LIFE IN SERVICE (2 SAMUEL 1:11; 2:18-21,26)

 

LIFE IN SERVICE

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 SAMUEL 1:11; 2: 18-21, 26

Picture taken from Google

Lesson Prepared by: Krisha of Solomon’s Wisdom FB page

Lesson ideas taken from: https://becomingchristians.com/

AUGUST 28, 2022

MEMORY VERSE

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

EPEHSIANS 5:16

 

INTRODUCTION:

Let me ask you a question, when did you start in the ministry? Let’s see who among here has been in the ministry for so long and also who has just started. I’ve asked that because I have a second question – “Have you thought that ‘Life in God’s Service’ is already your life?  This is a hard question because you don’t know what will be your attitude in the next season of your life but I know all of us would agree that is what we pray for, right? Bible says in Psalms 27:4

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”

 

 

 

To achieve this, Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:14, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;” DON’T JUST SAY that I’ll be in the ministry all the days of my life, DO IT. Bible warns us, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” Pastors, preachers, leaders and teachers of the Bible are not exempted to this. They fail and so do we.  Let’s always remember that we can’t do it in this life without GOD.

 

In our passage today, you already know the character we’re going to talk about. Just for recap, Samuel’s story began with his mother Hannah who was a barren or childless woman. Hannah could not have a child and became very distraught over the fact that she could not conceive children. She begged God to give her a child and in return she would place the child in his service. God honored her request and allowed her to become pregnant. After she had given birth to Samuel, she took care of him for the early years of his life. By the time Samuel was a teenager, he was given to the care of a priest named Eli. Once he was placed in Eli’s care, he learned about God’s ways and by the time he was a teenager God had appointed him to his future position as a prophet and leader in Israel.

 

In Samuel’s service, we can see that things weren’t always smooth in the service for God. Today, let’s learn some lessons we can get from his service.

LESSON OUTLINE:

1.  LIFE IN SERVICE HAS NO AGE LIMIT

“And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.” (1 Samuel 1:11)

 

If you notice at the last line of this verse, “…then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life…” That caught my attention and I’ve come up to this question – who among here wants her or his children to be found in the service of the Lord all their lives?

But how can parents do that if they, themselves, are not in the service? I imagine a life of a family who takes the ministry for granted and that is a failure. For sure, the enemy gives you so many hindrances in life in order for you to say “I can’t commit on this.”

 

Parents have the great responsibility in leading their children in the right path. This should be the joy of all Christian parents, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4). One of the ways to be aware of spiritual matters in early age is bring them in Sunday School, that’s the first step. At early age teach them the Bible and don’t teach your kids principles which is against the teaching of the Bible.

 

In Samuel’s case, Hannah, his mother, prepared him in the ministry. The life of Samuel shows us that we can never be too young to serve God. Surely, God has given us talents and the abilities that we can use to play a role in God’s work. The words of King Solomon should ring true in our lives today:

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

 

Service at work or outside the church has age limit but in God’s vineyard, there’s no age limit. We can serve GOD whatever age we have, therefore, don’t say, “I am old I can’t make it in the ministry” because whatever your situation or your age, there are ministries fitted for us in the vineyard.

 

2.  LIFE IN SERVICE HAS UPS AND DOWNS

God doesn’t promise that life in the world is peaceful and so in the ministry but the best thing is, He’s with us. In Samuel’s service had ups and downs:

v Samuel received favor from God and man: 1 Samuel 2:26 “And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men.”

v God anointed Samuel to the position of prophet and judge (1 Samuel 3:4-11)

v Samuel became a famous prophet throughout Israel:  1 Samuel 3:20 “And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.”

v Samuel led the forces of Israel against the Philistines at Mizpah: 1 Samuel 7

v Samuel as judge of Israel: 1 Samuel 7:15 “And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.”

v Samuel was rejected: 1 Samuel 8:7 “And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.”

v God anointed Saul as king and told Samuel about his decision: 1 Samuel 9:17 “And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.”

v God told Samuel to reject Saul as king: 1 Samuel 15:26 “And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord hath rejected thee from being king over Israel.”

v Samuel anointed David as king: 1 Samuel 16:13 “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.”

We know that in the ministry has ups and down and we can see that in the life of Samuel. Time comes that when people see that he was no longer needed as a prophet and judge in Israel and they wanted another. Imagine the feeling of rejection but God comforted him in 1 Samuel 8:7. So you see that’s part of the ministry.

