 | Welcome to the inner sanctum of my HEART where God's Spirit dwells. Please enjoy and I'll appreciate if you can interact with me. God bless you. | Mar 28, 2008 |
By Al Pedroche An old cliché goes: “It’s better to have an abusive press than a curtailed one”. In a democracy, there are countless advocacies advanced by practicing journalists and the most popular it seems is political. Under such environment, it is hard to pinpoint well-meaning journalists from those who get personal favors to take a particular political stand. The more aggressive in the trade are often inclined to vilify certain political persons in the guise of exposing anomalies, which are sometimes pure fabrications so that the “client” they work for would get publicity mileage. I call this “demolition” journalism which has become a part of the rotting system. Alas - some journalists have deteriorated to being spin-doctors that build up the image of the undeserving and malign those with good reputation for a prize. Mass media plays a crucial role as the virtual “eyes and ears” of the citizenry who otherwise have no access to information from the various sectors of the society, particularly the government which the people are entitled to know. But with its integrity and fidelity under question, how can mass media serve effectively and credibly? Mass communication even expanded with enormity with the advent of the cyber age. Aside from the mainline media (radio, television and print), almost everyone can be “instant journalists” through social networking web sites like the Twitter, Facebook, Multiply and others. Here, anyone but anyone can freely ventilate views with dispatch on different issues or even air grievances and hatred against anybody without fear. But sadly, this also has become a tool of abuse, unjustly maligning people with indiscretion. The cyber technology can cleverly manipulate images to create an illusion that one person is performing an immoral act so convincingly. We’ve heard of “sex videos” that made some celebrities controversial. Some are true but most are handiwork of certain computer experts. The end-times spoken of in the Bible are here: 1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good…” 2 Timothy 1- 3 Once upon a time, journalists were regarded with respect and trust, but such regard has slackened, it seems. For the misdemeanor of some, the integrity of the profession has been obliterated. This reminds us of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, whose act of disobedience caused sin to creep through all of mankind until the present age. There is quite a few Christians in mass media but there is need for them to emerge and take a stand against the evil gnawing across this once venerable profession. It is for this reason that the Intercessors for the Philippines has included media among the vital eight pillars of the society constantly immersed in prayer and fasting that we may have a society unshackled from corruption. The core group of the Media Pillar encourages active members to organize prayer and bible study groups in their respective workplaces so that the Word of God may be dispensed in the hearts of media workers. Yes, the media is in shambles just like the old Jerusalem which fell in the hands of ungodly oppressors until one Nehemiah emerged and pursued a task of rebuilding the battered nation of God – first by acknowledging as his own the sins of his fellow Israelites (despite his being righteous) and prostrating before God in deep repentance. NEHEMIAH 1: 5 –10 Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses. 8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’ 10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” What would you feel if somebody treats you like a servant? Chances are you will resent it especially if you occupy a respectable position in your workplace or in your society. On certain occasions there have been some people who asked me to get things done in a rude fashion. I get peeved deep inside me. I guess that's a natural human reaction.
But anger simmers down within me when I think of Jesus Christ washing the dirty feet of His apostles. It sounds unthinkable that the Son of God himself can go down to that level of humility while ordinary mortals like me are often saddled with pride and self-adulation. Jesus was not only treated rudely but ruthlessly when he was pilloried, beaten and nailed to the tree by His tormentors though He is God.
Christians are meant to serve one another. Real service does not wait for any pat on the shoulder or praise from other people. It doesn't seek any material return. We do it for the glory of God. Jesus has role modeled for us to show that he is not overwhelmed by His esteemed status and can be as humble as a slave.
Matthew 16:24 says "Jesus told His disciples, "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and carry his cross and follow me. For whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man to gain the whole world but forfeits his soul?"
We need to practice self-denial to take up the cross of Jesus. This is something we can't do without a genuine heart of a servant. If we claim to have Jesus in our heart, there is no reason why we cannot serve genuinely since we no longer live for ourselves but for Jesus who died for our sins.
