The Most Powerful Password Ever: Jesus Loves Me

First of all, never share your passwords.  But you have to understand that this no ordinary password and it is too important not to share.

My daughter's password in life is simple: Jesus Loves Me.  And this is no ordinary password.  It can unlock riches beyond one's imagination.  It brings joy to the spirit and provides comfort in times of despair.  It is amazing how a 4 year old can have the wisdom to praise and worship God.

Several weeks back, while my daughter and I were playing she asked me; "what's the password?"  Of course I immediacy said "please."  Then she shook her head.  I retorted with " I love you" then she shook her head again.  After several failed tries I asked her what it was.  With a surprised look, she told me, "Oh silly daddy, of course it is Jesus loves me."  So I inquired why this was the password.  And with a perplexed look, she told me that Jesus indeed loves her and everyone.  And that this is all that is important.  I am proud to have a daughter who understands God's love more than I do.  Moreover, has the right mindset to share it and live by it.

Buts God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

A password is important nowadays to secure our digital information.  It has become a focal point in many discussions online or offline.  Likewise, it has stirred many groups and organization as we move into the digital age.  Passwords are inevitably a part of our lives.  We protect it, we safe keep it and we NEVER share it.  But this password of my daughter is quite unique.  It unlocks riches here on earth and more importantly in heaven.  It is unique as it should be shared rather than kept tucked away from the prying eyes of others.  It should be shouted out with a joyous heart for all to hear.  Jesus loves me.  This is the password that will change your life forever.

God Blesses Us To Become Blessings To Others

It seems unfair that only a few have access to resources meant for the entire world.  Some call it capitalism, others call it entrepreneurship.  But the fact remains a great portion of this world have less than what they require to survive.  And even more lamentable is that conditions remain atrocious in spite of continuous awareness campaigns.  However, do not despair, we have you to help.

Wait! Do not run away screaming.  I won't ask money from you.  Instead, allow me to tell you a story...

He looked up, and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury.   He saw a certain poor widow casting in two lepta.   He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them,   for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her lack, put in all that she had to live on."  Luke 21 1-4

We give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings that we receive.  And quite a number forget to give thanks for these.  But others go beyond just giving thanks, they share it.  And when we share it, the simplest of gifts become profound blessings to others..  Sharing the Word of God may seem mundane and too simple for others.  But it can change lives in unimaginable ways.  A simple prayer can send the Holy Spirit and empower even those who feel alone and abandoned.  A smile can turn a gloomy day into a life full of love.  We may not have much in this world but when we give even when we lack, we store great treasures in heaven.

And in your small way, you can change lives.  And in numerous instances, the simplest gestures are all it takes to touch lives.  God blesses us so we can become blessings to others.

Face Your Problems With A Smile

What is weighing you down right now? Problems like financial stability, love life, family concerns, studies and even job hurdles sap out the vigor in our lives.  Some consume their day with negativity to their own detriment.  The fact remains that no one is truly immune to life's challenges.  However, If we know where to find peace regardless of the predicament; we can breeze through the days hurdles with a smile.

When we lift our burdens to the Lord we begin to find ourselves carrying them with renewed energy.  Sure, the bills remain to be paid, the food has to be bought and cooked, your boss might still curse and cuss at you, but you face the challenges with confidence knowing God is with you.

Therefore, I tell you, don`t be anxious for your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will put on. Isn`t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Mathew 6:25

God provides for our needs.  And I have proven this more than I could count.  When the situation seems dire, God always finds a way to bless me and my family.  Whether it is finding a roll of cash tucked away in some corner in the cabinet or finding an opportunity where it seems bleak, or simply giving me the enthusiasm when it has faded away, His blessing are there.  If it is His will, it will be done.  All He needs is for us to acknowledge and accept that He directs our lives.  He wants us to put our trust in Him regardless of the situation.

When worry catches up on you, remember to hold on to God.  Face life's challenges with a faithful heart and seek comfort in God.

