Monday, October 21, 2024

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)


Monday, September 09, 2024

Bakit ang Mental Health ay Hindi Dapat Isinasantabi Lang?


Ang panahon natin ngayon ay majorly influenced ng social media, mobile phone usage, at internet. These three factors primarily drive our mindset kung ano ang papaniwalaan at hindi. 



Sometimes the noise out there in cyberspace cannot be drowned-out by our moral compass because of constant exposure to technology, every minute, every hour… we try to check for messages, notofications, reddit feeds, fb memes, etc. dahil within our reach ang teknolohiya. 


Dahil dito, nagkakaroon ng mental skewness, kung… hindi marunong mag filter ng mga nababasa, napapanood, at naririnig sa social media. Which eventually piles up leading to mental distress.


Social media is a great amplifier in positive or negative ways, that when the negativity seeps in, it will destroy mental strength to see through what is correct, and upholding what is within the bounds of righteousness.


Sun Life Philippines shared through email a reminder in general about caring mental health in difficult time. Here's a verbatim from the email:

1. Recognize the Emotional Impact.

- During challenging times, it's normal to experience a range of emotions, from anxiety to sadness. Recognizing these emotions is the first step towards healing.


2. Seek Support

- Don't hesitate to reach out for support. Talk to friends, family, or professional who can offer a listening ear and guidance.


3. Self-Care Strategies

- Engage in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies you enjoy.


4. Talk to the Children

- Children may also be struggling with their emotions. Have open conversations with them, offer reassurance, and provide a safe space for them to express their feelings.



If you know someone who’s having a mental uneasiness, take time po to assist and talk: baka kapamilya mo, nag-iisip na palang magsuicide, baka kaibigan mo — may signs of unhealthy mental health na pala.


Be there! An ear and shoulder to lean on…



ˆbillymacdeus ®️


Sunday, August 25, 2024

INC: Tiyaking Makapanatili Sa Kahalalan (Brother Eduardo's Sermon August 24, 2024)



Dear fellow brethren, maaaring hindi ka po nakapagtala kanina habang nakikinig sa texto ng Ka Eduardo. 

Here's an excerpt, highlights, and some quotable quotes I was able to capture while listening to the sermon officiated by none other than the church's present administrator -- Brother Eduardo V. Manalo.


"Hangad kong makarating tayong lahat sa kaligtasan, hindi lang ako, higit sa lahat, ang ating Panginoong Diyos"


"Tiyaking nakapananatili sa kahalalan"


"If your faith is not strong, you cannot stand firm... walang kalakasan, 'di makapanatili, 'di makatayo.. hindi sapat na kaanib lang sa Iglesia Ni Cristo"


Masasagupa:

- isang sakuna... nakapang wawasak, nakapipinsala, kakaibang sakuna, tumatayong mag-isa...

- darating ang wakas! kung ang wakas ay malapit na sa panahon ng mga unang Cristiano, mas lalong malapit na sa ating panahon ngayon--- panahong nating nasa mga wakas ng lupa.


Ang sinabi at habilin ng Panginoong Jesus:

- sinunod mo ang aral

- iningatan ang salita

- hindi isinuko ang pananampalataya ("Never surrender")

- katatagan

- katiyagaan ("hindi 'yung madaling mawalan ng pag-asa")

- Jesus: Iingatan kita sa panahon at oras ng ligalig, pagsubok, at pagsusulit na darating or dumarating na susubok sa sanlibutan


"Mahalin, at patibayin ang kahalalan"


Ang pangaral ni Apostol Pablo:

- "kami ay tiyak na mamamatay" (totoo 'yan, ganun din sa atin)

- "nangyari ang mga bagay na ito upang matuto kami na huwag manalig sa aming sarili"

- "matuto kaming sumampalataya sa Diyos, na siyang nagpapangyari na bumuhay ng patay"


"magpakatatag tayo sa ating pananampalataya"


Kung ang isang anak ay nakapagdudulot ng kasiyahan sa sa kaniyang magulang, ibibigay ng isang ama/ina ang bagay na kahit sana ay sa kaniya na, para patunayan ang pagmamahal niya sa kaniyang anak. 