SELF FORGIVENESS Let's take time out to introspect. Find out if something is amiss within. Sometimes we need to do that. Talk to yourself in the mirror, it isn’t a queer idea. And when your image talks back, it may be scary especially if we realize how far we have strayed from God’s path. That's the time when in remorse, we meekly go to God for cleansing. Don't fear talking to yourself that you may sincerely present yourself to God to seek His forgiveness after a thorough self-examination. God always forgives a contrite and truly repentant heart. Guilt doesn't stem from God's failure to forgive for He never fails. Rather, a disturbed conscience is the offshoot of our unwillingness to forgive our self. With genuine repentance, God will forgive us. But many people aren't convinced they were forgiven even if they have besought God's forgiveness. Thus guilt tarries in the heart disabling one to move on. SERVING GOD Serving others is our way of worshipping God. We do it out of pleasure and not out of pressure. For God said "whatever you did to the least of your brethren, you did it to me." Share your blessings endowed to you by God. For what good are your endowments if you don't spread the sunshine to others? If you don't have any material things to share, give yourself. Blessings aren't only material. They can be words of wisdom or knowledge that comfort the afflicted. They are motivations that give hope to those wallowing in hopelessness. Knowledge latently stored in the mind amounts to naught if not imparted to others. As Plutarch said, the mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled. Overflow with wisdom that others may be blest! ETERNITY For a Christian genuinely saved by the blood of our redeemer Jesus Christ, eternity is one immeasureable, infinite and blissful NOW in the presence of our Father in heaven. It is the peak of inexplicable spiritual joy placed on a standstill that will never end. But for the unbeliever, eternity can be the pinnacle of excruciatingly painful anguish and torment on suspended animation. A sure destiny of people whose hearts are bereft of God. But can there be such a place where our omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent God is absent? Yes - in a heart whose door is shut. When you hear Him knock, what a great privilege! Open for him. THE PAINS OF LIFE Don’t get despondent when you are BROKEN. It is a special time when God is giving us the BREAK to go a notch higher. When we feel empty, God is preparing a place for Him to dwell. Do not shun pain for it is a door to gain. The two words rhyme and they will make an awesome poetry in your life. Fear not when confronted by HARDSHIP because a ship that isn’t hard enough will surely sink. Always remember that life is a diamond that is beautiful, precious and HARD. When things get rough, pray for God’s grace to see you through. But always remember that prayer isn't for God to change His will but to conform us to His will. Praying to God to spare you from all the troubles of life is like begging your professor to give you a passing mark while exempting you from the exam. Allow not these tests in life to deprive you of peace for all these things must happen as part of our character building and spiritual tempering. For life to have peace, harmony and love, we need to dance to the rhythm and tune of the music only God provides, lest there is anarchy and discontent. The reason why there is so much social turbulence is people dance to their own tunes. Life is one great university where we derive unending education, learning from the circumstances that God allows in our lives. It has been said that experience is a hard teacher because it gives the test first before the lesson. How much have you learned since you were born? When I am weak, I draw strength from the Divine Source: The Father. When lost, I am found by treading the right Way, Truth and Life, Jesus Christ. When I am foolish, I derive my wisdom from the Greatest Book of all penned through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, One God, three PERSONS in one accord. THE HARDSHIPS IN MARRIAGE Did you know that WEDDING and WELDING share the same root? Welding is subjecting two pieces of metals together under extreme heat so that they melt and their molecules cleave together to become one. The same is true with wedding that doesn’t end after the ritual. The wedded couple undergoes the test of fire so that they become truly one. The process isn’t easy but full of hardships that must be borne by the man and the woman. This is made possible only by God’s grace and anointing. The words GRACE and GREASE share the same origin also. When there is much abrasion in a machine we apply grease for it to run smooth. When there is much conflict in our life God applies grace for life to run smooth. Grace is synonymous to the Holy Spirit who comforts a suffering heart. Let grace and love therefore be the binding force in a marital relation.
Some years ago, an anti-smoking group abroad came up with a cigarette product called CANCER, presuming that smokers would be scared away from the vice. It was a sell-out at a hundred dollars a pack! Now, our own Department of Health is requiring cigarette manufacturer to put on their packs pictures of infirm and decrepit lungs. I don't think this will work.
It is said that believers in God outlive their non-believing counterpart. Even some psychologists tend to agree with this theory. But some may argue: "what's the connection?"
I can only presume that TRUSTING IN GOD makes life worry-free because a person has great hopes that a benevolent, loving and caring Supreme Being is in control of his life. This being so, one ceases to be a worry-bug (worry is a killer). His/her disposition in life turns good thus making the person more positive in his outlook. His/her decisions are thus geared toward the right direction. He/she begins to love people (yes, even those who are normally perceived as unloveable.) Then a long, happy and healthy life ensues.