God Grant Me A Peaceful Heart

I have the habit of spewing rude and offensive words when I am angry.  Just ride with me while I drive along the Manila's thoroughfares and you will see what I mean.  Sure, daily traffic and poor driving irks me a lot.  But as my wife has pointed out (I can't count how many times now), I have to keep my cool.  Although I can try to justify my poor behavior with the imperfections of humans or even go as far as blame others, they are not legitimate reasons for my rude behavior!

I get angry easily without realizing how lucky I am.  I am blessed with so many things that my anger clouds this reality.  For starters we have a car that we can use. We have gas money so that we can use the car.  The air conditioner in the car works so we do not have to contend with the ever growing pollution in Metro Manila, and here I am blowing my top off just because the driver in front swerved into my lane.

Sure, we may have a point in being angry for what others have done wrong.  But let us choose our words and actions carefully.  For whatever we do, God sees our actions and our hearts.

Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God.  Eccl 5:2

When my daughter prays before we hit the road,she includes praying for a calm dad behind the wheel.  It is humbling to know my child understands the value of a clam demeanor more than I do.  Like many adults out the, I can learn from my daughter.

Let God enter your heart and experience peace - even in the middle of an awful traffic filled with awful drivers

If You Think A Bad Hair Day Is Aweful, Try Crucifixion

I know someone whose day's productivity and overall demeanor hitches on how her hair looks.  Yup, that dreaded bad hair day can ruin her day - and unfortunately others as well.   What is your pet peeve? It can be as simple as a service crew at Starbucks failing to greet you and everything goes berserk.  The little stuff can get into our nerves.  And when the situations turns vile because of this minuscule event, everything falls apart.  Don't let a bad hair day dictate your day.  Remember that a greater sacrifice was made so you can be saved!

During the height of the Roman Empire, crucifixion was a common form of punishment.  It was meant to instill fear in the people.  Moreover, it brought shame to the one punished and their family.  But God loves us so much that he sent His son to die in this horrific fashion to save us from sin.  But before He was nailed to the cross he had to endure scourging that literally tore flesh from his body.  To add insult to injury, they mocked Him and paraded Him across town to Golgotha where he was crucified.  All these He endured because he wants to save us.  All these He endured because He loves us.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son; that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  John 3:16

The cross, the embodiment of a shameful and horrid way to die has morphed into a powerful symbol for Christians.  What was once an implement of death is now a symbol of the Christian Faith.  Many others have followed a life of service to God and found themselves the object of persecution.  Furthermore, a great number have died to spread the Good News of the Lord.

Perhaps your hair is important to you and that is fine.  Just never forget that Jesus endured more than a bad hair day to save us from sin.

6 Misconceptions Regarding the Christian Life Program

One of the most valuable decisions I made was done with a unenthusiastic attitude.  Never at that time did I realize how crucial this decision was.  In fact, I had a litany of excuses not to attend due to misconceptions.  These misconceptions on the Christian Life Program may be at the back of your mind as well.  They sure were when I said yes to sign up for the CLP talks.  Allow me to put into words what several of us may not say out loud.  Likewise, allow me to dispel these misconceptions and put your mind at ease.

1. The Christian Life Program will take so much of your time

How much time do you spend online or watching telenovelas?  I spend way too much more time online and playing COK compared to the time I spent in the CLP talks.  And yes there were times when I wished I had my iPad and pocket WiFi with me to check things online.  For a number of people, 12 sessions may seem too much.  However, every minute is worth it.  This is the best investment of your time.  Although that may sound like a cheap invitation to a multi-level marketing nevertheless it is true.  The lessons and revelations that you will unravel are insightful. 

We only have a finite number of minutes on earth.  The two hours a week for the next 12 weeks is nothing compared to what may come in the next eternity or so.  Cumulatively it is just 24 hours.  This 24 hours of your life will be the wisest use of your time. 