Also, times come that we are used the systems in the ministry and we are not careful in our attitude and something caught you off guard. The enemy surprises you and you need to be careful. Bible warns in 1 Corinthians 6:3

2 Corinthians 6:3 – “Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:”

Tagalog: Na di nagbibigay ng kadahilanang ikatitisod sa anoman, upang ang aming ministerio ay huwag mapulaan;

 

Sad to hear to see or hear that after 39 years in the ministry, you found yourself trapped in the things you were not careful. It’s impossible to get out of that situation, unless the power of God overshadowed that situation. We see pastors, leaders and teachers are trapped and so everyone are not exempted. The enemy tries everything in order for us not by God properly in the field of God’s ministry.

 

If you do your best in the ministry and lean on God everyday of your life, the Bible encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:58 (Let’s recite).

 

3.  LIFE IN SERVICE MEANS ‘TILL THE END

 

We need to realize the importance of redeeming the time. May I ask young people here to stand. As young people in the Church, you will never know when your life ends. You will never know what tomorrow will bring. Also, please stand to those who are not young people anymore. The same is true for everyone. Planning our lives apart from God is like aimlessly sailing in the middle of the vast ocean.

 

We need to develop a SENSE OF URGENCY. Remember that today is the first day of the rest of your life. Each passing day brings us closer to God’s coming Kingdom. It is a tragedy to chase the wrong things in life because, at the end, the only thing that will matter is the relationship we build with God.

 

All the physical things in this world will just fade away and be dissolved (II Peter 2:11). With this being said, the Apostle Peter asked a question, “What manner of persons ought you to be?”

 

Pastor said, “I have heard a lot of older people in the church who wished they have been called in the church in an earlier age. I am one of them. I have seen first-hand the joy and blessings of living God’s way of life in a very young age and how I wish that I was in the church during an earlier time.”

 

Each day of our lives, we are getting older. There is no better way to spend the prime of our years than to do God’s work. We should not delay answering the call of God because each passing day we waste is an also opportunity to live a blessed life.

“There is no better way to spend the prime of our years than to do God’s work.”

I hear some young people that they would serve God after finishing their studies; after they are stable enough to start a family; and after they have enough money to be independent. This is a HUGE delusion that Satan has cast on the minds of our young people! There is no better time to serve God than TODAY!

Samuel had been in the service since the day his mother offered him in the temple and until the day of his death (1 Samuel 28:3).

CONCLUSION:

Have you asked yourself, “How would you rather be found?” If time comes that your life ends what are you doing? Bible says in Matthew 24:26,

“Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.”

 

JOURNEY AS GOD'S PEOPLE (EZRA 8:1 - 36)

 

JOURNEY AS GOD’S PEOPLE

Picture taken from Google

 

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ezra chapters 7 - 8:15-21

INTRODUCTION:

When we were a child, we had no responsibilities to think about. We just focused on ourselves and we were dependent to our parents. But now, as adults we have so many things to think about especially to our future. We think about plans and decisions we need to do. Whether we like it or not we need to stand for ourselves. We need to be independent. In our journey in life, we just don’t do anything we think in instant, we need to sit down and think about the plans.

 

Just like in our own personal life, spiritual journey is hard when we don’t have plans ahead. In my own experience, I’ve been in the church for so long since 1991 so I saw how leaders and pastors manage the church or the ministry in different ways. Truly Proverbs 29:18 which says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he,” is a great verse to consider for leaders.

 

This chapters give us a more particular narrative of Ezra's journey to Jerusalem. Ezra's mission was to further the spiritual and religious restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem and to rebuild the temple. Ezra is introduced as a skilled scribe and a priest, "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given." Let’s see what preparations Ezra considered in their journey.

 

LESSON POINTS:

1.    THE IMPORTANCE OF CAREFUL PLANNING (Ezra 8:1-21)

We know the importance of careful planning but most of the times we don’t do it. Some of us we have the attitude of doing the planning when it’s already near and so we are in a rush situation. In Ezra’s case, they were preparing for a 900-mile journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. Approximately, it was a four-month journey. They gathered all the people (who was all making the journey) and approximately, 5000 people who would include in the journey. When they were in a three-day journey, Ezra discovered that no sons of LEVI included in the journey. Levites were needed to assist the priests in the temple. We don’t know exactly what are the possible reasons why there were no Levites in the journey but King Artaxerxes made a decree in the previous chapter, 7:13, that anyone of the Israelites who were willing to go with the journey were allowed to go. It means that the Levites didn’t volunteer themselves in that important journey. Maybe they prefer to remain in Babylon rather than fulfill the role in the temple. Possible, they were already comfortable in Babylon and they think of the hardness of long trip.