We just had the very first automated elections in the Philippines. Initially, there was jubilation among Filipinos because the results of the polls were delivered swiftly. Only in a matter of two days, proclamations of winners were made in the local level. Nations from all over the world congratulated the Filipino nation for what was initially perceived as clean and honest elections.
Losing candidates conceded defeat thereafter, but alas - some of them retracted and file complaints later with the Commission on Elections that there was fraud in the electronic polls. Currently, the House of Representative is conducting a probe on these complaints by losing candidates.
Is there really such a thing as "fool-proof system?" I believe the problem is not in the system but in the people. For as long as there are shrewd politicians who resort to cheating, any system can be tampered with. As the old saying goes "If there's a will, there's a way." It is true that this world will come to an end but it doesn't mean that as Christians hoping for our final destiny in heaven, we will no longer work to make it a better place to live in.
Sadly, many Christian believers dismally fail in their biblical duty to serve as the "light" and "salt" of the world.
We cannot be nonchalant of the depraved ways in this world and simply focus on our dream of being in the eternal presence of God some day. We must all work and care for the establishment of God's Kingdom on earth: A society where righteousness prevails. The world is our halfway home and we must love it because it is our transient abode as we travel to our final destiny. Even if we claim to be highly spiritual, we cannot detach from the mundane problems (politics and all) and we need to give our share to make this realm a better place to live in. Many months ago, I had the nagging thought or a vision that the 2010 elections will be chaotic as a result of the scheming efforts of vile politicians to prevent righteous people from occupying positions of leadership. This I've told a few Christian friends because I wondered if such thought is God-inspired or just a demonic deception. I dread to think of this, but it seems my worries are coming to pass and there is need for all genuine people of God to pray with vigilance for God's effectual intercession in the forthcoming political exercises to ensure that His plans will be carried out.
The barbaric Maguindanao massacre is just one indication of how bloody and tumultuous the elections will be. Martial law was proclaimed in the affected province stirring suspicions that the present leadership is up to something spurious in order to hold sway in power.
And now - look how the rightful God-installed leaders are being removed from their positions with only a few months away before the May 2010 polls! Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela Province, a well-meaning political novice who won over her opponent known to be a political stalwart is now being accused of having cheated in the last elections even if it is common knowledge that she's not capable of doing that. The Commission on Elections ruled it was her opponent who won. The same is true with Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio whose ouster is just a matter of time, awaiting final COMELEC decision on the petion of the "political kingpins" of the province.
It is evident that well-meaning, no-nonsense leaders are being yanked out so that the cheating machinery will be well in place to favor evil politicians.
This is a call for vigilance. The same vision showed me that if the same dirty politicians succeed in their plot, there will be a bloody revolution of the people who are already sick and tired of the rotten system.
Let us pray and keep vigil! ROMANS 7: 14 –20 14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. Let me ask you: Were you ever in a situation when you committed a sin which you think was too great and God can hardly forgive you? Even great people of God like the Apostle Paul admitted in his epistle to the Roman Christians that there were times when he doesn’t do what he was supposed to do but did what he wasn’t supposed to do. Yes, Apostle Paul also sinned by doing what he wasn’t supposed to do (sin of commission) and not doing what he was supposed to do as a Christian (omission). Paul was very much a human being just like any of us. But Paul has a distinction from us. A difference which we must adopt in us. This difference is - Paul was aware that he was still in his fallen body and the desires of his fallen body are continually at odds with his spirit. So every time he falls, he would rise up by beseeching God’s forgiveness. Unfortunately – many Christians do not understand this. When they stumble, they do not want to rise up again until other sins come one after another putting them back in their former state similar to an unsaved person. Remember that for as long as we do not sin willfully, our salvation will not be forfeited. Such thought of self-condemnation is dangerous. If you entertain such thought of unworthiness because you sinned – you are listening to the voice of the accuser: Satan. When you condemn yourself that what you are doing for God is inadequate, don’t listen because that is the deception of the Evil One. Do not listen to such evil voice which has deceived and continue to deceive many Christians into believing that he or she has strayed away from God and has lost his or her salvation. When you hear that accusing voice: “He he he – you have committed a great sin. You’ve lost your salvation, Friends