"huwag mong pagtiwalaan ang iyong sarili, magtiwala sa Diyos, sumampalataya at pakinggan mo ang tinig ng Diyos"

 

"Siya ang magpapanatili sa iyo sa tamang landas"


Ang kalaban ng pananampalataya: pag-aalinlangan / doubts

- humingi ng pananampalataya sa Diyos

- nang wala, kahit isa mang pag-aalinlangan (hindi katulad ng alon / like waves in the sea, tossed back and forth - huwag lumapit sa Diyos na ganyan ang isipan)

- dapat matibay ang pananalig sa utos Niya, at ang mga hiniling mo sa Kaniya.

- huwag mong piliting unawain sa iyong sarili ang lahat ng bagay.

- pirmi sa panghahawak ng aral


Pag-aalinlangan (extended definition/scope)

- mabilis maging taksil

- lumipat ang katapatan sa iba

- salungat na ebanghelyo, anumang ibang nagpapakilalang dalisay na ebanghelyo... na gumagambala, nagpapalito, upang pasamain, pilipitin ang ebanghelyo ng Messias


"sa panahon natin ngayon, lalong mag-ingat sa pananampalataya, safeguard our faith"


Paano maghanda (sa mga sakuna, at sa darating na wakas)?

- makakaranas kami ng mga ligalig... na siya ring tumutulong sa amin upang mang-hawak kami sa magagawa ng Diyos. (learning process)

- kahit ano pa 'yan, mayroon akong Diyos, tunay na Diyos, walang imposible sa Kaniya.

- ang Panginoon ang pumapatnubay sa atin sa landas na aking nilalakaran, Siya ang pumuprutekta sa akin...

- patuloy na magbigay kasiyahan sa Diyos

- kung sila'y mabuwal, 'di sila nananatiling nakabuwal/nakadapa, sapagkat ang Panginoon ang tutulong sa kanila.


"huwag pumayag na mag-alinlangan sa Diyos, sapagkat ang Diyos natin ay totoo, walang imposible sa Kaniya"


- O Dios, pakitunguhan mo po kami nang may kagandahang loob, ikaw po ang tangi naming pag-asa.

- Sa pagsisimula ng umaga, tumuon ka sa amin, tulungan mo po kami....


_________________________



note to the reader:

The above texts and content were noted real time while the author listened to the sermon of Ka Eduardo V. Manalo, there may be some slips, and verbatims may not have been captured fully. 

Putting this online is for the purpose of ensuring the message is remembered, creating retention to the memory of the author, and as a way of spreading the good news to the world (anyone who would stumble upon this page, INC or non-INC members alike).

If you have clarifications, please message me → collabs@billymacdeus.com 


billymacdeus ®️





Saturday, June 22, 2024

The 6 Types Of Wealth


This post has a podcast version - visit Spotify and listen with us. 


Came across this 5 types of wealth in IG years back. It wasn't expounded, just the one liner/phrase--because it's rhetorical in nature, those simple words are talking already by itself, alone. The post in Instagram was only 5 types but i added another 1 - the Wisdom wealth.

Allow me to put some expansion of thoughts on these 6 types of wealth based on experience, research, and, opinion.


1. Financial Wealth (Money and Possessions)

Your ability to wield the power of money, assets, and financial gains are important nowadays; factoring in comfort and convenience, financial wealth is one of the vehicles to achieve material things in life. 

Although this wealth is relative, some people may consider it as not that important, because of priorities in life. Some may prioritize simple living and leaning toward peace of mind.

Take note, in these days, one of the keys to sustain comfort and convenience is material wealth.


2. Social Wealth (Status and Popularity)

Social wealth isn't about money in your pocket but about the currency of social capital. It's the respect, admiration, and influence you wield in your community. Think of it as a blend of your reputation, your network, and how many people value your presence and opinion.