2. You need to raise your hands like a crazy person while singing

Yes, I understand this one.  I’ve seen people jump up and down, toss their hands in the air and shout out like crazy in the middle of a song.  And I am referring to concerts of celebrities.  And don’t get me started with teen idols having a meet and greet in malls.  When we cannot contain our emotions and enthusiasm, we shout to our heart’s content.  I suppose it is human to just put our hands up in the air and wave them like we do not care.  This is the same with praise and worship songs.  Of course everyone is allowed to let their emotions and appreciation while worshiping God.  If fans swoon at the sight of Piolo Pascual or Coco Martin, that is natural.  On the other hand we simply acknowledge God’s power by worshiping and praising Him this way.  And yes, participants are not forced to do this.  Let the Lord show you how to head bang to His playlist. 

3. It will cost

The Christian Life Program is given for FREE!  And for completing the CLP attendees will receive a free guide to being a Christian.  But wait, the CLP has more!  Let the CLP service team your guide to reawaken the Holy Spirit.  All these and more for the low, low price of ..wait it’s free!  It sounds like an infomercial…anything to get you interested!

In the twelve sessions that my wife and I attended, we did not spend a peso.  In fact, the participants had free food!  That was a real treat.  And at the end, we even received free stuff. However, the real take away is our renewed commitment to being God’s Children.  For spending nothing, joining the Christian Life Program is the best deal we ever took.  Yup, it is better than the Metrodeal, Cash Cash Pinoy and Lazada deals from online stores. 

4. Getting new CLP participants is Mandatory

Let me put it simply – the CLP is not a multi-level marketing or networking scheme that requires participants to invite attendees to earn something.  Instead, it focuses on you and establishing a stronger relationship with God.  There are no quotas of attendees required to fill up.  The focus is on participants taking that step towards a true Christian Life.

Jesus asked Peter to become fishers of men and he IMMEDIATELY left his net and followed Jesus.  Sure, there are no nets or fishing boats around here.  But Jesus is real and he is knocking at your heart’s door.  He is focusing on you now without anything in return.  Just open up your heart and let Him in. 

5. It is not your priority at the moment

It does not matter how old you are as long as you answer God's call.

This is probably at the top of everyone’s reason for not attending the Christian Life Program.  As it turns out, a lot of us are focused on our mortal life.  This is not detestable.  After all, we need to pay the bills, cook dinner, and watch John Loyd Cruz.  What may seem significant for one may seem mundane for another.  But here is the reality of things, in the grander scheme of thing, your meal now may not matter when death comes.  Making a fuss on how Steve Harvey mixed up the 2015 Miss Universe announcement becomes unimportant when we meet our Maker.  All that matters is if we lived a life based on God’s will.  Taking care of the present is essential.  However, ensuring your eternal place in God’s love is a profound and critical undertaking.  After all, eternity is an exceptionally long time.

6. I am embarrassed that my friends will know

I can understand this.  Back in highs school a few of my friends would laugh at those who join such communities.  We even mocked the way they worshiped and prayed.  We did this for we were ignorant and foolish. 

We are lucky that we can praise and worship God without persecution.  Still, in several parts of the world, Christians are still persecute and made fun of.  What is accepted in different countries and regions vary.  However, one thing remains constant, God Loves us and He is simply waiting for us to follow Him. 

Do not be afraid what others may think.  If they think negatively regarding this, then it is probably right to join so that you can help them see the truth concerning God’s love. 

I am sure there other reasons for not wanting to join the CLP.  I am not here to say these reasons are wrong or right.  Rather, I am here to share the misconceptions I had concerning the Christian Life Programs.  And just like others, I had my reservations and doubts.  Then again, I am glad I took that first step and attended the first meeting.  Otherwise, I won’t be here dispelling these misconceptions regarding the Christian Life Program.  And perhaps you will open your heart to God’s invitation.

 Check your parish for information on the Christian Life Program