uli tayo ha? ” your answer must be – “that’s alright. I have asked for God’s forgiveness and He forgave me. So get thee behind me old deceiver.” DON’T FORGET dear brethren - the devil has been overcome by Jesus’ Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. We have been saved not by our work but by grace through faith in Jesus. (Ephesians 2:8-9). When Satan accuses us he accuses God’s solution to sin of being ineffective. The true enemy of satan is not us but God who ages and ages ago he rebelled against. Satan says, “Look, if Your plan of salvation really worked then these people wouldn’t be sinning all the time. So, we musn’t believe Satan’s lies. Satan is the father of all lies. John 8:44 (King James Version) 44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. If we continue to believe that our salvation depends on our “sinning or not sinning” then we no longer recognize the biblical fact that it is not by work that we are saved but only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. That is the biggest anathema we can ever embark upon albeit unawaringly. But that exactly what the devil wants us to believe. Why? Because his game plan is to destroy us. To rob us of our inner peace brought about by our relations with Jesus Christ. John 10:10 (New International Version) 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. Entertaining such thought of unworthiness hinder our 1) Prayers and devotions. James 5:16 tells us: Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. It is stated in this verse that in order for one’s prayer to be heard by God, he must be righteous. But when we think that we have sinned so grievously – we start believing that we are unrighteous and we feel our prayers are no longer reaching heaven. God is no longer listening. That is another BIG LIE of the devil. 2) Our spiritual growth is hindered. We stop our devotions and prayer. We begin to be inactive in our ministries and before we know it, we are back to where we started. We become “worldly people” again. 3) Our fellowship with other Christians is also hampered. Because of that nagging feeling that we are no longer worthy to become a child of God, we no longer associate with fellow Christians in Sunday services. That is called “BACKSLIDING.” Apostle Paul continued on In Romans 7: 21 : 21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Amidst natural calamities that bring about devastation, amidst the growing moral, depravity of people - we need a heart like Nehemiah's. A Nehemiah heart is a heart with a fervent desire to rebuild.
Nehemiah was a central figure in the old testament days when Jerusalem, the nation of God's chosen people was devastated by the enemies. Seeing his nation in shambles, he fasted, mourned crying out to God for forgiveness for the sins of the Jewish people, and he never exempted himself although he was a righteous man. What a notable virtue compared to present day people who readily point an accusing fingers at one another when things go wrong and awry.
Nehemiah, despite threats against his life moved forth to rebuild Jerusalem. He admonished the people who were helping him in the rebuilding not to be afraid of the enemies for God Almighty is with them every step of the way (Neh. 4:14). His faith and devotion to God brought forth a good results because he was able to restore Jerusalem from its shambles soon thereafter.
Though the Jews are God's chosen people, they were never spared from God's wrath whenever they succumbed to the allure of sin. The abundant heavenly blessings sent by God to them became curses whenever they turned from God and resorted to idol-worship, sexual immorality and other transgressions.
God is the same yesterday, today and for all eternity. While the laws of men can be violated, His divine statutes cannot be circumvented. What we plant is what we reap. That is the firmness of God's laws. Look at the law of gravity, a natural law which was instituted by God. Anything heavier than air that is tossed upward will fall and there is no defying that law.
The destructions wrought by natural calamities are not only the results of man's disregard of God's laws but of natural laws as well. This is due to our corporate abuses of the environment. Thus, we can view this issue from both the spiritual and natural sense. If man is yielded to God's will, these abuses against our environment wouldn't have been committed and we would not suffer cataclysms. But that is water under the bridge. Bad things have happened and what was done can no longer be undone. What we can do now is to learn from our experiences. Surrender to God our sinful selves that we may become new creations who will serve as good stewards of our environment.
We must also have a strong desire to rebuild what has been destroyed by our rapacity and greed. Rebuilding means not only reconstructing damaged infrastructures but lifting up our emotionally battered brethren who may have lost their loved ones and properties to natural calamities.
Christians must now show that they are the light and salt of the world, a breed apart from the rest. The world is not hopeless for as long as we turn to God and restore our severed relationship with our Creator. Dearest Father - Creator of all things seen and unseen,
How grateful I am for you have been giving me the guidance of your Holy Ghost in all the things I do, especially the task that you've laid upon my shoulder. How I pray dear Lord that my will be completely surrendered and conformed to Yours that I may attain the finality of perfection you desire of me.
