Reflections
Who wants Adobo ?
Point to ponder:
What a mouth watering title! I could just taste that delicious adobo satisfying my every taste bud. The combination of all the the spices and the meat is just excellent. But, this is not a recipe on how to make the perfect adobo but it is definitely an article on how adobo is made perfect.
The secret in adobo is not the mixture of spices, soy sauce and vinegar. The secret of adobo is the FIRE! Uhh??, Yes, you read it right! It is the fire. Only a few of us know that adobo gets better and taste more delicious when reheated for the second, third, fourth time and so on.
Text: Jeremiah 18:1- 4, Ephesians 5:17- 18, 1Thessalonians 5:19, Luke 3:16, 1 Peter 1: 7
Insight:
Besides the invention of the wheel, fire was absolutely a significant breakthrough and discovery by early man. Through fire, man learned that the food that they caught by hunting proved to be more appealing to the taste. By fire, they could carve, shape weapons used also for hunting and by fire they could warm themselves on a cold wintry night.
The same thing could be said to us “ Christians”, we are put through to the “Fire of God”. We are transformed more and more into the likeness of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:23-24). At times, I am not aware of the transformation in myself but God sees our potential and what we can be. But God cannot create a good work through me unless I let God create a good work “in” me. Just like adobo when reheated or put under the fire I start to become from good to better then being the best that God willed for me to be. So, let God fill us with His Holy Spirit and refine us with His Fire!
Prayer:
Our Most Gracious and Heavenly Father we pray that you create in us the desire to seek refinement, to be put under your fire – a fire that does not burn us into ashes but a fire that transforms our lives into the likeness of your son, Jesus. Like ordinary coals when heated under the fire they become precious diamonds. Though it maybe a long and painful process we cling to your plan for our lives. Thank you, Oh, Lord. To you be all the glory. In the most compassionate name of Jesus Christ we pray. AMEN.
By: Jason Serafica/ 241109
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“Divine Encounters”
Point to ponder:
Remember the film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” by John Carpenter? It was a film premiered way back in the 1980’s and it depicts about UFO’s, alien life forms and other extra terrestrial activity in the universe and other galaxies.
Scientist and astronomers have been intrigued in the idea of life in other planets. They invest much time, money, launching numerous space explorations aiming to discover something that is, positively vast and complex. These brilliant men like in John Carpenter’s film are attempting to get in grips to close encounters of the unknown. This brings me to ask, why study the stars when we can look on the very “One” who made the stars. Why settle for an unknown encounter when we can have a Divine Encounter.
Text: Acts 9:1-19, Luke 19: 1-10, John 4: 4- 42
Insight:
The apostle Paul, an apostle to the gentiles had a divine encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Being blind for three days must have been so depressing for Paul who then, as a normal human reaction, would not have the craving neither for food or drink.
But God’s timing couldn’t be more perfect. This gave Paul time to reflect in prayer, little did Paul know that help was on its way. As Ananias prayed over Paul, he did not just received healing and restoration of his sight, but salvation and was then filled with the Holy Spirit.
Zaccheus, a tax collector, a man short in physical stature but great in wealth, when Jesus said “I must stay at your house today”, he welcomed Jesus gladly not only at his house but also in his heart. He immediately recognised his wrongs, he was willing to give half of what he owed to the poor and to pay back four times the amount to anyone he cheated.
The Samaritan woman at the well, was a social outcast. Nobody wanted to associate with her, let alone the discrimination of the Jews on Samarians which was then deemed impossible for the two groups ever to interact with each other. She was aware being a social deviant, a sinner; she must have been getting tired of the sneers and the whispers of the other women who drew water from the well. She must have opted fetching water in an unusual hour so to avoid the people with their offensive comments and hostile demeanours. It was Jesus’ love for the lost that through this divine encounter the woman became a living testimony of Jesus’ grace.
