The Importance of Recognizing Church Leaders' Birthday (Happy Birthday po Ka Eduardo!)

 

Pagbati mula sa puso ng Maligayang Kaarawan sa Pamamahala ng INC, ang Ka Eduardo V. Manalo. 

Salamat po sa Diyos sa pagkasangkapan at pagiging instrumento upang marating ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ng INC ngayon — ang nagpapatuloy na parada ng mga tagumpay at pagsulong na mga gawain ng Kaniyang bayan. 

Celebrating a church leader's birthday can hold deep significance for a congregation, grounded in Biblical principles of honoring those who lead and serve with dedication. The Bible calls us to respect and appreciate our leaders, recognizing the ways they labor in teaching, guiding, and spiritually nurturing the community. Acknowledging their birthday is one way to show appreciation in a way that’s both scripturally sound and personally meaningful. 

In 1 Timothy 5:17, we read, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” 

This verse reminds us that church leaders, who dedicate themselves to the ministry, are deserving of our respect and gratitude. Birthdays offer a natural opportunity to put this instruction into practice, letting leaders know that they are valued not only for their spiritual guidance but for who they are as individuals. It’s a time for the congregation to show appreciation and offer blessings, reinforcing the bond of community and the shared journey in faith.

Recognizing a church leader’s birthday can also be a way of affirming their humanity. 

Leaders, often tirelessly involved in serving others, can sometimes feel isolated or weighed down by their responsibilities. Acknowledging their birthday allows the congregation to step in, uplift, and encourage them. Celebrating a birthday is a gentle reminder that they are seen, appreciated, and supported—not only for their role but as people with hopes, challenges, and needs.

In addition, celebrating a leader’s birthday with humility and joy creates a positive atmosphere within the church without veering into fanatical worship. It’s not about elevating the leader to an idol-like status, which the Bible warns against, but about expressing appreciation for their stewardship. Hebrews 13:7 states, 

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” 

Recognizing birthdays provides a way to reflect on the example leaders set in their faith walk and to thank God for their impact on the community.

The benefits of such recognition are tangible for both leaders and the congregation. For the leader, it brings encouragement, strength, and renewed motivation. For the congregation, it strengthens unity, as members come together to express gratitude and to pray for the continued wisdom and well-being of their leader. This unity, in turn, fosters a stronger sense of spiritual growth and mutual support within the church.

Celebrating a church leader's birthday is an occasion to honor and encourage them, fostering community and expressing Biblical gratitude. When done with sincere appreciation, it becomes an act of faith —a reminder of our interconnectedness and a celebration of the gifts God has bestowed on us through our leaders.

- billymacdeus ®️

The Unknown Benefits of Walking in 2024

 

Walking offers numerous benefits that often go unnoticed or are under-appreciated, beyond the well-known advantages of improved cardiovascular health and weight management.

But before we dive in to the lesser-known benefits of walking, allow me to share my stoked-moments of using my Onitsuka Tiger 3-stripes slip-on, which complements positively on my 3 - mile walk. As seen in the picture, it depicts the aura of like walking on air. Hahahahaha! I may be exaggerating but really, no, I am just stating the facts.

1. Enhances Creativity

• Boosts Brain Function: Studies have shown that walking can stimulate creative thinking. The rhythmic motion of walking increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance problem-solving skills and lead to new ideas.

2. Promotes Better Sleep

• Improves Sleep Quality: Regular walking, especially during the day, can help regulate your sleep patterns and promote deeper sleep at night. Physical activity can reduce anxiety and stress, making it easier to fall asleep.

3. Strengthens Your Immune System

• Boosts Immunity: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, has been linked to a healthier immune system. Moderate exercise can help reduce the risk of illness by improving circulation and promoting better immune function.

4. Increases Longevity

• Extends Life Expectancy: Research has indicated that regular walking can contribute to a longer life. Even small amounts of daily walking can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall longevity.

5. Improves Digestive Health

• Aids Digestion: Walking after meals can promote better digestion by stimulating the digestive tract. This can help reduce bloating and discomfort.

6. Enhances Social Connections

• Builds Community: Walking can serve as a social activity that fosters connections with others. Joining walking groups or participating in community walking events can strengthen social bonds and reduce feelings of loneliness.

7. Increases Mindfulness

• Promotes Presence: Walking, especially in nature, allows for a meditative experience that encourages mindfulness. Focusing on your surroundings and the act of walking can help you become more present and aware, reducing stress and anxiety.

8. Stimulates Lymphatic System

• Improves Detoxification: Walking helps stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in immune function and detoxification. This can improve the body’s ability to remove waste and toxins.

9. Fosters a Positive Outlook

• Mood Regulation: Walking can serve as a natural antidepressant. The release of endorphins during physical activity can help regulate mood and promote a sense of well-being.

10. Enhances Joint Health

• Increases Flexibility: Regular walking can help maintain joint health by keeping the joints flexible and lubricated. It can also help alleviate stiffness and improve overall mobility.

While walking is often viewed simply as a means of transportation or a basic form of exercise, it offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond physical fitness. 

