Nuggets: Life's Little Lessons

"Sa Se Si So Su"

2026-06-26T14:15:07.277-07:00

My older brother Dan hardly participated in our almost daily banterings

ON HOLD

2026-06-25T12:51:49.158-07:00

Time warp. That's where I'm at right now.

And this happens to me---which I believe is true of you too once in a while---every time I leave my comfort zone.

7am, having breakfast in Manila a few days back. Today, that's supper time in this part of the United States.

Occasional coffee with my co-teachers and friends. Nil nowadays.

Bible study and prayer meeting every Friday evening. On hold for now.

So you see, this continuum crisis hounds me as I await this travel's piece de resistance: the birth of Natalie Grace, my son and daughter-in-law's

ISRAEL: GOD’S DEMO PROJECT OF GRACE

2025-11-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

Image credit: Misha Brook/Drive Tesla Canada

If you frequent malls, you’d observe how shoppers gawk at, linger and perhaps purchase items they didn’t even intend to buy, just because the product demonstration proved they worked.

That’s how this shopper decided, “Gotta have that steam iron,” and it proved pretty useful.

I know of one who finally got a Tesla soon after he had a chance to touch and discover its features through a shop floor demo, with the sales rep’s big push of course.

That’s the power of demonstration and great marketing strategy.

The ultimate strategist? Our awesome Creator! God in His wisdom knew lost humanity would not buy into His plan without a “floor” demo culled from His strategic mind.

That’s why Israel!

Given up for good, the nation of Israel for a time ceased to exist. Kaput. Yet in 1948, Israel—then in a barren, seemingly God-forsaken place—miraculously regrouped. And the world marvelled. Its agriculture, technology and engineering capabilities, plus military prowess, exploded. Israel, just like Lazarus, rose from the dead.

I’ve read the bible a number of times but always got befuddled by the story of Israel.

Chosen nation? By God? Yet consider these: 430 years as slaves in Egypt. 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Waged wars with seven nations. Taken into captivity by stronger kingdoms. And they’re still under attack by enemies around them. Not to forget: Hitler and his minions hated them so. Six to seven million Jews were exterminated like venom in the holocaust.

Image credit:Word Press.com

Israel, chosen?

Could you believe with me that God—being mighty and powerful, all-knowing and in full control—used and is continuing to prove through Israel that His plan had always been to save mankind from perishing. This in spite of our first parents’ fall from His grace and Israel itself seesawing between obedience and disobedience.

Starting with Abraham, fast-forward to Moses then Joshua, God demonstrated His exceeding power through the ten plagues which decimated Egypt and freed the Jews through a dried-up Red Sea—these plus numerous other “shock and awe” miracles while they roamed the wilderness.

Read the Bible’s old testament along with Israel’s history to prove these are not lore but real.

Even from the beginning of time and before Israel’s emergence, God has proven Himself powerful. Truly, no other god or idol or name under heaven compares. The universe and the earth plus its majestic and mind-boggling features —down to the tiniest creatures like fungi, ants and hummingbirds—speak of His glory.

But something else confused me about God’s ways with Israel. Why give them myriads of laws so suffocating and oppressive these seemed impossible to obey. Well, maybe a few. But all?!

Then I caught the big picture when Pastor March Villareal (San Diego Christian Fellowship) recently preached on these laws. To condense Pastor March’s words: Their main purpose is to expose the motivations of men’s hearts, thus warn them of the consequences of evil intent which spur them to commit, even love, sin.

God’s ultimate design, in the fullness of His time, was to send His Son Jesus to save us from habitual sin thoughts or actions; and thus bring mankind back to His fold.

Jesus came to this world THROUGH ISRAEL.

Because God knew man could not fully comply with the Mosaic laws and thereby save himself, Jesus took human form. He then willingly subjected Himself to the most humiliating death, to set us free from sin, etch the law into our hearts, and thus unequivocally make us crossover from the kingdom of darkness to His kingdom of light.

Jesus fulfilled the law! And those who accept Him as Savior and Lord receive grace in return—His amazing, all encompassing favor and love, though undeserved—so sinful man can take the U-turn back to God.

The message is clear: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life,” John 3:16.

You and I are the intended consumers of God’s demo project. Israel is that giant whale planted in that giant aquarium in that giant mall called earth. That we may opt, with the free will He gifted us with—to purchase (with just a breath of humility in your heart) His special offer of salvation.

Salvation through Jesus is the answer to all of our needs—from ironing our crumpled spirits, cleansing our stained hearts, giving us flight even in our struggles, and beaming us up to Himself when the trumpet blows for our departure.

God’s amazing grace—from His mighty works in creation and with Israel till today—comes full circle in Jesus.

But the special offer lasts only till…

Would you sincerely pray: “God, I repent of my sins. Reveal Jesus to me. I acknowledge Him as my Savior. Be Lord of my life. Renew a right spirit within me. Reveal and etch your law and promises in my heart. Holy Spirit, teach me. In Jesus’ name!

CONNECTING THE DOTS: ISRAEL AND GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION FOR YOU AND ME

2023-10-10T08:55:00.007-07:00

Matthew 24: 23-24 “32 “Now learn this lesson

from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender

and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.

33 Even so, when you see all these things,

you know that it is near, right at the door.”

It begins and ends with the nation of Israel. Who would have thought that Israel would bud again as a nation? The scriptures liken Israel to a fig tree.

Hosea 9:10a “When I found Israel, it was like

finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors,

it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.”

The Jews have always been under siege—from the Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian empires up to the modern times. Hitler’s holocaust tried to annihilate them too.

Yet the Jews still thrived; and reverted as a nation, back in 1948, to the land of Israel which the Lord had promised them a long time ago.

And why would God not raise them up again? His plan of salvation had to be fulfilled through them!

Jesus, the promised Messiah—Savior—born that first Christmas day, demonstrated that He indeed was God, not only because of the miracles He performed, but because of the changed lives of those who believed in Him.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him

should not perish but have eternal life.”

The ultimate demonstration of His love and power? He willingly went to the cross—that those who would put their trust in Him may no longer “die”, or be eternally separated from God for their sins.

He was buried, rose again on the third day—as prophesied—then ascended to heaven, and took His seat at the right hand of the Father.

Here’s where the plot thickens. Jesus Himself prophesied:

Matthew 24:7-8 “For nation shall rise against nation,

and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines,

and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

Don’t we experience all of these “sorrows” happening under our very nose? More and more earthquakes elsewhere. Covid, ebola, sars. Wars and rumors of wars rumbling in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, even Asia—with Russia, Iran and China as aggressors.

Back to Israel. Just recently, Hamas terrorists breached Israel’s peace and borders. More than five thousand rockets fired. Close to a thousand Israelis died. Civilians butchered and hostages barbarically abused and paraded around Gaza. Thus, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s all out declaration of war against Hamas, and by extension, its enabler Iran. Israel’s 9/11, analysts say.

Experts see this as just the beginning of a wider conflict that may draw other nations too into the fight.

A cause for fear? Yes, greater unrest will arise because of all these. But, we need to pray for and stand with Israel; and continue to pray for God’s mercy and grace for our families and all nations—because Jesus is still seated on the throne, continuously interceding for those who would humble themselves before Him.

He is the God of all creation. He too is the God of history and His purpose will prevail.

And while He keeps Israel under His wing, He relentlessly calls us too, to come under His protective wing.

Jeus came that we may be saved. You and I can trust Him with our lives and our future—yeah, even our eternity!

Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else,

for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind

by which we must be saved.”

Here’s the best news for those who believe. Jesus revealed to John:

Revelation 3:10 “Since you have kept my command

to endure patiently, I will also keep you

from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.”

Most bible scholars refer to this “keeping us from the hour of trial” as the rapture.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 “For the Lord himself

will come down from heaven, with a loud command,

with the voice of the archangel and with

the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

After that, we who are still alive and are left

will be caught up together with them in the clouds

to meet the Lord in the air.”

Matthew 24:44 “So you also must be ready,

because the Son of Man will come at an hour

when you do not expect him.”

Would you rather trust Jesus, your Creator and God, than your own unbelief?

God’s plan for Israel will prevail. Until the very end of this age—and even through the seven-year tribulation—the remnants of Israel will carry on God’s plan to evangelize the nations. This too has been prophesied.

They’re not the chosen people for nothing. The fig tree has bloomed. Now they take center stage once more as God’s plan reaches its climax.

That’s the length and breadth of God’s love for mankind. He wants everyone saved till the very end.

Would you sincerely pray to ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord?

Here’s how: O God, I believe you are sovereign and have a great plan for my life. It’s not for calamity, but for life—a life that’s full because of Jesus, your Son who came to save us from our sins. Jesus, I confess you now to be my Savior. I have sinned. I repent! You promised to give me a new heart, so I yield my sinful heart to you. Make it your residence through your Holy Spirit. Help me to listen and yield to and obey your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Here’s a reference for a more detailed view of the rapture and the seven-year tribulation. David Jeremiah’s site:

https://davidjeremiah.blog/what-is-the-tribulation/

WHAT GOD IS THIS?