Three different people who encountered our Lord Jesus:
- The apostle Paul, a persecutor of Christians. He witnessed the stoning of Stephen. He must have been bewildered when he saw the first stone thrown at Stephen, now Stephen’s face radiant, reflecting the glory of God, crying out for the forgiveness of his persecutors including Paul himself (Acts 7: 54- Acts 8:1).
-Zaccheus, his conviction was so strong that honesty became his heart’s resolution.
- The Samaritan woman became a witness bringing most of the residents of Sychar in Samaria to Christ.
A murderer, a cheater and an adulteress all lost and have been found by the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
My brothers and sisters no one is too far off for Jesus. A broken heart cannot be mended with one piece alone. What is our missing piece that we still hold back? Is it a failed relationship, a grudge against someone, an addiction or a selfish attitude? Allow Jesus to enter our hearts and change will start taking over in our innermost being.
Prayer:
Our most Gracious and Heavenly Father we recognise that you forgive our trespasses. We admit our sins and we admit that we need your redemption. We cast all our burdens unto you for we know that you care for us. We bring our failed relationships, our hurts, our attitudes at your feet. Change us in ways that only the power of your love can do. Make everyday of our lives here on earth a Divine Encounter. Thank you, Abba, Our Father, in the most compassionate name of Jesus Christ we pray, AMEN.
by Jason Serafica 12/07/09
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What’s in a Name?
Point to ponder:
C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Cecil B. DeMille, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa. These people whose names are synonymous to great literary works, great films, great leaders and exemplary figures of service had their reputation precede them. They have carve their names in our history books as people of courage, integrity and now are remembered even for future generations to come.
Text: Exodus 34: 6-7, Deuteronomy 4:31, 7:12-13, Psalm 86:5, Psalm 108:4, John 13:1, Romans 5:8, 1John 4:7-12
Insight:
I remember when I was taking my NCEE exam in high school, equivalent to GCSE’s here in the U.K., I was worried that I would ran out of squares to write my name on. For those who know me well, I do have three names. Thank goodness, I still had the one square left to spare and I was able to fit all my three names on the boxes provided.
But besides my “names”, I proudly affixed the word “Christian”, to indicate I follow The Name that brings the dead back to life, The Name that causes demons to tremble, The Name above all other names. I carry The Name of JESUS.
In the Bible days God has revealed Himself to His people. And the same thing is true for us today. God still reveals Himself to us, especially to those who earnestly seek His face.
Knowing God and His different names reveals His true nature and character. Here are some examples:
Eloihim, meaning, My Creator. (Gen. 1:1)
Adonai, My Lord and Master. (Gen 18:3)
Jehovah Jireh, My Provider. (Gen 22:14)
El-Elyon, The Most High God. (Num 24:16, 2 Samuel 18:13)
As we exalt and acknowledge God, there is this one attribute that should be evident in us, and that separates us, His people, from the rest of humanity. This character of God is His love nature. God demonstrated His love towards us by sending His only son. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Jesus is The Father’s Love. As Christians, this is how we should live our lives, showing and demonstrating love towards one another in which The Bible calls others, our neighbours.
We are a chosen generation to bear His name. A people characterize by love. Though this may be easier said than done, Jesus enables us to look at others through His eyes. To love means giving up ourselves, it interrupts well organized schedules, it is costly, it demands our time, and it entails sacrifice. We deny self-serving ends of comfort, honour or praise and convenience. Love is saying “no” to what we want, so we could say “yes” to what Christ and others need. We die in ourselves, and ultimately find our life back again in Jesus.
Prayer:
Our Most Gracious and Heavenly Father, You have called us to bear Your Name. When we say your name, it equals “love”. Teach us Oh Lord, to love and to see others through your eyes. Let our lips say that we have tasted and see that You, Oh Lord, is good. To express your love is to be merciful, to be kind and patient. Teach us to give our lives for others and having the fullness of your joy in doing so. And most of all Lord change us through and through, again by the power of your mighty love. In the most compassionate of name of Jesus Christ we pray. AMEN.
Jason Serafica/09/02/10