 

It's never okay to abandon God’s purposes in our lives in this journey. What did Ezra do? He sent a group of men, men of understanding unto IDDO, the chief of the place (Ezra 8:16-17) to send them workers of what they needed; God provided In verse 18, Ezra recognized God’s hands in their journey.

 

And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;

 

Ezra understands that God is sovereign over everything even in individual decision of Levites. He understands their dependence on the Lord that every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord.

 

In our journey, we have plans on where we’re going and how to get there but we need to include God in our journey. WE can plan, we can prepare, we can lay out the best vision BUT WITHOUT THE LORD IT IS NOTHING.

 

2.   THE NECESSITY OF FASTING AND PRAYER (Ezra 8:21-23)

Everything was ready: materials, people and others and in verse 21, Ezra proclaimed a fast. In fact, Ezra didn’t ask the king for soldiers and horsemen in order for them to defend from enemies. He thought that God would defend them. So, he asked the people to fast. They did this to humble ourselves before God and ask Him for a safe journey for them and their children, with all their possessions. He turned to the ONE Who is far more capable; he turned to the Lord. Only the hand of the Lord can make our goals happen. In verse 23, God answered their prayers.

 

In our church, our pastor planned to build a three-story building. The church and the prayer team are busy including this plan in prayers. There are plans, and preparations are doing but only God can make this plan happens.

 

Personally, whatever our plans, ask God and trust Him. Include him in everything we do.

 

3.   THE WISDOM OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNT (Ezra 8:24-34)

In chapter 7, King Artaxerxes loaded with them up with all their needs in travelling and their purpose in Jerusalem – in rebuilding the city and most especially the temple. When they arrived, they weighed all their valuables and listed all and gave to the right people in the temple.

 

CONCLUSION:

In verse 35, they don’t forget the Lord. They burnt offerings unto the Him. They grew up in Babylon but the very first time, they are in the temple and having the opportunity to worship. We can see in their journey that there so many things we need to do to make our journey successful but the most important thing to do is don’t forget God. Consider Him in our journey. He will give wisdom on how our journey becomes smooth.

 

Whatever part of our journey of life we are in at this moment, always be sensitive to God’s call and don’t ever neglect the reminders of God on His Word. KEEP ON!

 

 

WHO'S MORE IMPORTANT?

 

 

 WHO'S MORE IMPORTANT?

                                                  (Lesson ideas got from Pastor Mike Mislan’s devotion)

 

picture taken from Google

 BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 3:1-11

 INTRODUCTION:

Paul confronts their condition in Corinthian Church. They are not behaving like a spiritual people, but like carnal or like immature Christians. They thought of themselves spiritual but their divisions, envy and strife show that they are living in the flesh.  Another thing is, the Corinthian people arguing about who was better. The first one said “I am of Paul” and another said “I am of Apollos.” This thinking shows that they are carnal.

 Remember the verse in Matthew 18:1.

“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

 The same happens in our society today. Sometimes we think more highly of a pastor graduated in a famous bible college than a pastor graduated in a Church Bible institute. The pastor is chosen as the speaker because of the quantity of his members. Sometimes when a church is replaced by a new pastor and it becomes successful, we tend to think that the previous pastor is better than the old one which we don’t think that the first might be used by God to prepare the ministry. Either the first or the second is better because both serve the Lord.

 

LESSON POINTS:

1)   THE RESULTS IN YOUR SERVICE FOR CHRIST IN THE MINISTRY DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR WORTH (1 COR.3:7)

 

·       The Christian worker who plants and the Christian worker who waters the plant are the same worker of God. We can’t gauge that the other is better because they serve the same LORD. Remember is it GOD who gives the increase.

·       If you only have a small group, don’t let that discouraged you. Remember your labor is not in vain in the Lord. One may prepare the soil and the other waters and harvests them but God who gives the increase.

  2)    AREAS OF SERVICE DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR STATUS AMONG THE BRETHREN (1 COR.3:9-10)

 

·       No one should brag himself how great he is because we are all laborers of God.

·       Paul became effective because of God. Without HIM we are nothing.

 

·       In Ephesians 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power

 

·       Having gifts according to grace given to us by God. He gifted us in a different way. So, there are some things we can’t do but others can. Also, there are some things we can do and others can’t.