Higher social wealth can open doors to opportunities. For example, job offers, partnerships, and invitations often come more readily to those with higher status or popularity.

A well-regarded person usually has a strong support network, which can provide emotional support, advice, and assistance in times of need.

Those with high social wealth often find themselves in leadership roles, whether in community organizations, workplaces, or social circles. Their opinions and decisions carry weight.

Popular and high-status individuals can be powerful agents of change, mobilizing others to support causes, adopt new behaviors, or shift cultural norms.


3. Time Wealth (Freedom)

Time wealth is the luxury of having control over your time to pursue what truly matters to you. It's about having the freedom to choose how you spend your days, whether it’s on work, leisure, personal growth, or spending time with loved ones. Imagine it as having a bank account filled with precious hours, and you get to decide how to invest them.

Control over your time allows you to prioritize self-care, leading to better physical and mental health. Imagine being able to exercise regularly, meditate, or simply relax without the pressure of a ticking clock.

Time wealth lets you invest in relationships, strengthening bonds with family and friends. It means being present at your child’s soccer game, enjoying a leisurely meal with loved ones, or catching up with old friends.

Time wealth is the ultimate freedom, a precious resource that allows us to live fully and authentically. It empowers us to nurture our well-being, build strong relationships, and engage meaningfully with our communities.

So, let’s strive to cultivate time wealth in our lives. Let’s advocate for flexible work environments, prioritize what matters most, and create a culture that values the richness of time. By doing so, we unlock the true potential of our lives, savoring each moment with the freedom to choose our path.

Remember, in the grand tapestry of life, it’s not just the years that count, but the time well spent. Embrace your time wealth, and watch how it transforms your world.







4. Physical Wealth (Health and Vitality)

Physical wealth refers to the state of your health and well-being. It encompasses everything from your physical fitness and nutrition to mental health and disease prevention. In essence, it’s the vitality and energy you possess to live your life to the fullest.

Physical Fitness: This includes your strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall physical condition. Regular exercise and active living are the cornerstones here.

Nutrition: What you eat fuels your body. A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for maintaining your health.

Mental Health: Your emotional and psychological well-being is crucial. Stress management, emotional resilience, and mental clarity all play vital roles.

Preventive Care: Regular check-ups, screenings, and proactive health measures help you catch potential issues early and maintain long-term health.

Physical wealth is the bedrock upon which a fulfilling life is built. It enables you to pursue your dreams, enjoy your achievements, and cherish your relationships. By investing in your health, you are investing in the most precious asset you possess—yourself.

So, let's commit to nurturing our physical wealth. Let's make choices that promote health and well-being, not just for ourselves but for our families and communities. Remember, the wealth of good health is the greatest fortune you can have, and it’s within your reach. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch as it enriches every aspect of your life


5. Knowledge and Wisdom Wealth

Wisdom wealth is the deep, comprehensive understanding and insight that comes from accumulating knowledge and experiences over time. It's not just about having information, but about synthesizing that information in meaningful ways to guide our actions and decisions.

Knowledge: This is the foundation—facts, information, and skills acquired through education and experience.

Experience: Practical encounters and engagements with the world that shape our understanding and judgement.

Insight: The ability to discern inner qualities and relationships. It's about seeing beyond the surface.

Judgment: The capacity to make sound decisions based on knowledge and insight.

These are the personal benefits:

Decision Making: Wisdom wealth enhances your ability to make informed, thoughtful decisions. It’s like having a well-lit path in a dark forest.

Resilience: With greater wisdom, you can better navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties, drawing on past experiences and learned knowledge to find solutions.

Fulfillment: Engaging with new ideas and continuous learning can lead to a deeply satisfying and enriching life.

Wisdom wealth is a treasure that enriches every aspect of our lives. It empowers us to make wise choices, fosters resilience, and brings deep fulfillment. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, not just to ourselves but to our communities and future generations.

