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which come to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despair even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raised the dead; who delivered us from so great peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And he will yet deliver us, you also joining in helping us through prayers, so that thanks maybe given by many persons on our behalf for the prayer bestowed on us through the prayers of many.
Reflection:
God allows us to be burdened beyond our own strength so that we may not put our trust only to ourselves but to God. Now let us not keep our troubles to ourselves, for we are not to walk this journey alone. We are to walk this journey together with our brothers and sisters as one body with Jesus Christ as its head. Through prayers we are indeed strengthened, and through the prayers of many we stand firm. Thus,let us both share our comforts and sufferings to our brethren.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
James: Chapter 5
v. 13-16
Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praises. Is anyone among you ill? He should summon the elders of the church, and they should pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick and the Lord will raise him up - and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.
Reflection:
It is essential for us to have a spiritual partner or better yet to be part of a small spiritual group. For it is best that we confess our sins with one another, for a righteous person's prayer is effective - and being in the prayer of righteous persons; our faith and spirituality are strengthened way beyond our capabilities. For Christianity is not a path made to be traveled alone but together with a multitude of people sharing the same goal.
Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praises. Is anyone among you ill? He should summon the elders of the church, and they should pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick and the Lord will raise him up - and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.
Reflection:
It is essential for us to have a spiritual partner or better yet to be part of a small spiritual group. For it is best that we confess our sins with one another, for a righteous person's prayer is effective - and being in the prayer of righteous persons; our faith and spirituality are strengthened way beyond our capabilities. For Christianity is not a path made to be traveled alone but together with a multitude of people sharing the same goal.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
James: Chapter 4
v. 1-4
Where do the conflicts and where do the quarrels among you come from? Is it not from this, from your passion that battle inside you? You desire and you do not have; you murder and envy and you cannot obtain; you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask; you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions.
Reflection:
Isn't it that what we hate most is seeing others doing freely what we strive not to do? Isn't it what we envy most is seeing others have what we do not have? Therefore brothers and sisters, if we ask out of righteousness, and most importantly from God's will, it shall be given to us. For anything else, we should not want such; for our own passions can only lead us to sin or worst death.
Where do the conflicts and where do the quarrels among you come from? Is it not from this, from your passion that battle inside you? You desire and you do not have; you murder and envy and you cannot obtain; you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask; you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions.
Reflection:
Isn't it that what we hate most is seeing others doing freely what we strive not to do? Isn't it what we envy most is seeing others have what we do not have? Therefore brothers and sisters, if we ask out of righteousness, and most importantly from God's will, it shall be given to us. For anything else, we should not want such; for our own passions can only lead us to sin or worst death.
James: Chapter 3
v. 14-18
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.
Reflection:
It is important that we be mindful of the things that come out of our mouths. For even if it is through our mouths that we are able to deliver God's words and be able to praise His holy name, it is also through our mouths that we are able to bring the greatest of destruction. So let us cleanse our hearts so that our wisdom may come from above and that we may speak only what God wants us to speak.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.
Reflection:
It is important that we be mindful of the things that come out of our mouths. For even if it is through our mouths that we are able to deliver God's words and be able to praise His holy name, it is also through our mouths that we are able to bring the greatest of destruction. So let us cleanse our hearts so that our wisdom may come from above and that we may speak only what God wants us to speak.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
James: Chapter 2
v. 24-26
You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And similarly, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them but by another way? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Reflection:
It is through our faith that we are saved, but faith without work is dead. For if we have faith in God, we do not only believe in Him, but we also obey Him with all our might. Thus, everything we do, we do for the sake of love. For God has commanded us to follow two things - to love God above all, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And similarly, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them but by another way? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Reflection:
It is through our faith that we are saved, but faith without work is dead. For if we have faith in God, we do not only believe in Him, but we also obey Him with all our might. Thus, everything we do, we do for the sake of love. For God has commanded us to follow two things - to love God above all, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
James: Chapter 1
v. 12-16
Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. Do not be lead astray my dear brothers and sisters.
Reflection:
Indeed, overcoming temptation makes us stronger in our faith. Though, we should not be mislead as to say that temptation comes from God. For temptation is a product of our own desires and is indeed a work from the devil. Thus, temptation does not come from God, but our strong faith in God saves us from temptation. And as we nurture our faith it finds a way to endure the greatest of temptations.
Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. Do not be lead astray my dear brothers and sisters.