Incorporating regular walks into your routine can enhance various aspects of your life, from mental clarity to social connections and overall well-being. So, step outside and enjoy the many hidden rewards that walking has to offer!

... and don't forget to wear your favorite shoes! It'll boost further your endorphins. 

- billymacdeus ®️

Patuloy Na Magbigay Kasiyahan sa Diyos ang Kaniyang Bayan

 

Sa gitna ng mga iba't ibang pangyayari sa mundo ngayon, tulad ng:

- karahasan

- digmaan

- tagtuyot

- pagbaha

- kalamidad

- climate change

- at iba pang mga kauri nito,

Ang Diyos ng mga Iglesia Ni Cristo ay may inaasahan sa Kaniyang mga hinirang -- "ito ay ang patuloy na magbigay ng kasiyahan sa Diyos ang Kaniyang bayan". Ang bayan na tinutukoy dito ay ang mga kaanib sa INC sa mga huling araw.

Bakit ito inaasahan ng Diyos sa mga kaanib sa INC na patuloy na magbigay ng kasiyan sa Kaniya? - sapagkat dito nabubuo ang tunay na pagtitiwala, dito nagiging dalisay ang pananampalataya --na ang Diyos ang Siyang pumapatnubay sa atin sa landas kung saan tayo lalakad -- noon at ngayon, kung saan higit Siyang kailangan dahil sa mga nagaganap sa kasalukuyan. 

Siya ang pumuprotekta sa bawat hinirang; kung wala iyon, kapahamakan ang naghihintay sa buhay pa lamang na ito.

Ang isang halimbawa na lingkod ng Diyos kung saan ipinakita niya ang pagbibigay kasiyahan ay si Haring Hezekiah - ginawa niya ang mabuti at tama. Nagpumilit siya na sumunod sa Dios - sa batas nito at mga tuntunin (laws and rules), higit sa lahat, maging ng mga kalooban ng Diyos. Kaya, napakabubuting bagay ang nangyari at natamo ni Haring Hezekiah.

Bilang isang tagasunod ginawa niya ang pagsunod ng taos sa puso, buong kaluluwa, at itinalaga ang buong pagkatao. Siya ay matuwid na lingkod ng Diyos -

- nabubuhay sa pananampalataya

- matibay ang pananalig

- iginagalang ang kaugnayan ng tao sa Diyos (sa mga banal na bagay, at sa mga banal na kasiglahan)

- hindi umuurong, hindi tumatalikod

Ipinapaalaala ng mga apostol kung paanong mabigyang daan ang patuloy ng pagbibigay kasiyahan sa Diyos:

- huwag gumaya sa mga kultura ng sanlibutan. (Maging maingat at matalino kung saan naka-anchor ang inyong mga paniniwala at mga idea, baka nahihikayat na kayo ng mga maling "influencers" - na kaibayo sa mga aral ng Diyos).

- hayaang baguhin ng Diyos ang inyong pag-iisip, upang mabuhay kayo ng naiiba - at malalaman ninyo ang mabuti - "kung ano ang makapagbibigay kasiyahan sa Kaniya".

Pangako ng Diyos sa nagbibigay kasiyahan sa Kaniya:

- Patuloy kang papatnubayan.

- Bibigyan ka ng kasiyahan sa buhay na ito gaya ng isang bukal ng tubig na hindi nawawala.

Maraming mga kaanib sa INC ang gumagawa ng pagbibigay kasiyahan sa Diyos - lumalakad ng matuwid, nabubuhay at pinapangasiwaan ang kaniyang pananampalataya na karapat-dapat sa Diyos, nagbibigay ng kaluguran at sinusunod ang kalooban, nagbubunga ng mga mabuting gawa, puspos ng pananalig, may kabatiran kung bakit kailangan niyang sumunod sa mga utos, at may malaking pagkakilala sa kahalagahan na mailapat ang sarili sa kagustuhan ng Diyos

Kung ang mga ito ay napagtatalagahan, susunod at mga biyaya, at mga pagpapala.

Hindi naman kailangan ng Diyos ang mga biyaya, bilang mga tao tayo ang mapagkailangan, tayo ang nangangailangan, kaya marapat lamang na kung gusto nating makamtan ang mga biyaya, ilakip natin ang pagbibigay ng kasiyahan sa Kaniya.

Ang payo upang maitaguyod ito ay - "maging malakas ka at huwag matakot". Ang halimbawa pa ng Bibliya ay si Haring Asa - na gumawa ng mga reporma, inalis ang mga diyos-diyosan; at dito'y nasiyahan ang Ama sa kaniya.

Ang Diyos ay hindi mapagkait, hindi Siya mahirap na magbigay - 'wag sanang mabigo ang mga lingkod Niya sa mga kailangan natin sa buhay. Sapagkat tinutulungan Niya ang mga may ligalig, nabigo at nabuwal, nagbibigay Siya ng sapat, nabibigay ng pangangailangan -- kung nakapagbibigay tayo ng kasiyahan sa Kaniya - gagaan lahat ng ating mga pinagdaraanan sa buhay, dahil kasama natin Siya.

- billymacdeus

(notes taken during the worship service officiated by Brother EVM - April 28, 2024)