So, let's commit to cultivating wisdom wealth. Let’s read, learn, and share our knowledge. Let's reflect on our experiences and seek deeper understanding. In doing so, we create a world where wisdom guides our actions, enriches our lives, and lights the way for others.

Remember, the wealth of wisdom is infinite, and it's within our reach. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch as it transforms our world into a more thoughtful, informed, and enlightened place.


6. Spiritual Wealth (Peace of Mind and Soul)

Spiritual wealth refers to a deep sense of inner peace, fulfillment, and purpose. It's the richness that comes from cultivating a meaningful connection with something greater than ourselves—be it a higher power, nature, or the collective human spirit. Think of it as the spiritual oxygen that fuels our souls.

I would consider this as the wealth with a promise. A promise transcending beyond this life -- to an everlasting peace and joy in the Holy City.

Here are the benefits..

Resilience: Spiritual wealth provides the strength to endure life’s hardships with grace and courage. It’s a source of unwavering inner strength.

Joy and Fulfillment: A spiritually wealthy person often experiences a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. Their life feels rich with purpose and significance.

Mental and Emotional Health: Spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, and reflection can greatly enhance mental and emotional well-being.


Spiritual wealth is a treasure that enriches every aspect of our lives. It provides the foundation for resilience, joy, and meaningful connections. It guides us to live with integrity and purpose, contributing not only to our well-being but also to the betterment of society.

So, let’s strive to cultivate spiritual wealth in our lives. Let’s practice mindfulness, engage in service, and seek out experiences that deepen our spiritual understanding. In doing so, we will find that we are not only richer ourselves but also more capable of enriching the lives of those around us.

Remember, the wealth of the spirit is infinite and ever-renewing. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch as it transforms your life and the world into a more peaceful, connected, and purposeful place.



--Othello

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Sunday, June 09, 2024

Ang Aking Akay At Bunga - 2024


Kailan ba ako huling nagbunga? Ahhhh, tanda ko pa... September 2022 kase si-net ko sa digital calendar na yearly recurring para di ko makalimutan ang bautismo ng aking akay; year 2022--kasalukuyang may pandemya noon (nasa mga huling yugto na ng Covid Pandemic) subalit hindi hadlang ang pagpapabautismo.


Fast forward to 3rd quarter ng 2023, nakipag-usap uli ako sa pamamagitan ng panalangin, na sana'y bigyan ako ng aakayin at aalagaan upang makabahagi sa gawaing pagpapalaganap.


Final Screening Sa Lokal ng
Bayang Luma



Dito ko nakilala si Kuya Erwin, nakatambay siya sa mga upuan sa may 711 sa labas, umiinom ng Coke, kasama ang isang construction worker din na halos edad ay sa tingin ko mga turning 50s. Pagpasok ko sa 711, my mind was multi-tasking, infact ang iniisip ko noon ay kung saan ako mag-aanyaya upang magkaroon ng panauhin sa gagawing pamamahayag sa kinabukasan. I finished paying the 1.5 Liter bottle of Sprite and headed outside already to my vehicle to drive home pero inisip ko, "makapag-anyaya nga sa dalawang mamang nakatambay".


Initially, I asked Kuya in the 50's to join the Pamamahayag tomorrow night, he declined immediately saying that he's a construction worker leaving work at 5PM at umuuwi sa Marikina daily, I tried to do my usual rebuttals and asked him further on his availability but he was politely declining, kaya I didn't pursue any longer to invite him.


I then tried my luck kay Kuya Erwin, I noticed that he has a bike where his arms are rested on the front handles, so I asked if he's free tomorrow for a Bible Study. He seemed interested and I could sense his willingness to participate. I locked in our date and place for meet-up at pagsundo, and the rest is history.


Fast forward to May 2024... Kuya Erwin got baptized inside the Church. He went through the formal and usual path of indoctrination and sinusubok stages, until the final screening. With God's grace and love, he became a candidate for baptism and finally got baptized, and officially registered as a member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.