Henceforth, whenever I talk today, the utterances that will flow from my lips are the pristine messages coming from you alone and nobody else; that everything I do are only prompted by your Holy Ghost as I simply allow myself to float on the wave of your Grace as I let myself to be freely used by you.
This is my prayer to you Dad in Jesus' most precious name. AMEN!
My dear Father, creator of my life,
Thank You for You have blessed me enough with all your heavenly blessings, what more can I ask for? Just make me yielding and conforming to your will today dear Dad. Let me always delight in you as I walk this difficult journey in this earthly realm.
Let me rejoice in my trials as I look at all people, Christians or not - as the bigger me. Let your Holy Ghost lead me in a prayer for my fellowman's good. Let my heart be open to those who seek my help in whatever way I'm able to do so that they may see You at work in me that your name be glorified.
Use me mightily dearest Almighty Father for all your good intentions and purposes. This I ask in the name of your only begotten Son, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ - AMEN.
My dearest Father, God Almighty,
Today, I ask for nothing but wisdom that springs only from the infinite font of your Holy Ghost: With your wisdom, I will decide rightly in all the issues confronting my life; With it, I will not falter and I will never doubt the reality of your presence in my life - You who provide all my spiritual nourishment as I journey back to my real home in the Heavenly place, as well as the material needs to carry me through this temporal life with grace;
Endow me today with a kindest heart that seeks to do good to others in lieu of myself. Tomorrow I may utter the same petitions but this should suffice for this day as you admonish me to live "one day at a time."
I reckon oh dearest Father that I live not for myself but for all people, especially those who seek to know you more and those who need your blessings.
I am nothing without you dear God, and whatever success I may be enjoying now is from you and not from my own. Give me a humble heart dear God that your Name will be Glorified in me, your humble servant and child. This I pray in Jesus sweet, sweet name. AMEN.
Dearest Heavenly Father,
I'm your child, you're my Dad yet I'm you're slave and you're my Great Master to whom I consecrate myself to serve you the rest of my earthly life until I come to you face to face in your unspeakable Glory in Heaven.
Make me shine with your Glory today that I may impact on the lives of others, specially those who haven't come to know you in the truest sense.
This I pray in the name of my Saviour and Lord, Christ Jesus. AMEN
Dear Father in Heaven,
I humble myself to you today beseeching your Holy Ghost to guide me every step of the way in all my endeavors. Give me a heart that loves genuinely not only those who love me but most of all those who hate and persecute me. Let me not wish them any harm but bring them up to you that by your grace, they too may experience the awesome feeling of being a child of God.
Touch their hearts that they may merit the free gift of salvation given by your only begotten Son Jesus Christ who shed His precious blood on the cross that mankind may be unshackled from the bondage of sin and death.
This I graciously pray in the name of my Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus. AMEN, Dearest Heavenly Father,
Who shall I fear but you? There are odds in my life today but I lift them all up to you oh comforter of my soul.
Endow me today with your heavenly wisdom for me to make the right decision in all issues of my life.
I open my heart this morning to receive all your heavenly blessings that will carry me through today. Cause everything to fall in the right place oh Father.
I cannot boast of anything but my father-son relationship with you dear Lord. In you I live and move. In you I have my being. Grant that I may not be swerved by my human thoughts and desire for my only desire is to be used by you for all your good intentions and purposes.
Let your Holy Spirit be my guide in all things I do. Should I trip and tumble, lift me up that I may continue my walk with you.
Thank you dear Lord. This is my prayer in the name of my Lord and Saviour, my only way to you - - Jesus Christ. AMEN
YAAHOOOOoooooo.OOOOOHAAY
SOMEONE sent me via the internet this novel photo showing the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gaily surfing in the floodwaters while people are frantically evacuating to higher grounds. But of course, this photo is a fake which was only computer manipulated. Well, how can photographs be presented in courts as evidence nowadays? No way.  | Guestbook | |
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pat66 wrote on Nov 4, '10 |
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pat66 wrote on Aug 14, '10 |
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pat66 wrote on Jul 30, '10 |
 |  Christian comments and graphics“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.” JOEL 2:25-26 |
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God bless!
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pat66 wrote on Jul 16, '10 |
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pat66 wrote on Jun 26, '10  Get this Graphic on yTagi!good morning friend,have a great weekend and God be with you in all that you do and say,may his name be lifted up........love and hugs |
 |  Wednesday hugs to you Precious! |
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