Gifts with Extraordinary Wrappings and Trappings

God puts difficult people in our midst for both their benefit and ours.  They are an opportunity for growth and a test of fellowship.

God has always good reasons and purpose why He permits unpleasant things to happen in our lives, and why He allows difficult people to cross our paths.  Some may view this as a punishment from God.  In truth, they are blessings in disguise.  I firmly believe that because of God’s love, care and concern for us, He has been showering upon us blessings and sending us gifts.  Although these gifts may be wrapped or packaged in different ways, and sometimes in the least we expect it, we need to view problems, trials and even difficulty people that God is sending us gifts as well.  They may not be wrapped in the way we want and expect it, but behind the wrappings and trappings are blessings and gifts that God wants us to receive.  I must admit that it is not easy for me to deal with difficult people.  I easily lose my patience and give up on them.  But, I need to consider them as opportunities for growth.  God is sending me these difficult people because He wants to mold and form my character.  He wants me to grow and become more mature, stronger, more loving and more understanding.  In doing so, I am shaped and molded into the person He wants me to be.

Worship is a lifestyle ;-)

Worship is far more than music and prayers. It is a lifestyle. Every activity can be transformed into an act of worship when you do it for the praise, glory and pleasure of God.

I entered the seminary at a very young age.  After graduating from grade school, I made a decision to start my journey towards the fulfillment of my dream to become a pastor.  I spent 8 years of my life in the seminary.  I grew in my knowledge and my relationship with God in the seminary.  We studied the Bible, Theology, had prayer services every day, interceded for people, meditated on the Word of God every day, had our small groups every week, and learned a lot in our monthly formations.  I thought that only by doing these religious activities that I would become holy and closer to God.  I thought that this is the only path to holiness, and the only venue where I can encounter God.  

But, all these misconceptions changed when I read the story of St. Therese, who was known for her Little Way, and the Purpose-Driven Life book.  I realized that I can be holy and have an encounter with God in the ordinary things that I do.  Holiness can be attained and worship can be done by doing ordinary things extraordinarily, that is, when I give my best and offer to God everything little thing that I do.  From then on, I start, spend and end my day with God.  I offer everything I do to Him, become aware of His presence and have a personal conversation with Him every second, every moment of my life.

Lord, I pray that everything I do begin with You, find its origin in You, and reach completion through You.  May all things I say and do be pleasing to You.  May my life be a great offering to You. May my life be a sweet song to Your ears. Amen.

You are the Way, the Truth and the Life ;-)

Check out this cool Kinetic Typography of one of my favorite praise songs ;-)

Have you experienced getting lost?  How did you feel then?  Let me share with you a crazy story of mine.  I could never forget that experience of mine when I was 8 years old.  Days before Christmas, my father and I were strolling in a mall.  Holding my father's arm, I was so both excited and ecstatic to see a lot of people, shops, toys, Christmas decorations and other colorful stuff that caught my attention.  I remember stopping in front of a toy store.  Holding the arm of my father and looking through the glass window, I got struck by a robot doing cool movements and making crazy sounds inside the store.     Suddenly a bright idea came into my mind.  I would convince my father to buy it for me as his Christmas present.  When I look at my father, I saw an unfamiliar face.  I was so shocked that the hand I was holding then was not my father's.  I turned around and tried to look for him, but he was nowhere to be found.  I began walking and searching for him.  I was worried and afraid then.  I started to cry... I got tired of walking....  I sat on the floor...  After hour of waiting on the floor I saw a familiar face.  He was walking towards me.  He embraced me, and told me "What happened to you? I'm so worried about you."  I felt secure and safe again in the hands of my father. 

In this noise, busy and chaotic world, we sometimes get lost and are led astray.  We don't know where to go, what to do and whom to trust.  And so many of us fall into sin and make wrong decisions, that eventually hurt us and others.  Remember that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.  He is the only One we can rely on when are lost, afraid and confused.  

When you feel that you are lost, and you have nowhere to go, just call Jesus and He will be there for you.  It's only in His arms where you can feel safe and secure.  He is the Way, the Truth and the Life! Trust Him! He knows best ;-)