___

Ang mag-akay at magbunga ay hindi isang madaling bagay. Naalaala ko ang isang talata sa Bibliya... "...agawin ninyo sila sa apoy, kaawaan ninyo sila". The verse is conveying it in a figurative manner, subalit  I realized that it can also be in a literal manner, there are times mapapaso ka at ang pag-agaw ay hindi madali.

Araw Ng Bautismo - Mayo 2024


These are the top 5 learnings I had so far habang sa gawaing pag-aakay:

1. Be consistent - Mula sa pagsundo, pagsama sa mga pagdodoktrina at pagpapasamba, kailangang hindi ningas-cugon... dapat ay maging consistent. There are 25 lessons for the indoctrinee to undergo, kailangan bilang isang may-akay, subaybayang maigi at suportahan mula umpisa ng doktrina, maging sa panahong pagtapak niya bila sinusubok, pagsama sa screening, at pag-suporta sa bautismo. 

Ngunit hindi nagtatapos iyon sa bautismo, kailangan niya pa rin ng guidance at hand-holding sa panahong nasa loob na siya ng Iglesia. Ang kaniyang pananampalataya ay kailangang mag-ugat, at ang pinakananais natin ay manatili siyang nakapagpapatuloy hanggang matapos niya ang kaniyang takbuhin.


2. Prepare yourself with sacrifices - Kalakip na ang sakripisyo at proper mind-set ang pagkakaroon ng inaakay. Words are not enough to describe kung paanong mga pagmamalasakit at pagtatanggi ng sarili ang gagawin, nariyan na maglaan ng oras para sa mga pagsundo at paghatid, pagsama sa mga doktrina at pag hihintay sa mga pagsamba. 

Nariyan ang pag-abot ng tulong pinansiyal upang ang akay ay makapagpatuloy habang binubuo niya ang kaniyang pananampalataya at pinalalago sa pamamagitan ng mga pakikinig. Maaring iba't-ibang sakripisyo ang ating makakaharap ngunit ang lahat ng ito ay kayang malagpasan kung sinet-in-advance natin ang ating isipan sa journey ng pag-aakay at pagpapalaganap.


3. Makisama sa inaakay at impluwensiyahan sa kulturang Cristiano - Ang kinalakhang kultura ng sanlibutan ay hindi-hindi mababago overnight, this is a gradual process at bilang may-akay, we are the main instruments, the visual examples kung paano lumakad sa kulturang Cristiano. We have the biggest impact and influence sa ating mga inaakay at pinadodoktrinahan. Let's lead by example.


Candidates for Baptism with
Ka Marty (Our Destinado)



4. Pag napagod, magpahinga at ituloy ang laban. - Darating ang panahon na maaring magsawa, or mag-give-up ang nag-aakay. Tao lang din, na napapagod at nawawalan kung minsan. Subalit, hindi ito dapat ang dahilan upang sumuko, whatever we started, we should finish it, after all this is a sworn duty, ang pagiging misyonero at misyonera -- bilang mga ilaw, liwanag, at tanglaw sa sanlibutang madilim.


5. Magpanata, manalangin. - Underrated mang sabihin pero napaka-powerful nito. Ang lunas sa lahat ng agam-agam kung kakayin ba o hindi ay ang panata at panalangin. Hindi madaling magbunga, gaya ng sinabi ko kanina subalit kung ang pusot at damdamin ay ilakip, at gawing dahil sa pag-ibig kaya gusto nating magbunga, ito ay magiging madali, at may kalakip ng self-fulfillment. Mas lalo tayong nalalapit sa Kaniya.


_____


** If you have questions or need someone to talk to, o diman kaya'y isa ka sa mga nagsusuri and you wanted to inquire about INC and how to get inside, don't hesistate to message me, I'll be more than happy to accompany you in your journey to becoming an Iglesia Ni Cristo member **





-billymacdeus

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