2023-08-14T01:11:00.046-07:00

Image credit: Ranach Digital Archive. Jonah and the Whale

Unrelenting. Showing or promising no abatement of severity, intensity, strength, or pace. (Merriam-Webster)

“Jonah: the Story of God’s Unrelenting Desire to Save” must have struck hearts like a dagger as Pastor March Villareal (San Diego Christian Fellowship-South) started our lesson on the prophet Jonah’s life.

God tirelessly seeks everyone—yes, even the vilest and most loathsome.

Exhibit number one: Nineveh. History records it as the capital of the wealthy, powerful and prestigious Assyrian empire. Yet they were vicious and cruel.

And Jonah? Prophet. God-fearing. Righteous. God commissioned him to preach repentance to this evil nation.

Yet he tried to run away from God—because God wanted to save the Ninevites, a nation hostile to Jonah’s own people.

Jonah 1:1 “The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.’ 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.”

Aren't some of us like Jonah—squirming at the atrocities done by the ungodly?

David also did pray (Psalm 59:5), “O LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.”

Seems like the prayer I’d pray when I read about corrupt and unjust politicians who enrich themselves like their countries’ coffers were their own.

Ouch!

Yet God pursued Jonah—so He can save an evil nation!

The Almighty was unwilling to let go of Jonah. God chose him to warn the Ninevites of their impending doom if they didn’t repent.

Here’s how grace played out for Jonah. Jonah hated Nineveh. “How could God send me to this horrible people?” he must have thought. Yet in spite of his momentary weakness, God persisted, “Preach to Nineveh.”

“Jonah tried to run away because he knew God was good,” says Pastor March; and He was bound to save them if they repented. Not good if you knew this nation was hostile to yours, right?

“Oh, how could He?” Jonah must have boiled.

Imagine the ensuing drama:

God litters Jonah’s escape route with violent storms. While he sleeps in the bowels of the boat, the mariners frantically call on their puny gods.

Confronting Jonah, they beg him to call ON GOD.

Jonah admits in verse 9 “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”

Fast forward to verse 14-16. They aren't crying out to their idols anymore, but to the great God of Jonah—God of heaven, maker of the sea and dry land. .

V. 14 “Then they cried out to the Lord, ‘Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.’ 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him."

God doesn't waste an opportunity, does He? While He allows His prophet to stew in his disobedience and hatred for the Ninevites, He demonstrates to a bunch of macho seafarers that He indeed is God.

The rest of the drama seems like a sketch taken from a kiddie book: three days, Jonah safe and sound in the belly of a great sea creature—most probably a whale; in a smooth ride to Nineveh.

Repentant, he preaches to the nation. They repent. God withholds His wrath.

This! In spite of a reluctant prophet’s disobedience.

Humbling, huh?

In the New Testament and even today, God calls us to repentance through Jesus. Why not call on His name today. He’s the name above every other name. The only designated way to the Father. Savior. Lord of all.

Prayer: Who am I, Lord, that I would question your desire for even the vilest to come to repentance and be saved? I too am a sinner and deserve your wrath. You’re calling me too! I repent. Save me, Jesus! Use me to proclaim You to an unbelieving and hostile world—that they too might be saved.

CAN'T DO WITHOUT

2023-05-22T12:09:00.005-07:00

Credit for these images: Ryan Rotor.
Images published in my book
Sorry to Burst Your Bubble:Life Leadership
Lessons from the Greatest Dreamer

Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Whoa, say that again!?

This must be the Bible’s single biggest truth. Miss it, and you mess and mesh with disaster. Get it, and you’re secure—for all eternity.

Jesus Himself said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

So if I believe, that’s it—my destiny is guaranteed?

Pastor March Villareal recently peeled off for us the layers of faith—that faith obeys, affects, blesses and sees.

Faith obeys. Abraham heeded God’s call to leave his life of comfort to journey into the unknown, yet a land HE promised.

Faith affects. Abraham may not have experienced God’s promises in toto; yet his faith impacted his son Isaac, then Isaac’s son Jacob; and as if in a relay, passed it down to us who have placed our trust in Jesus, God’s son.

We’re the last chaps in God’s baton-passing race.

So, have you relayed this baton to your kids or to everyone in your circle of faith—such that they follow your lead?

Faith blesses. Does yours add value to others’ existence? Do you persist on being kind, loving, giving, patient, helpful—though troubles hound you?

“God tests us,” says Pastor March, “but doesn't He know our limits?” Surely, the testing is for us, to strengthen our spiritual muscles, buffing them for heavier loads.

Remember Joseph? He couldn't have become Egypt’s second most powerful man had he failed his qualifying exams.

Faith sees. Faith assures us that those things we had hoped for, will be fulfilled—utterly convinced that they will transpire though YET unseen. (Hebrews 11:1)

You’d be the father of many nations, your descendants will be as numerous as dust and the stars in the sky, God promised Abraham in Genesis 11,13 and 15.

Abraham didn't have Isaac till he was a hundred, his wife Sarah 90 years old!

Could you have waited, and still believed, like Abraham?

Blind faith? Absolutely not. Because faith waits, and obeys.

That’s faith in action. Faith does not sit pretty and waits for the apple to fall from its tree. While on wait-mode, it prays, clasps its hands, bends the knees. Pleads, yes. Then believes some more. And obeys some more.

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Abraham. Isaac. Jacob. Three generations—flawed as all humans are. Yet God declared them righteous because of their faith.

God has made believing easier for you and me. The Word, His son—Jesus—became flesh and blood, and demonstrated His love for us through the cross; that through Him, the barrier between God and man may be shattered.

Romans 10:9 “If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Faith is heavy stuff. How can anyone pooh-pooh such life-saving promise? Coming from the One who alone holds our lives in His mighty hand, that’s trustworthy.

Abraham obeyed. It was credited to him as righteousness.

It starts with trusting Jesus and His Word. Humbly ask Him, “Save me!” Repent of your sins. Obey Him as your Lord.

That’s faith in action. He will do as you have believed.

BY DESIGN

2023-04-11T21:04:00.002-07:00

Me overshadowed by my
favorite artist of all time,
Vincent Van Gogh
Are you a designer? Of course you are!
A limitless one, in fact.

Fashion. Architecture. Industrial. Automotive. Graphic. Software. Avionics. The arts. The list goes on and on. Name it, with the brain we've all been given, we can conceptualize no end, put our thoughts into action.

Where would we all be without our ability to imagine and think, and make these imaginings work? What would become of us without our Grand Designer's wherewithal to create and pass on this ability to us?

"Wisdom!" That's the long and short of it. All of God's power to design and make things work stem from His wisdom spoken to bring universe into existence.

Wisdom speaks through the writer of Proverbs:

“The Lord possessed me (wisdom) at the beginning of His work (Prov.8:22).” "When He established the heavens, I was there; when He drew a circle on the deep, when He made firm the skies above, when He established the fountains of the deep, when He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters might not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside Him, like a master workman… V27-30a

So where’s the big bang theory coming from? This wondrous, complex universe could not have existed by just a confluence of elements or particles simply kissing each other and melding into gigantic spheres of immense beauty.

Our beautiful earth? Don’t tell me it’s merely an accidental assemblage of atomic particles. It’s not happenstance or evolution. That’s intelligent design!

Design is so evident even in the tiniest flower or an insect or a cat.

Image credit: Mina Bhasavanich

Cactusway.com says that cacti go to extreme lengths to conserve water, so they open their stomata (pores) at night to make sure they’re able to store sufficient water in their bodies. No wonder we find them thriving in arid places. And oh, yes, they spring forth the most gorgeous buds. Design!

How do ants survive? Proverbs 6:6-8 “Go to the ant, o sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” Design!

Lion facts: (wwf.uk.org) Lions’eyes are sharper in the dark so they do their hunting at night, giving them a huge advantage over their prey. They hunt more during stormy nights so the wind and noise can camouflage their movements. Females rear their cubs in prides—much like a family of human mothers caring for their kids together. Design, a definite yes.

Ever wonder how God spoke these into being…? The Alps and other majestic mountains, grand canyons, mighty oceans, mesmerizing aurora borealis, icebergs, glorious beaches, snow flakes descending on your nose like flakes from heaven. These and a million others, big or small, have thrilled us no end, haven’t they?

And what about you and me? Fearfully and wonderfully crafted, says David in Psalms 139:14; that we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, per Ephesians 2:10.

Miniaturize yourself, hold on to your nano-sized camera and plumb the depths of the human body. It’s the world’s single greatest wonder. What if you can really explore your inner parts? What a joyous discovery cruise!

I don’t need to be a doctor or a biologist to realize what a cool and wondrous being I am. Thanks to my grade school science teacher, and yes, Google. Knowledge explosion, dear.