Reflection:
Indeed, overcoming temptation makes us stronger in our faith. Though, we should not be mislead as to say that temptation comes from God. For temptation is a product of our own desires and is indeed a work from the devil. Thus, temptation does not come from God, but our strong faith in God saves us from temptation. And as we nurture our faith it finds a way to endure the greatest of temptations.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
1 Corinthians: Chapter 16
v. 13-14
Be on your guard; stand firm; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love
Reflection:
As a christian, it is most important that our every action and desire must only be rooted from love. Also, it is a must that we stand firm in our faith; for it is through our faith that our love is founded upon. Thus, we must not let anything try to weaken our faith nor suppress the flow of our love.
Be on your guard; stand firm; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love
Reflection:
As a christian, it is most important that our every action and desire must only be rooted from love. Also, it is a must that we stand firm in our faith; for it is through our faith that our love is founded upon. Thus, we must not let anything try to weaken our faith nor suppress the flow of our love.
1 Corinthians Chapter 15
v. 12-19
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is our faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that He raised Christ the dead. But He did not raise Him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are one of all people most pitied.
Reflection:
Christ didn't just save us from our sins so that we might find serenity deep within ourselves despite the wickedness of this world. Christ saved us from our sins so that we may not, in the end, fall into the deep pit of hell that we were all bound to be in because of our sins. Christ saved us so that we can reach the heavens and be with Him and The Father, Our Lord, eternally.
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is our faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that He raised Christ the dead. But He did not raise Him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are one of all people most pitied.
Reflection:
Christ didn't just save us from our sins so that we might find serenity deep within ourselves despite the wickedness of this world. Christ saved us from our sins so that we may not, in the end, fall into the deep pit of hell that we were all bound to be in because of our sins. Christ saved us so that we can reach the heavens and be with Him and The Father, Our Lord, eternally.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
1 Corinthians: Chapter 14
v. 1-5
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed no one understands him, he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophecies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophecies edifies the church. I would like everyone of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophecy. He who prophecies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Reflection:
In regard to spiritual gifts, it is not enough that we only desire to speak with God. It is greater if we also desire to interpret God's words and share it with the church. Thus, we may be able to strengthen not only our own spirituality but also the spirituality of the church.
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed no one understands him, he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophecies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophecies edifies the church. I would like everyone of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophecy. He who prophecies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Reflection:
In regard to spiritual gifts, it is not enough that we only desire to speak with God. It is greater if we also desire to interpret God's words and share it with the church. Thus, we may be able to strengthen not only our own spirituality but also the spirituality of the church.
1 Corinthians: Chapter 13
v. 8-10
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophecy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfection disappears.
Reflection:
Love will never cease. Partial knowledge, prophecies, and tongues; they will all disappear. It is only love that will last. That is why love must reign within us, for it is only our actions done through love that matters.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophecy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfection disappears.
Reflection:
Love will never cease. Partial knowledge, prophecies, and tongues; they will all disappear. It is only love that will last. That is why love must reign within us, for it is only our actions done through love that matters.
Monday, May 23, 2011
1 Corinthians: Chapter 12
v. 27-28
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others. those with gifts of the administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
Reflection:
In our church, God has given us gifts so that we may be able to fulfill the responsibilities given to us as being part of it. Individually, each of us are given different set of gifts. Thus, with these gifts we are expected to help one another like one part of a body trying to help another in trying to achieve one common goal. That is to strengthen our faith with God and to ensure that the faith bears fruit.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others. those with gifts of the administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
Reflection:
In our church, God has given us gifts so that we may be able to fulfill the responsibilities given to us as being part of it. Individually, each of us are given different set of gifts. Thus, with these gifts we are expected to help one another like one part of a body trying to help another in trying to achieve one common goal. That is to strengthen our faith with God and to ensure that the faith bears fruit.
1 Corinthians: Chapter 11
v. 29-30
For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats anad drinks judgement in himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
Reflection:
We must not take the commemoration of Jesus Christ's death, through bread and wine, as a worldly festive gathering. Thus, we must fully acknowledge Jesus Christ as we eat and drink. And that through this we become one with him. It is also important that we be mindful to come clean as we do this and judge ourselves first. For the Lord's judgement awaits those who failed to do so.
For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats anad drinks judgement in himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
Reflection:
We must not take the commemoration of Jesus Christ's death, through bread and wine, as a worldly festive gathering. Thus, we must fully acknowledge Jesus Christ as we eat and drink. And that through this we become one with him. It is also important that we be mindful to come clean as we do this and judge ourselves first. For the Lord's judgement awaits those who failed to do so.
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