·       Romans 12:5-6 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

·       1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

 

·       Anyone who is serving God and has been gifted in that specific area of service, does not determine their status because that’s the way God is gifted them; that’s the way God has called them to serve.

  3)    It’s WHO and HOW we serve is always more important than where we serve (1 COR. 3:10-11)

 

·       It’s not where you serve is more important. You can serve as a Sunday School Teacher, flower arranger, in the kitchen as a kitchen crew, and many more.

·       More than the social status is WHO and HOW you serve.

·       WHO’S THE MOST IMPORTANT IN THE MINISTRY? – It’s actually THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.

·       It’s should be our privileged and honor to serve God in whatever capacity He calls and gifts us.

 

CONCLUSION:

 

2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

 

No ministry should be look lowly or unnecessary.

MALAYA BA AKO? (TAGALOG CHRISTIAN MONOLOGUE)

 

MALAYA BA AKO?

MONOLOGUE @krisha412

November 2024

 

PASIMULA:

Isang napakahalagang karapatan ng tao ang kalayaan – walang sinumang humadlang o pumigil sa anumang naisin o gawin sa kanyang buhay. Malayang gampanan ang mga bagay na naisin. Ikaw at ako, nais makamit ang kalayaan. Bawat tao ay may karapatang mabuhay at magpasya anuman ang nais gawin at walang makakahadlang sa kanyang gawin ito. Ngunit sa mundong ating ginagalawan tila ba mayroon itong puwersa sa bawat isa sa atin na kumukuha ng lahat ng ating oras, ng ating lakas, ng ating kaalaman at lalong-lalo na ang ating buhay. Ang mundo ay punong-puno ng idelohiya; ideolohiya sa pagkakaroon ng maayos na pamilya, kung ano ang buhay na matiwasay, at kung paano magiging matagumpay ngunit ano nga ba ang mga basehan ng mga ito? Dahil dito, hindi na natin makita kung ano ang basehan ng talagang tama at mali. Saan ba ang Panginoon sa buhay natin o sa mundong ating ginagalawan? Gusto ng Diyos na palayain tayo sa mundong ito, palayain sa kasalanang gumugupo sa atin at nilalayo tayo sa KANYA. Ang katanungan ngayon sa ating mga sarili, MALAYA NGA BA AKO?

 

Background Music: (piano instrumental)

Voice over: Rafael Enriquez, you have been found guilty of First-Degree Murder and I sentence you to life imprisonment.

Sound effect: Police Screen Sound Effect & Jail door effect

Setting: Prison Cell

 

RAFAEL: (sisigaw) Hindi! Hindi ito puwede! Ayaw ko dito! Bakit ako nandito? Bakit!! (sigaw)…. Bakit nga ba ako nandito? (patanong)… Nakapatay nga pala ako! (iiyak) Bakit ko nagawa yon? (pupunasan ang mukha) Bakit Ninyo ako tinitingnan ng ganyan? Huwag Ninyo akong tingnan na parang napakasama kong tao. Bakit kayo ba, walang kasalanan? Walang perfect na tao, kagaya din ninyo ako pero mabait naman ako. Tumutulong din naman ako sa mga kasamahan ko. Nakagagawa naman ako ng kabutihan! Kilala nga ako sa lugar namin na madaling pakisamahan. Ako nga si Rafael Enriquez isang matalinong estudyante. Malapit na pala sana akong matapos sa kolehiyo, isang taon na lang pero nandito ako (mangiyak-ngiyak). Hindi na ako malaya. Naalala ko noong nasa labas ako, malaya kong nagagawa ang lahat ng nais ko. Malaya akong magparty kasama ang mga kaibigan ko at paminsan-minsan umiinom kami, malaya akong pumunta sa mall, malaya akong mag out of town, malaya akong pumunta sa eskwelahan at minsan tumatambay doon pagkatapos ng klase, malaya akong manood ng kahit ano at lahat ng gusto ko nagagawa ko (pause).