The smartest dog or elephant doesn’t even come close to what we humans can accomplish.

Here’s why you and I are even more unique… we’ve been made in our Creator’s image! The God who spoke creation into being breathed life into us. That’s why man has the capacity to know, understand, create, invent, produce, write, teach, etc., etc.

And boy, what treasure we’ve been handed! Our universe, this earth, our very lives. We’re just a speck or dust in God’s total scheme of things. But because He breathed life into us, he too gave us free will to make choices.

We’ve just been through Holy Week, a reminder that because of our first parents’ decision to believe a lie, we’ve been separated from God. But God’s design is this—that we be restored back to Him. Yet only through Jesus, the Word, through whom creation came into being.

But it’s a choice you and I need to make. Resurrection Sunday is also by design. Jesus came down from heaven, became human, died on the cross; and by so doing, made a way for us to be reconnected with our Father. Don’t you just love this design of redemption!

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that those who believe in Him might have everlasting life.

He asks only this—place your faith in Jesus. Afterall, He’s your Creator. Whom would you rather trust to ensure your future?

Prayer: God, thank you for creating me. I realize that my sins have separated me from you. Forgive me. Jesus, save me, enable me to turn away from sin and obey you. You know me from the inside out. You created me. Therefore, lead me. Teach me your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

COME DOWN FROM YOUR PERCH

2023-02-15T14:31:00.023-08:00

Image credit: The Wall Street Journal

Ever felt like a crumb or a flake? That time when your terror-of-a-boss tore you to shreds in front of your colleagues?

Or when you, trotting like a diva, fell headlong because your three-inch heel broke.

Humiliating! Embarrassing! Argh!

All you wanna do is cry, take cover and disappear from the face of the earth. Yet these are nothing compared to utterly humbling and life-altering experiences.

Like finding yourself in jail or homeless one day—and losing your family—when, just yesterday, you were wallowing in a sea of money and luxury. Remember Ponzi scheme artist Bernie Madoff? (my post prior to this)

Humbling situations. We need them! It’s the Almighty’s way of saving us from ourselves and our delusions.

Because you can't be diva-esque and remain untarnished by self-importance and narcissism (especially if you have millions of mad-about-you social media followers).

Nor can you be a wise manager if you become just like your terror boss, thus perpetuating antagonism and warmongering in your workplace.

And you can’t endlessly be amassing wealth at the expense of others. Something’s gotta give! Sometime. Somehow.

Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

So the earlier you descend from your high perch, the less painful and humiliating it should be.

One of the Bible's prime examples: Zaccheus. Tax collector. Corrupt. Wealthy.

A wee-sized man, he climbed a sycamore tree to get a glimpse of the Master who just blew into town. He was curious about this miracle worker who stirred the entire nation about the coming kingdom of God.

“Ah nice! Up here, He won’t even see me,” he must have thought.

Yet, Jesus, upon reaching that spot, looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. Luke 19:5&6

That lone encounter with Jesus changed Zacchaeus’ life forever.

Verse 8—"Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."

Verse 9—Jesus replied, "Today salvation has come to this house…”

This in spite of Zacchaeus being a low-life. He was saved in the nick of time!

What could have happened if he didn't come down from his high perch and Jesus didn’t tell him He’d stay in his house that day?

To this day, Jesus calls us:

“Come down. Humble yourself. Open your heart to my grace. I alone possess the key to turn your life heaven-ward—no matter how greedy or proud or narcissistic you’ve been.”

Verse 10—“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

Fact is: all of us are lost. In big or small ways, we are all corrupt. Let’s start with your thoughts. Your conscience knows.

Sin has separated us from God. That’s why Jesus came.

The God who created us has the power and the authority alone to rescue us from our follies. No one or nothing else can.

Ephesians 2:8—“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

Prayer: Examine my heart, God. Cleanse me of all my sins. I repent. Jesus, come into you into my “house”. Holy Spirit, make me your habitation. Lead me. Enable me to obey and not follow after my own desires. Jesus, be my Savior and my Lord. Amen.

GREED MONSTER

2023-01-12T16:06:00.007-08:00

Bernie Madoff—the dark side of investing.
Image credit: Netflix Movies

How heavily invested are you? I mean, money-wise. It's a volatile marketplace, analysts say, so be careful. Your hard-earned money may turn to mush.

I'm no expert, so don't take my word for it. But learn a lesson or two from those who've been baited into placing their money in ghost investments, and lost.

Smooth operators, these sweet-talkers, promising you sky-high returns.

Case in point: Bernie Madoff—one of the founders of Nasdaq, once hailed as a Wall Street investment expert, a do-gooder who supported numerous charities—conned investors big-time.

Netflix's "Madoff, the Monster of Wall Street," detailed his Ponzi-style "fund management" as having defrauded victims of approximately $65 billion.

Investor.gov defines Ponzi as an investment fraud which pays existing investors with funds collected from new investors. Simply, your money never really gets invested. It just goes to the swindler's bank account—money merely juggled between his clients’ funds.

A promise of over-the-top-earnings—that’s the bait. So clients' invest more, because initially, they’re really getting big returns.

Until the well runs dry.

“Ponzi” derives its name from Charles Ponzi, an Italian swindler and con artist who in the 1920s lured US and Canadian investors to invest with him by promising 50% profit within 45 days (per Wikipedia).

1 Timothy 6:10 "The love of money is the root of all evil."

Proverbs 23:5a "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone..."

It may have been a slow-mo riches-to-prison spiral for Madoff, yet consider the sad trail of tragedies which befell him, his family and his investors.

He was sentenced to 150 years in prison. (Madoff passed away in 2021.) Five of his former employees were also indicted.

His son Mark committed suicide, followed by the death of his brother, Andrew, who succumbed to lymphoma. They both worked for their father, but they were unaware of his shenanigans because the dark side of the business happened on another floor of the building where they were off limits. They notified the authorities once they discovered their father’s criminal activity.

Madoff’s wife remained homeless after all their properties were confiscated.

And his investors? They periodically stormed the courts and the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) for their money back. Some were very old retirees who lost not only their hard-earned earnings but their properties as well.

A fund manager representing smaller investors committed suicide.

Yet how stupid is it! That anyone would knowingly inflict harm on the unsuspecting, break the law, and expect his corruption to be undiscovered.

The whistle-blower—bane of fraudsters.
Image credit: Netflix Movies

Yes, a whistle blower did Madoff in. Within minutes of running Madoff’s numbers, financial analyst Harry Markopolos discovered the mathematical impossibility of the former’s incredible no-loss financial uptrend. He persisted in banging at the doors of the SEC in spite of their dismissiveness. It helped too that the 2008 US financial crisis pushed up-front the country’s fractured investment system,

Hear the Lord’s Word against fraudsters: Micah 2:1,3 “Woe to those who plan iniquity, who defraud people of their homes, rob them of their inheritance... I am planning disaster against this people… You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.”

Every wrongdoing will be exposed, even shame its perpetrators!

How not to be entangled with con artists? Proverbs 14:7

“Escape quickly from the company of fools…”

Don’t be greedy. Ecclesiastes 5:10 “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income…”

It’s hard to come off a vicious cycle of greed. But with God, nothing is impossible.

BLURRED LENSES

2022-10-12T11:47:00.003-07:00

Myopia—a narrow view of something; nearsightedness. Per Merriam-Webster.

We’re all myopics then. None could claim a genuine expansive worldview because we assess things around us based on our own sketchy, patchy perspectives.

You and I are bounded, limited. I grew up within the confines of my country, culture and family. Your education, training and experiences, even your life challenges, are way different from mine.

If you’re a prodigious writer, you worry about syntax and grammar. A reader will just be too happy he understood what you wrote—without concern about your correct use of past or present tense.

Engineers focus on efficiency, systems, processes. Logic reigns. Tell that to an artist who’s motivated only by self expression and colors and textures.

Admit it, we size up people based on our own limited and familiar orientations, thus judge one another quite rashly. Or make decisions that put others in harm’s way.

Take current days’ politicos.

Why did Putin invade Ukraine? Was it out of a divine inspiration that the USSR could be reunited as an empire? Has he not learned that invasions and autocracies are a thing of the past? Is he living in the middle ages? Outdated view, isn't it.

Why did the Marcos name reemerge in the Philippines? Was it because Marcos the younger believed his father’s legacy was worth restoring? Yet it was an evil regime proven by history. Tangled view, this!

And why did I judge my neighbor as such and such only to learn later on—and to my embarrassment—that my assumption was wrong? Myopic!

So if our own measuring scales are rusty and inaccurate, what standard do we hold each other to—so that we make the right decisions?

Since the fall of Adam and Eve, man’s concept of right and wrong has been messed up: success measured by the power, influence and gold one amasses; autocrats applauded; billionaires worshipped; sensuality and the selfie-culture promoted.

The Bible holds us to one gold standard—our only basis for assessing ourselves, others and situations around us.

