Why Names are Special

Last Sunday, we went out to have some 'catching up' time with friends. We landed on a Crepe Place. When they served the orders, we were delighted to see our names on the crepe's plate. We felt a little special because of the surprise gesture.

We are all special to God. God said, "Jerusalem, I can never forget you! I have written your name on the palms of my hands"(Isaiah 49:16). He expressed this visual to let Jerusalem understand how He loves, remembers, and takes care of them. This is a reflection of how God relates to us.

Let us keep in our mind and hearts that:
1. God knows us more than we know ourselves. Let us surrender our lives to hands of our Father.
2.He created us and he will never forget us. Even if at times we feel God is distant and quiet, He is always there. We need only turn away from sin and go back to Him.
3. We are specially loved. Special enough to be written on the palm of His hands. If you have someone special in your life and you treat him/her with extra care, God can even do more for us, beyond human capacity.

Oh God most high, thank you for keeping us ever near to you and inscribed on Your mighty hand.
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Stopping-over and Moving Forward

Over the weekend, I went to Baguio through a 7-hour bus trip going there and another 7-hour trip riding with friends going back to Manila. My favorite parts of the trip are the stop-overs. Besides getting a good stretch and a rest room break, I can take a snack and buy some things I forgot for the trip.

Stop-overs. In our life do we have stop-overs? Is our life in a constant rush?  The opposite can be, "Are we stuck in a stop-over?"


Some reflections on moving forward in life:


1. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.  In a sprint, you give it all you've got from start to finish since it has a short distance. In a marathon, you pace yourself, taking important breaks to regain strength for the long haul. Some give up in running the marathon, some pursue it until they reach the finish line.  We aim to reach the finish line. "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14).


2. Rest if you must, but never give up. It is natural to get tired specially after consecutive days of pressure and concerns.  Maybe because of our lapses in prayer or a lack of focus, we get burned out.  If we are certain that we are doing what the Lords is calling us to do, then we are to be faithful.  We can take our time to cry and heal, but we must pursue the mission.  Like a bow, it's string has to be loosened when not in use, otherwise it will affect its effectiveness.  Have a stop-over, relieve the stress, retreat into prayer, and regain your strength.


3. Move forward with the Spirit.  In the journey of life, we encounter crossroads. We make decisions, some of which are life changing.  How much prayer do we put into our decisions?  Where is God leading us?  We must realize that each of us has a God-appointed mission on earth.  Will our decision bring us closer to His mission for us?  Many of us just make a pros and cons table and weigh our options.  We can be practical thinkers, but we have to also take into consideration the important aspects like family time, service to God, and how our talents and gifts contribute to building God's kingdom.  Some of us cannot decide and we get stuck in our "stop-overs." Let us move forward knowing in our hearts where the Spirit is leading our lives.


The journey to Baguio and back was long, but the trip was worth the trouble because of the destination. All of us are in a bus ride towards heaven.  It's a long ride, at times frustrating, but we have to set our hearts "heavenward" and be led by His Spirit to get there.  And yes by His grace, we will get there.

What is God's Mission for you Today?

October 28 (friday)
The Lord chose His apostles for a purpose. Jesus wills that through them, His love and power will be known. He has set for us a mission. Let us ask ourselves, "What is God's mission for me today?."
Let us reflect on these three things that will help us in our mission today.
1. Do not forget that you are Chosen for mission.
Remember that the Lord calls each of us by name. Just like the apostles, they were called and they followed. "Remember I chose you..." The Lord anoints and equips the vessel He has chosen.
2. When Challenged, Be Faithful.
When we do things for the Lord, it will not be easy. There are challenges we have to face. Your mission might challenge you to ask for forgiveness or forgive somebody. You may be lead to be humiliated because of your mission. In some instances, you might just find the mission as impossible or beyond your capabilities. Jesus carried the challenge of the cross and was faithful until death. Our challenges will strengthen us because we will endure by faith.
3. Have Christ always in your heart.
Without the presence of Christ inside us, we will not bear fruit. We might have all the skills for mission but do not have the reason for the mission. Christ is the reason for mission. With Him in our hearts, love will overflow to the people we meet. Love is at the heart of every mission. Without love, our work is bound to fail. Only Christ brings us the true victory in our mission.

Daily, let us ask the Lord to reveal His mission. Keeping in mind that we are chosen by God to do His mission. Through our faithfulness we will overcome life's challenges and claim the victory with Christ in our hearts.