We’re all sinners.

Romans 3:10-12—“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

So how can I judge John or Joannie as such and such when I too am a sinner. Too, what boundaries have hemmed him or her? Abusive parents? Bullies at school or at work? Couldn't I give him or her the benefit of the doubt?

We all needed saving.

Yes, even megalomaniacs and corrupt politicians.

No wonder Jesus came. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

“Perish” is what we all deserve. Yet if we “believe”, “perish” gets replaced by “everlasting life”. Jesus is our only way out of life’s stickiest situation—eternal damnation.

The Word of God shows us the ropes.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.”

Prayer: Lord, help me look at people and situations through your eyes and regard them with wisdom from Your Word. I have preconceptions of my own, but I count those as nothing compared to the amazing grace through which you regard all of us—with love, compassion and kindness. Lord, teach me your point of view.

SCULPTURE IN PROGRESS

2022-09-05T06:48:00.012-07:00

Image credit: travel.com

Trivia: Between being a painter and a sculptor, which calling did Michelangelo take pride in?

Painting? No! He agonized about completing his Sistine Chapel "Creation"—did it in six years. It was in fact discontinued because of clumping problems with his paint and his back-breaking position while painting from a scaffolding.

"I'm a sculptor, not a painter," he argued with Pope Julius II, but did it anyway because of the latter's insistence.

One of Florence, Italy's most prized attractions today is Michelangelo's 15 ft. sculpture of David—the Bible's shepherd boy-turned hero who smote and killed Goliath with a single stone from his slingshot, and won Israel's war against the Philistines.

Here's an interesting back-story on this piece of sculture:

Two earlier sculptors rejected this quarried stone—"tall but narrow block full of imperfections, tiny holes, and visible veins," per travel.com; "it remained in the courtyard of the Opera del Duomo for another 25 years."

Till Michelangelo. Patiently chipping puny bits of hard impervious stone into dust, chisel by tiny chisel, hammer by hammer stoke, he turned this once rejected bloke into a masterpiece.

Blokes. You and I. Ordinary. Dude. Dudette. Carnal. Sinful. Failure-bound.

Yet under our divine sculptor's chiseling, we can be a David, Pastor Steve Houston reminded us at church this Sunday. "We are all work in progress," he says.

One tiny bit of chiseling is painful. Achey-breaky hearts. Pain. Discomfort. Depression. God allows all these to shape and mold us into the sculpture piece He originally wanted us to be—conformed to His image.

"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you," 1 Peter 5:10.

And He doesn't give up on us. Not just yet. Even if you're like murderous Paul who persecuted believers (Acts). God used the hammer on him one day, and there he was, blind for three days, unable to eat or drink.

A big jolt. A sledge hammer. God knows the kilojoules to hit us with to get our attention and keep us on the road again.

Jesus turned Paul's situation around. He just needed to ask, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" Then the biggest evangelist of all time came to being.

God is all ears. With all the chiseling and hammering pounding you to pieces, who are you gonna call? Life is tough. Problems pounce sometimes in tsunami proportions.

Sin all around—and within us—make life a bit messy. Why not come to the Rock of our salvation?

The real David, Psalm 61:2-3 "From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings."

With Jesus as your Lord and Savior and Refuge, no chiseling or hammering can topple you.

Strengthened? Established? Settled? Yes!

THE PLOT THICKENS

2022-08-18T11:41:00.003-07:00

Is this piece about a telenovela or a new best-seller? Wished it were.

This is way more sinister, blacker than black.

A pied piper has been deluding our children with honey-coated tar—to lure them to the cliff, unfortunately.

"My body, my choice." "My gender is up to me." "Truth is mine to concoct, nothing is absolute." But to what ends?

And it seems we’re (parents) helpless to stem this tide.

My, how the powers of darkness squirm with delight. Satan and his underlings, heaven's fallen angels, have since the beginning of time been at it—preventing babies from seeing the light; and dragging to hell those who make it through life.

If he can get babies destroyed early enough in utero, the more guilt-strapped women he can trap. If he can harden children's hearts early enough, the more prone they would be to rejecting God.

Satan's puppets—those who unwittingly do his bidding to orchestrate his dubious plans? Power-hungry and greedy politicians, idiologues and their fawning sycophants have become his deputies. Yet they think they're doing all of us a favor, that women's rights be upheld, and children be free to decide which lifestyle suits them—yet to their destruction.

Their latest strategy? Take parents out of the equation. Bar them from exercising authority over their children.

Before you dismiss this as one grandma's hyper-dramatic rambling, read today's news and be shocked.

In it's AB 1184 bill passed last year, the California Family Council effectively prohibits insurance companies from revealing to policyholders (parents) "sensitive services of anyone on their policy, including minor children—such sensitive services including abortions, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, except sex change surgeries."

Ergo, parents need not know if their kids opt for, say, abortion or hormone treatments.

And how's this for craziness: "they" should now be used instead of the pronoun "his" or "her". LBTQ has been expanded to LBTQIA+. In the long history of mankind, when has plain "girl" or "boy" not sufficed?

Genesis 5:2 He (God) created them male and female and blessed them. Doctors and scientists would agree with God on that.

The sadder part? The multiple sex and permissiveness culture is being shoved upon our throats through the educational system! So if one's middle schooler wants a sex change or if a girl who gets pregnant orders abortion, as demanded, he or she would get it! In California and seven other states. Because, hey, girl, "it's my body, my choice!"

What about the unborn's right? Abortionists and misguided rights groups argue, "They're just a bunch of tissues."

But it's not just in this part of the world that the assault on children—be they unborn or otherwise—is happening. It's a worldwide campaign waged by Satan in so many forms.

Some interesting facts...

When Moses was born: Exodus 1:22—"Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: 'Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.'" Pharaoh feared the Egyptians would be overpowered by their Israelite slaves.

Matthew 2:16-18 details Herod's massacre of infants to make sure that Israel's promised Messiah—one who would be safe Israel—would be eliminated.

Since the US Supreme Court decision in 1973 to legalize abortion nationwide, 63 million abortions have been done in the US. This law has of course been overturned recently, so women's rights proponents have furiously taken to the streets again for it's reinstatement.

Wikipedia: China has a history of infanticides spanning 2,000 years. It's 1980 one-child policy had led to unprecedented abortions till 2015.

Per the World Health Organization (WHO): In sub-Saharan Africa, 45% of all child deaths are linked to malnutrition. This is traceable to wholesale corruption in government.

UNICEF stats: More than 125 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of female genital mutilation. 11% of girls world-wide are married off before age 15. Leading causes of death in children under 5 years are preterm birth complications, pneumonia, birth asphyxia, diarrhoea and malaria. About 45% of all child deaths are linked to malnutrition. Mostly attributable to corrupt governance.

Child Labor Foundation: 25% of human trafficking involved children who were sold for forced labor and sex.

Glean the pattern. Since time immemorial, babies and children have been the enemy's object of destruction.

Who will lobby for them? Who will protect them? Aren't parents supposed to be their children's primary advocates?

It is a frustrating going-against-the-tide effort for many families. Thank God for organizations taking up their cause even to the courts, or NGOs and missionaries caring for children and women in oppressive regimes.

We can do volunteer work, like counselling young women on making right choices, helping them appreciate the sanctity of life; or contributing to organizations engaged in such efforts.

Yet, let's start with our own families. Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

I worry for my grandchildren's future. I'm sure you do too. Yet, the Bible assures us, fear not, for He has conquered the world, and the evils plaguing it. So pray! Pray that the Lord's protection be upon all the children of the world; and we'd all be vigilant and take action, as the Lord leads us.

THE BIG PICTURE

2022-08-04T00:09:00.002-07:00

Image credit: Reuters.com

“If there is a God, why is there so much evil in this world?”

“Why poverty?” “Why disasters?” “Why wars?”

The list goes on ad nauseam.

We’ve at one time or another asked these questions, right? I have. And they’ve boggled my mind.

Have many rejected God for these reasons? Would you, pretty please, bear with me and patiently read this introspection…

I’m no brainiac, scientist or preacher, yet I see it clearly. This beautiful world we live in, and the universe we’ve come to know more and more because of NASA, speak loads about One so powerful and mighty, He must have made all of these possible.

Any scientist worth his salt will attest: nothing comes from nothing; for every action, a reaction. Everyone’s quite agog about the big bang theory; yet who or what ignited the big bang, and what causes the universe and its milky ways to percolate as they’re doing so now? We’d surely be crushed to smithereens without someone powerful enough controlling them. Could only be God!

Image credit: NASA.com

Here’s the mind-boggling part for me: the nature of man. Dust, you and I are, right? (Ever peered at the cremation chamber and seen one’s material remains—maybe once an illustrious and powerful person—now burnt to a crisp, then to dust?) The bible is right, “for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return,” Genesis 3:19b.

So if we’re mere dust, what are we really? God’s awesome creation—just like the mind-boggling universe. But God desired something better for this dust. He breathed life into it, Genesis 2:7.

Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” That’s what it means “to be created in His image”—not this body we pamper with age-defying enhancements and blings.

Our body is just the laminate. The breath of God in you—that’s the real deal!

And being created in His image, we too have the same free will as God’s. Freedom of choice is the one distinctive which makes man stand taller than, say, elephants, whales, dolphins, dogs—no matter how smarty-pants they’ve been trained to be.

Free will caused man’s downfall. Adam and Eve fell for the serpent’s (actually the devil’s) ruse. Yet, God being God had prepared in advance a rescue plan. Jesus, who reigned with Him from eternity, came to save lost humanity. No one else could ransom sinful man from sin but God’s only Son.

He thus set aside for Himself a nation—Israel—through whom Jesus stepped down to earth. A man just like you and me, He became acquainted with our grief and struggles. By His dying on the cross, He ransomed us from sin, reuniting us with our Creator God.

Yet man is still given a choice. Salvation is not automatic. Remember, He has given us free will.

Image credit: missionaries.com

That’s why today, those who have already believed in Christ are being sent to the ends of the earth to make Jesus known—the Savior of mankind. To thus reunite man with our Creator God. Jesus is our way back to the Father! History’s sinners, and today’s sinners—as long as they placed their faith in God, and later on, in Jesus—could now be back in His grace!

So, dear John and Judy, let’s circle back to our original question. “If there is a God, why is there so much evil in this world?”

You and I live in a fallen world. Sin abounds. It has caused us to abuse our limits, skew our sense of right and wrong, blur our senses from discerning truth from lie, enthrone dictators and autocrats who enslave and invade others to quench their thirst for power and conquest.

God is continuously calling us out. He’s still withholding His full wrath, patiently demonstrating His love through Jesus, and waiting for people to repent and accept His grace. This verse is key: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that those believe in Him might not perish but have eternal life,” John 3:16.

Image credit: crosswalk.com

What about the tribes and nations who worship vain idols and false gods? Worry not. He promised that the end will not come until the gospel has been preached to everyone. Everyone!

Christian missionaries have infiltrated once unreached tribes. The internet has made it possible for the gospel to go viral, everywhere.

It’s a phenomenon! Throughout history, billions of I-me-and-myself-centered and prideful souls who’ve encountered Jesus have testified of changed hearts and lives. The living Word—Jesus—turns lives around, no matter their circumstance. In closed cultures and tribes—those who worship detestable gods—no amount of beheadings, burnings and abuses could stop believers from believing in Jesus.

So, is God a hard taskmaster, having let suffering to proliferate?

Ann Graham Lotz: “For years, we’ve been telling God to get out of our schools… government… our lives. And being the gentleman that He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and protection if we demand He leave us alone?”

This book by Amir Tsarfati
might help you understand
the Book of Revelation.

God does not leave us in the dark about His plans. Jesus warned us in Matthew 24 of the signs to usher in the end times, e.g., wars, famine, earthquakes, increased wickedness. Are we seeing these now? Most definitely, and with greater intensity. Yet, greater wrath is yet to come.

Read Revelation. More terrible times lie ahead, that’s for sure. Yet this shouldn’t surprise us or cause us to fear. His love and grace still abound. He’s still waiting for everyone to repent. Have you? Call on Jesus that you may be saved.

That’s God’s whole s scheme of things. How do you see yourself in it?

God being God never misses a bit. His purpose will prevail. He wants everyone to humble himself before Him—that the curse of sin and death may vanish and we be restored to a relationship with Him, in the kingdom He originally planned for us to inhabit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your great love. You’ve patiently waited for me. Today, I let go of my pride, forgive me. I repent of my sins. Jesus I confess I am lost without you. Be my Savior and my Lord. Save me from the wrath that is to come. Holy Spirit, help me to obey, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

MARVEL

2022-06-10T13:04:00.171-07:00

Awesome. Jaw-dropping. One runs out

of words to describe Sedona's (Arizona) majestic rock formations.

Allsedona.com made it easy for me: "Sedona is best known for its surreal landscape. Filled with dreamlike rock formations, monoliths, cliffs, and canyons, it is an adventurer’s paradise. Most of the mountains... have distinct characteristics, some uniquely named like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Capitol Butte, Coffee Pot Rock, and Snoopy Rock."

Was God being a bit playful when He spoke these parts into being? He certainly splashed them with colors, textures and shapes like they're random strokes on an impressionist's canvas.

Photo images alone don't do justice to this real-deal magnificence.

God's glory in this part of creation is evident. Romans 1:20 "For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

The long and sometimes winding road from Phoenix, Arizona (where we've been treated by our son's family for a week-long vacation; thanks, Carlo and Opal; and spent with family friends Philip and Sheryl An) was a buffet of deserts—blazing hot not cold like your usual sweet meal-ender with a double "s"—laced with saguaro cacti and a cacophony of desert blooms, rock and sand formations, vari-colored mountains...

Then a seeming oasis of greens where a thriving city sits. Yes, lush forested areas amidst endless deserts!

Actually reminded me of dried-up halo-halo (traditional Pinoy dessert) topped with vanilla ice cream!

Truly a treat and an eye-opener especially for one with shaky faith.

Psalms 95:3-5 "For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are all the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land."

So look up the mountains, the sky, the ocean. God's wondrous creation is reason enough to do a hallelujah cha-cha.

I once heard Louie Giglio preach on NASA's recording of the heavenly bodies' seeming musical cadence. He then juxtaposed those sounds with the song "How Great is Our God". Song and sounds actually jived. In sync to magnify our awesome Creator!

Which made Psalms 19:1 quite a revelation to me:

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language their voice is not heard."

No need to go far to behold His glory. It's right within you.

You and I are such wondrous creations, doctors and scientists are only just starting to unravel the intricacies of the human brain and the other complex systems synced with it.

Proof of how amazing gorgeous-dust-us are? The technologies and inventions (cars, planes, the internet, medical breakthroughs, etc.) which have made our lives a bit easier and enjoyable.

He alone therefore deserves all the glory. Not the sun. Not the mountains and their trees. Not the cows on the hills. Nor any other idol like our bank accounts and accomplishments.

Revelation 4:11 "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power; for you created all things, and because of Your will, they exist, and were created and brought into being."

Images top to bottom: One of Sedona's amazing rock formations. Jack and not Jill but me. Carlo, Opal and kids Natalie and Coco. Philip, Sheryl An, birthday girl Audrey and Pau-pau. Interesting Arizona facts found in one of its restaurants.

MEMORIAL DAY THOUGHT: HEROES

2022-05-30T19:30:00.002-07:00

What would you be up to if you're 91?

Me? I'd incessantly be crying out to God, "Take me home, pretty please!"

91? That may not even be an issue with Commander Vern Jumper. He's fit as a fiddle! And he seems to enjoy his role now as a volunteer at the Midway aircraft carrier-turned museum—precious reminder that America, no matter how severely criticized for it's entanglement in Vietnam, cares about nations' right to exist.

Cdr Jumper is flesh and blood hero. And charming and sharp at 91! Move over Superman; you're a mere fantasy.

In our recent visit to the Midway, hubby Jack and I learned how he and his colleagues evacuated thousands of Vietnamese and Americans from Saigon as the country started to fall apart. Here's one of his amazing stories:

He was then the carrier's air traffic controller. An errant South Vietnamese plane attempted to land on the carrier. First and second attempts to land proved unsuccessful. There were just too many planes on the flight deck !

Could have been a total disaster if the pilot hit the runway right off. Solution?

Those planes were ordered off the deck. Pronto! Safe landing! Whew!

That oncoming plane was piloted by a South Vietnamese carrying his entire family to safety. His first attempts to land could have razed the carrier itself.

Cdr Jumper was certain God heard his cry.

As the country observes memorial day, let's remember Cdr Jumper—as well as all the other veterans and active members of the military—in our prayers.

2 Corinthians 1:10 "He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again."

Photo notes: Jack with Cdr Jumper. Jack imagining Cdr Jumper's exploits with as he surveys our Vietnam hero's plane.

ABORTION: RIGHT OR DEATH OR LIFE

2022-05-18T12:37:00.002-07:00

Abortion has become one of the hottest topics today in the US.

A leaked draft of the US Supreme Court's ruling to strike down the right to abortion—currently enshrined in the Constitution due to a 1973 ruling based on the Roe v. Wade case—has raised a ruckus from pro-choice supporters.

And why not? That law, once overturned, will make abortion illegal nationwide, leaving individual states to deal with their own abortions issues—and their laws vary. Many speculate that those seeking abortion just need to flee to other states like California with it's very liberal abortion laws.

I recently watched the documentary, The Matter of Life, with church-mates; thanks, Precy and Caloy.

Some thoughts on the abortion divide:

Abortion proponents have consistently harped on a woman's right to her body. "My body. My right. My choice."

What about the unborn's right? Unless we realize that fetuses are living, breathing, thriving human beings—and not just clumps of tissues—then we would be guilty of denying their right to exist; with their mothers' rights being treated as more important.

Babies, unborn or born, have a right to live as much as you and I. Just because they could not fight or defend themselves does not mean that they should be denied that right.

So, from the outset, the unborn should, must, be treated as persons! That's what pro-life proponents argue. Babies grow from one stage to the next but they are definitely distinct individuals—already! even in the womb!

They may have started as fertilized eggs, initially unrecognizable as humans, yet designed and destined to mature—just like seeds growing to full blown trees, afterwards producing fruits.

God is the author of life! David tells us so in Psalms 139:13-16 "For you formed my inward parts... I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made... My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret... Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, everyone of them, the days that we're formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."

Abortion proponents argue that religion should not be used to slap and deny women their rights. So let science inform us: At two months in the womb, a baby's heart starts beating. But at that stage when the egg and sperm join, life has started!

Alright, let's remove religion out of it. The 14th amendment of the US Constitution's Bill of Rights states "... nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within it's jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws..."

The unborn has life! Why should they be denied their rights? Just because no one is lawyering for them? Just because they're unable to shout or scream? And just because women's rights advocates shout louder and bolder and angier?

Using graphic images, a doctor interviewed for "The Matter of Life" documentary explained how a fetus gets violated in the abortion process. Heart-wrenching is the only way to describe it. Each of the baby's body parts gets torn apart. Bloody murder, to put it bluntly.

Those images remained with me for quite some time. Unsettling! Isn't that your reaction too when confronted with news about gruesome killings? But why do liberal government leaders and extreme women's rights advocates—turn their backs on this holocaust-like decimation of infants.

According to Fox, 63 million abortions have taken place in the US since Roe v. Wade in 1973.

What woman would want to be in this predicament—find herself one day in an abortion clinic?

She may have erred, yes; but she doesn't need to spiral down into a deeper and murkier hole by committing another mistake. Compassion, not condemnation. That's what she needs. Information too—that there are alternatives and people she could turn to for help.

This is where believers can make a difference. Church should be a family anyone can run to for love, healing and restoration.

A case in point: Mina (not her real name) got pregnant and sought abortion. Yet she met Lucy (not her real name), a faithful follower of Jesus. She listened, spent precious time and resources, and prayed with Mina. She recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Mina could not have done it without the support of Lucy and her new spiritual family.

An unwanted pregnancy need not end in someone's— the mother's or an innocent baby's—tragedy. Both of them can thrive and have a happy life, together or apart.

Babies are precious in God's eyes. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these," Matthew 19:14.

Deuteronomy 30:19 "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live."

IMPOSSIBLE?

2022-03-15T10:42:00.324-07:00

(Image credit: Telegraph/Amir Tsarfati)

I struggle through long flights.

Legs and feet numbed due to uneven blood flow, I'd seesaw between, "Hope there were a shorter route," and, "This is probably the last of my travels!"

Yet, long travel times are the least worrisome of all.

How long has the Russian invasion of Ukraine been? Barely two months since February 24 this year. That's the more obvious war we've watched with bated breath these days; but to Ukranians, the Russian assault has been going on since 2014. That's 12 long years!

Ukranians must have been praying, "Stop already! I want to get off!" They certainly need our prayers.

Gives us a saner perspective on our travails or travels, doesn't it?

But who's to say your trouble is less of a headache than mine? All of us, at any one time, in any part of the world, are going through something. A burden which might be too heavy to bear!

A failed relationship. Rebellious children. An unbroken yet self-destructive habit. A deadly disease. All bound to get you dismayed, disillusioned or depressed.

Where can we run to for protection? Or escape?

Psalm 21:1-2 "I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and Earth."

The hill, or the highest mountain, cannot shield you. Nature itself may crumble on you. Strong winds or tsunamis may crush you.

Yet realize this: Jesus created everything. So everything is under His control! Even the rotation of the sun and the earth around it. Even your very breath. The rhythm of your heart. The electrons of your brain.

The great I AM, Alpha and Omega (Beginning and End) holds everything in between, and therefore possesses the power over our travels or travails, be they long or short, big or small.

John 16:16-24 "When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough... They saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But He said to them, 'It is I; don’t be afraid.' Immediately, the boat reached the shore where they were heading."

Feel like you're traveling alone? Ask Jesus into your boat. He's the only one who can make your fear vanish into thin air.

The One who put creation into motion can even shorten the length of your agonizing wait.

And this is what we pray for—for the people of Ukraine. And for you who have become weary waiting for your miracle. For with God, nothing is impossible, Luke 1:37.

Prayer: Lord God, we cry out to you for the people of Ukraine, and for those who feel they have reached the end of their rope. You are Savior, Redeemer, Lord, Master of all of creation. Nothing is too difficult for you. You promised to save. And you will! This we pray in the mighty Name of Jesus.

EYE IN THE SKY

2022-01-13T01:07:00.004-08:00

Image credit: Wikipedia

Technology frightens, intimidates, yet amazes me.

Want information? Google that.

Chat with your sister Down Under? Click Messenger.

Conduct a seminar?Zoom it.

Then there's GPS (global positioning system). Intriguing. How cool it is, that by just typing your destination's address on your smart phone, you can drive through unfamiliar highways and byways and be led exactly to it.

"Arrived," it specifies. And when you miss a turn, "Recalculating," then, "Make a U-turn on the next traffic light."

And upon reaching your residence, it sort of happily says, "You've reached home." How does it even know that?

Updated versions of GPS on your phone show landmarks, e.g., buildings, trees and every bridge you pass under.

Garmin, which manufactures navigation and similar communication devices, informs us that 31 satellites currently orbit the earth—each one doing it twice a day—some 12,000 miles (other sources say 16,000) above us—at speeds of roughly 7,000 miles per hour; with small rocket boosters keeping each satellite flying on its path.

You may drive at maybe just 40 miles per hour. So you can imagine how close to accurate your GPS works even if it falters from time to time.

It's amazing how GPS directs hordes of vehicles—and practically all flying and sea-going vessels—in multifarious directions with hardly a glitch. No mismashes or confusion!

Per GISGeography, these satellites intersect to exactly pinpoint your location. Like your eye from the sky.

So you're searching for the Grand Canyon, or the nearest Cantonese or Jollibee restaurant; no problem, GPS will show you the way.

Current techno-gadgets/systems—smart phones, social media, self-driving cars, drones, etc.—once considered impossibilities and the stuff of cartoons, are now musts for convenient living. Also for decimating enemy installations as countries wage wars.

Charge all these to man's ability to create, invent, calculate and have the gumption to turn their imaginings to reality.

The GPS has come to mimick stars as guides towards destinations. Remember how stars led the three wise men to Jesus that first Christmas?

I think you know where I'm going with this.

Are we really that smart? But we're finite, you and I. We are but dust. How is it that we're capable of incredible feats.

The answer is found in Genesis. God made man in His image and ordered him to take dominion over the earth.

That's why we're problem solvers and tinkerers. That's why we celebrate the Einsteins, Musks, Zuckerbergs, Bezos and all the problem solvers of this world.

Let's not forget Gladys West—a woman, ahem!—who created the GPS.

It's sad though that the more knowledge and gizmos we acquire, the more mankind has revered man and science, and kicked away God as the ultimate source of all these blessings.

Got to give credit where credit is due. Proverbs 2:6—For the LORD gives wisdom: out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.” Proverbs 4:7-9.

GPS uses trilateration. That's when three satellites intersect to pinpoint specific locations. Literally your eye in the sky!

What a perfect metaphor for our triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He's Almighty God, Creator/Savior/Lord, Counselor. He never slumbers and has His eyes on us 24/7.

We don't know how many more miles of going or coming or flying or sailing is up ahead. With covid, we were almost buckling down. Buckle up. Hold on to your seat. Many more are prophesied.

So in Him alone will I trust. And shelter. Yes, despite our amazing gizmos.

THIS LOLA STRETCHES CHRISTMAS (originally published 12/22/2012 on OMFLit Wordpress)

2021-12-22T10:40:00.003-08:00

I've accumulated a chock-full of Christmases. Fun they’ve mostly been, especially in my younger days when İ was at the receiving end of the gift-giving funnel. “Mano po Ninong,” aginaldo na—kwarta o kahon!(Kiss godparent's hand, receive cash or goodies in return!)

But as I got older and became ninang to many, Christmases pounced more like hurricane Pablo, mercilessly tearing my highly fortified wallet and poise.

Always hurried to buy this or that gift for someone or ourselves after receiving our 13th month cash downpour, İ always ended up with—horrors!—comatose, er… flatlined finances.

Compounding my yulelistlessness was the need to rush from one Christmas party to another. İf you were employed in a company like the last İ worked with, we head office types had to make our presence felt in as many facilities’ parties as possible. Add to these your “obligation” to attend family and friends’ events, and you had a recipe for one humongously migrainous holiday.

But İ’ve for sometime been singing a different Christmas carol.

“God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour…”

None of these words suggest “shop and spend like crazy,” or “party, eat and drink like there’s no tomorrow.” “Frenzy” is not in the Christmas dictionary.

Christmas is about Jesus, the Son of God, forsaking His heavenly glory to save sinful humanity. Ever since İ received Christ as my Lord and Savior, my Christmas took on new form, turning my everyday into Christmas.

“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,” says the Bible (Romans 13:14). That suggests a daily camp-in with Jesus, because...

Everyday problems assault us. But with Christ, we overcome.

Tired from all your toiling? Jesus gives you peace within.

Sick? İ am healed by the stripes of Jesus.

So instead of making much ado about one special day, concern all your days with Jesus.

What Christ revealed of Himself in the bible, we chew on everyday. The more Christ-like we become, the more Christmas-sy our days turn.

So I can’t sulk at all that our two children and their families who live overseas won’t be home this Christmas. İ’m thankful enough for my recent opportunity to fly to the US and be Lola to my new granddaughter Natalie. Did we get to celebrate Christmas?

This APOstolic (apo is the vernacular for grandkid) mission was Christmas all the way. Everyday with apowas Jesus day: singing Jesus songs, praying Jesus’ Word, living Jesus’ character. The latter may sometimes be a struggle, but with Jesus in you, Christmas will definitely show up. This Lola’s back and knees might scream everytime I carried Natalie, but with the Christmas spirit in me, I can do all things through Jesus who strengthens me.

A grandparent’s lap is the biggest lap in the world, İ wrote in my book “Grandparenting: Happiness and Hard Work.” Jesus’ lap is incomparable. And all of us are welcome there. That’s Christmas 24/7!

ELEGANT BRUSH

2021-11-02T00:27:00.113-07:00

Julie Gil at her recent exhibit

Think of someone/something whom/which you may consider elegant.

A royal? A celebrity? A palace? A painting?

The word elegant is synonymous with classy, graceful, exquisite, tasteful.

I'm no art critic or connoisseur. But lately, I've become an avid fan of a good friend's watercolor paintings. And that's my recent brush with elegance, pun intended. 😄

Julie Santos Gil recently had her paintings exhibited in the recent PlantitosYPlantitas Plant and Painting Exhibit at the Art Lounge Manila Gallery.

My wanna-be-but-hardly-there-artist-self is in awe of Julie's watercolor tinkerings. Though vivid and lifelike and earthy, her images---or the concepts they project---are ethereal and profound, with their colors and strokes seemingly ordered by the daintiest of fingers

This is as far as I go to describe Julie's art. It would be a disservice if I fall short of words. I'll let her creations do the talking.

It's hard to paint with watercolor. I've tried painting with watercolor and the results were just one faded glory after another faded glory. Most artists would agree that watercoloring is pretty challenging.

Julie is one of the few who have mastered the medium. But she's not just a craftsman. Her art projects soul---an elegant and deep one. Though channeling peace or awe or beauty, it nonetheless stirs something within.

Unity in contrast. That's Julie's recurring theme. Her paintings have been exhibited in various art watering holes. Armed with Fine Arts and Interior Design degrees, Julie dabbled with advertising and public relations for sometime; then set up her own enterprise, Final Touch Designs---adding a breath of elegance to the interior spaces and floral accents of banks, hotels, and homes of celebrities.

Elegance is a word I hardly use. But the word fits Julie and her art to a T.

Julie and I have been friends for years--more like spiritual siblings because we both sang in our church's worship team. Her heart always surrendered to the Lord, she faithfully worship-led our congregation most Sundays. And what a sister she'd been to us!

So now you know why the word elegance kept recurring as I prepared this piece.

I love this family: Dino, Julie, Nikki and Danni

Julie applies this same spirit---quiet dignity, integrity, and care---in whatever she does, whether it's in ushering people into God's presence, sketching an itty-bitty worm, designing a family's new abode, making a hotel lobby come to life with her floral creations. Or being a compassionate friend who listens to your woes, or cries and prays with you when you're down. And being a supportive wife and mom and grandma.

"As an artist, I'm called to a mission," she says. "May God find me faithful."

Julie loves nature subjects.

"Nature is very calming. Chirping birds. Water droplets touching silent plants. Breeze caressing your face. All these can put your mind at ease. Art is the same way. Find your corner. Shut the world outside. In your own little world, your cares disappear for a moment. Create. Pour your heart into it. You've found your rest. When God was done creating, He said, 'It was very good.'

"Nature is a prime source of insights and lessons on our experience as humans. Some of my subjects--Hope, Resilience, Harmony, Interdependence, Purpose, Anonymity, Bloom (where you are planted), Metamorphosis: Trust in the Timing of your Life, Divine Exchange (your sorrow for joy)--are concepts found in nature. They mirror human strivings for survival and happiness. It's fulfilling... to capture those concepts on canvas and inspire my audience with their messages.

"I guess that’s what we need to do this pandemic. Find your little corner. Create something which will benefit others: your art, food trays, stylized face masks, literary works. You'll find yourself rested and recharged.

"I love the emotional experience of creating an art piece. It’s like writing a book and creating a visual message that will get into somebody’s hands , somebody’s life and that’s the most exciting part."

Julie weighs in on her favorite color.

"I always get excited when I can blend in a little purple pigment. Purple, according to Google, combines the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red!

"Well what do you know, that describes me, J!" she exclaims.

Fierceness and stability. Unity in contrast. That's Julie.

I knew Julie, the person and the worshipper, before I knew her as an artist. Today, I believe she's happiest performing the role of doting grandma to Finn and Maddie (by Nikki, the other famous Gil), and Marta (by younger daughter Danni); and supportive helpmate to Dino, her equally wonderful and gifted hubby.

Elegant, don't you think? That deserves some ladies' lunch out. Right, Julie, Desa, Susanne, Janice? Or a Praise and Worship team reunion? Music please, Dino!

SPIN DOCTORS

2021-10-26T09:32:00.005-07:00

Image credit: National Geographic Kids

Been on a roller coaster ride?

One polled individual says "it's euphoric... made her feel like a god... thoughts disappeared... mind went silent."

Oops! How's that again? Just because of a crazy spin?

Spin doctors have been around since the garden of Eden. A slithery creature hissed that Adam and Eve could be like God. So they fell for the ruse. Fake news inaugural right there!

Pastor Steve Houston (San Diego Christian Fellowship) warned us last Sunday against a perverted view of things.

"We must set our sights right," he says, cautioning us against a distorted view of history, marriage, certain ethnic groups or races—because these same skewed views can be passed around, and around, and influence many more until they become the more popular views. Cool, politically correct, they say.

Speak the truth or contrariwise, and their devotees are all of a sudden up in arms, ganging up on intolerant puritanical you.

Cases in point:

How has evolution replaced the fact that God created you and me and the entire universe?

Why has abortion or sleeping around or choosing your own sexual orientation become the norm in these parts?

Distortion nation. That's what most societies have become.

The moment you start referring to a girl as he, or a boy she, pray!

In the Philippines, voters are utterly confused about which presidential candidate to vote for. Fanged fake news purveyors and trollers have snared even believers to disregard the blatant abuses, bullying and abuses of those in power.

We are always being taken for a fake joy-ride but we are largely unaware. I myself am confused about the crisscrossing news on covid-19 and vaccination.

Not everything is to be believed!

We know the major purveyors of spin. So be careful which channel or site you click. Social media algorithms will surely send you more fakes.

Where then can we find truth? The written Word! The Word of God should be our go-to source of truth, especially when we are confused and unsure of what to believe.

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:105

The Word of God comes with a live magnifying glass—the Holy Spirit. He illumines, teaches, and guides us into all truth.

We all need a dollop of discernment—just the right amount when we need it—and that's possible only with Jesus being in us.

Right and wrong will be clear as day and night!

So refuse to be snagged in an upside-down roller-coaster ride.

Turn to Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life. Your lens will be way brighter, cleaner, clearer.

THOROUGHBRED

2021-10-21T06:44:00.028-07:00

Image credit: Unsplash

Thoroughbred horses are your best horse racing bets. They're agile and fast and spirited—hot-blooded—per Wikipedia.

Merriam-Webster defines thorough as a quality of being "careful about doing something in an accurate and exact way".

So if you're meticulous, exhaustive and does something painstakingly, you're thorough.

It's a quality one would appreciate among scientists, forensic investigators or surgeons. Mechanics, machinists, and seamstresses too.

Imagine a murderer getting scott-free or your car running wobbly—because the forensic investigator or your car mechanic does a lousy job.

Thoroughness is a God-given ability only humans possess. We've been wired that way. That's why after God was done creating man, He cried out, "Very good!"

Genesis 1:27 says that God created man in His own image. And who is God? Only the creator of the heavens and the earth! A universe so grand—with perfectly-positioned and purposed elements—could only be possible because behind it is a mighty, meticulous and thorough creator and thinker!

If we are made in His image, then we are capable! Man is hard-wired to be productive. And excel at being productive.

It starts with thoroughness. Jesus calls it faithfulness.

Luke 16:10a "One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much..."

Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."

That's why we can't pooh-pooh the little details which we need to attend to on a daily basis:

Hygiene, especially with covid running amuck around us. How much effort will hand-washing or simply wiping spills or grime cost ?

In your place of work, what will following procedures or the system, and being precise, mean? Would a properly-installed screw or a rivet make a difference for a car tire (and your safety) or a ship?

"Untergang der Titanic" by Willy Stöwer,
1912. Wikipedia

Trivia: Some investigators (and there had been many) assert that rivets used in the 460,000-ton Titanic are to blame.

"The Titanic sank in fewer than three hours... 1,517 people died. If the rivets had been stronger, the ship might have stayed afloat longer and more people might have been rescued..." (educationworld website)

Unskilled or unfaithful workers? They're a dime a dozen. So if you're a boss, be careful whom you hire.

There's a danger though to being uber-thorough. Thoroughbred horses, being hot blooded, perform to the max; they're therefore prone to accidents, abnormal hearts, and infertility.

Very much like a human who over-exerts, don't you think? A person who excels can become intolerant of others. "Not in my league," he scoffs.

That's pride. Psalm 73 says the arrogant brag to the sky, make fun of others, and wear pride as their necklace.

So be thorough. Be faithful. Be an expert in what you do. But don't be overly stressed or be OC (obsessive-compulsive). Be sober-minded and humble. For the Lord lifts up the humble and brings down the proud. Yes, you'll fail sometime. You're but dust, remember?

That's why you need to put your faith in someone who knows better and has your life in the palm of His mighty hand. He's got your back!

DEAD OR ALIVE

2021-09-26T05:39:00.020-07:00

Image credit: Philip J. Currie. Dinosaur Museum

Walking dead. Most of us were, before Christ. Why?

Because though we breathed and ate and went about life, we were dead—because God's spirit was not in us. We can blame Adam and Eve all we want, but that's the truth; sin passed down from generation to generation has separated us from God.

Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned...

Have you noticed how you and I so easily lusted, lied, schemed, and craved power or attention—as if the world revolved around us? These may not have been overt behavior but they nonetheless percolated in our minds and hearts.

As far as Jesus is concerned, you've murdered someone even if you just thought it. Notice how pornography and the sleazy images you've googled encamp in your mind, goading you to google more of it? Or when you've been hooked on gambling or drinking or dope, you could not get out of it?

We need not be the walking dead any longer.

Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, our Creator—the mighty God—came down from His heavenly throne to save us. He took on the form of man. Taught us the way back to the Father. Then died the most horrible way, nailing our sin on the cross with Him. That we may die to sin and live again!

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That's what being born again is all about. It's no longer I who live, but Christ in me!

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.A lot of baloney, some say. Concocted by feeble minds—escapists who retreat to religion or delusions because they're incapable of facing life's issues squarely on their face.

Yet who can argue with millions all over the world whose lives have been changed?

Paul—a Pharisee of the Pharisees, self-righteous and arrogant—met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Changed! How many more Pauls are out there today sharing and preaching the gospel, braving ridicule (yes, even from their families), persecution and death, because they've followed Jesus.

How many would testify they were almost suicidal, without hope, hateful, unforgiving, their lives a total mess—walking dead—yet met Jesus; and they began to live again.

Jesus came that you and I may have life. Eternal. Abundant. Overflowing. Full of peace and joy. Yes, in spite of pestilence or wars or earthquakes or tsunamis. And yes, in spite of yourself! How can anyone say no to that?

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your love. You are God yet you've reached down to save me from myself. I repent of my sins. I confess you as my Savior and my Lord. Help me to obey. In your most precious name, I pray. Amen.

SKEWERED

2021-07-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

Image credit: https://www.integrify.com

Are you ready for this?

“Bacon May Disappear in California as Pig Rules Take Effect,” headline.

“Animal welfare organizations for years have been pushing for more humane treatment of farm animals but the California rules could be a rare case of consumers clearly paying a price for their beliefs,” per recent Yahoo news.

The state will in a few months enforce a law requiring “more space for breeding pigs, egg-laying chickens and veal calves”. It seems the entire poultry industry has already been compliant; but most hog raisers are not.

Sorry, pork might soon just be a figment of your foodie fantasies.

What?! No more lechon kawali, barbeque, chicharon? What about adobo and sinigang? I grieve.

On second thought, that may well spell our freedom from cholesterol. Well, not quite, if you fancy steak or bistek.

Image credit: Pinclipart

Being concerned with animal welfare makes sense. Well-cared for animals means healthier menudo for you and me.

Yet something is skewed. If politicians and activists disregard the most important of rights—the right of humans to exist—what right have they to champion animal or mushroom rights?

Let’s consider “right to life”. US abortion statistics: 63 million abortions from 1973 to 2017. (Guttmacher Institute’s data as reported by Christian Life Resources.) Interesting fact: California data have not been reported since 1998.

Call it right to choose. Yet, when has choice or convenience replaced a human being’s right to exist?

Most of these cases are unwanted pregnancies. “It’s my body so I can do with it as I please,” they reason out.

Really? To end a life because it is convenient? How about educating women to accept responsibility if in fact their pregnancies are unplanned; and ensuring that their babies are loved and cared for anyway, either by them or by others?

Human babies don’t even come close to pigs or dogs!

A baby in a woman’s womb is not just a bunch of tissues as some doctors claim. Unlike an animal, to which the pronoun “it” applies, a fetus is a “he” or a “she” once determined through ultrasound at approximately four months.

God, being infinite, already foreknew that unformed baby way ahead of his or her birthdate.

David (Psalm 139: 13,14b,15,16) said, “For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made… My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”

The Lord told the prophet Jeremiah (1:5): “Before I formed you in the womb, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

God’s purpose makes everyone’s life worthwhile—worthwhile saving, keeping, preserving. As is—male or female.

Genesis 1:27—“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.”

Baffling, isn’t it? While politicians and special interest groups rave about animal rights and other so-called rights, they won’t bat an eyelash about trashing human life or upholding the truth. Man is born male, woman female. Period. They even penalize those who refute their skewed narrative.

And these laws are messing people’s lives. Just three examples: Parents prevented from meddling if their school-age children opt for sex change. Abortion extended to nearly full-term babies. Transgender males now allowed in women’s sports.

Good thing some US states are fighting back.

But isn’t it utter folly!? We’re being skewered by a godless ideology hiding behind the cloak of laws. So we better watch it or we’ll suffer the full brunt of ‘justice’, warn their proponents.

What happens when a country’s man-made laws take precedence over God-ordained laws, or its citizens idly or willingly go with this flow? Disaster, perhaps.

It’s simple: Unwise leadership yields bad laws. Israel, exhibit A. The nation suffered God’s wrath when evil leaders reigned, yet flourished under godly leadership and wise laws. Corrupt leadership is a malignant tumor which permeates the very core of our being—the family.

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows,” Galatians 6:7.

PRAY, yes! But also DO, when it is within your power to do something about it. May the Lord relent and not judge us according to our folly.

WHAT IS LOVE, REALLY?

2021-07-22T09:37:00.022-07:00

"The Little Prince" asks the meaning
of love. Image credit:
https://www.columbiaarts.org/
events/the-little-prince/

What is love? Paul tackles that in 1 Corinthians.

As I read about it, this came to mind: what is the opposite of love?

Self-indulgence? Selfishness? Arrogance? Envy? Hatred? Anger? Rebellion?

Not one word qualifies but all of them seem to make up the whole bunch of what love is not all about. And what they're a product of.

They are varying degrees of what love is not. Self-indulgence leads to selfishness to arrogance to envy to hatred to anger to rebellion as one's self-esteem gets provoked by pride. The Bible cautions us again and again about not falling into any of these.

The best cure-all antidote? Love!

I love the way Paul tackles it in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Noticed something? Paul did not talk about sensual or physical love. Because God is the source of love. Its object is our greatest good—to save us from perishing and make us enjoy eternity with Him.

"For God SO LOVED The world that He gave His only begotten Son, but whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life," John 3:16.

Love comes full circle in God! So it could/should never be used as an excuse for self-indulgence, or extra-marital or same sex relationships—which the Lord cautions us against.

Because love used against itself leads to many more waywardness—carousing, rebellion, division of families, destruction of lives. The meaning of love has so been perverted in our current generation that many among the young no longer recognize love for what it truly is.

God is love! (1John 4:8)

Apart from God's intention, love becomes a perversion—contrary to everything He is. Only through His Word can we truly love.

Oh that we may teach our children to love God and His Word so that as they mature and develop relationships outside of the family, they may love the way God wants them to love. And live within His grace!