Ano? Tinatanong nyo kung nakakapunta ako ng simbahan? Hindi eh... Puwede naman akong pumunta; naalala ko inimbita ako dati kaya lang hindi ko siya nabigyan ng pansin. (pause) Bakit? Bakit Ninyo tinatanong? Sinasabi nyo ba na may oras ako sa iba pero sa Diyos wala! (garalgal na boses) Ganon ba ang ibig ninyong sabihin (mataas ang boses). Bakit kayo ba? May oras ba kayo sa Diyos? Eh halos pare-pareho naman tayo dito eh (maluha-luha)… Ang pagkakaiba lang natin malaya kayo (ituturo ang audience) at ako (ituturo ang sarili) nandito sa kulungan… Nakapatay ako (iiyak)… Pero tama lang yong ginawa ko… eh masama namang tao yong napatay ko eh… (pupunasan ang luha)

Anong sabi nyo, mali? Oo na!, nandito ako sa kulungan dahil may mali. Pero ano ang pagkakaiba ko sainyo?  Yong sa akin hayag ang kasalanan ko at kayo? Tago ang kasalanan Ninyo. Sinasabi ba Ninyo na ang pagkakaiba ay hindi ako humihingi ng tawad? Tama na nga! Ayaw ko ng makipagdebate sainyo basta ang alam ko may kabaitan naman ako…

Sa totoo lang hindi masaya ang hindi malaya. Masaya ba ako noong nasa labas ako? Oo naman malaya ako eh… (pause) Naalala ko tumatawa ako kasama ng mga kaibigan ko, nag eenjoy sa night out, andiyan ang pamilya  ko pero …(pause).. parang wala akong kapayapaan sa puso ko, walang direksiyon ang buhay at para akong may kulang sa buhay ko, may hinahanap ako na hindi ko alam kung ano. Pero pag pinag usapan ang nararamdaman ko ngayon parang walang pagkakaiba ang nasa  labas ako at sa nandito ako sa loob ngayon. Napapaisip tuloy ako, MALAYA NGA BA AKO noon?

(LIGHTS OUT)

 

BARABBAS: Nandito ako para ilarawan ang posibleng nararamdaman ni Barabbas sa bibliya. (Tatalikod muna ng ilang seconds at haharap)

Alam ninyo ako dapat ang nakapako sa krus na yon (ituro ang TV screen na may tatlong krus), yong nasa gitna na napapalibutan ng mga maraming tao: mga babae, mga pari, pariseo, andoon din ang mga nag-uusisang mga tao at iba pa. Lubhang ang mga tao ay masaya na panoorin ang mga ipapako sa krus. Andoon din dapat ako pero sa totoo lang hindi talaga ako sigurado na wala ako doon sa pagpapako dahil nabigla ako. Nakakagulat talaga dahil wala ako doon. Yong krus na yon para sa akin dapat (pause) pero hindi na sa akin ngayon…(pause, iiyak) sa KANYA (point your finger on top) sa KANYA na yon dahil MALAYA NA AKO!!! Siya ang ipinalit sa akin na dapat ako. Ang pangalan niya ay Hesus. Alam ninyo ang mga tao… sinisigaw nila ang pangalan ko PALAYAIN SI BARaBBAS kaya wala ako dapat dito. Dapat nagtatago ako at tumatakas para sa aking buhay. Yong krus na yon ay para dapat sa akin… Yong mga pako na yon sa akin din dapat. Pero sa isang iglap nakalaya ako. Paano? Paano ba ako nakulong at ano ang ginawa ko? Ibahagi ko sainyo sa maiksing paraan.

Alam Ninyo yong mga tao hindi na nagulat na nakulong ako parang alam na nila na yon ang patutunguhan ko sa buhay. Noong bata ako, pinuno ako ng gang at gustong -gusto ko ang ginagawa ko… lalong-lalo na ang maging pinuno. Pag may kapilyuhan at kaguluhan sigurado nandoon ako. Noong kabataan ko medyo okay pa ako pero noong tumanda na ako, mayroong lumapit sa akin at inalok ako na gumawa na mga bagay na kakaiba at naka-excite, para sa akin, at sinabing makakatulong ito sa aming bansa. Magkakaroon kami ng grupo at nagpaplano ng mga bagay tungkol sa mga Romano na nasa lupain namin. Sila ang kalaban ng aming nasyon, ang aming bansa. Gusto nilang gumawa ng grupo na susugpo sa mga Romano at balang araw marami pang kalalakihan ang hihimuking sumali sa grupo na ito. Kaya’t sumali ako sa grupo. Sinunod ko ang mga plano. Kalaunan naging pinuno nila ako. Naging matapang ako at malakas ang loob para sa aming adhikain. Nagawa namin ang mga bagay na hindi dapat. Nagnakaw kami at ako pa mismo ang naging pinuno nila dito. Isang araw plano naming atakihin ang caravan na galing sa Roma at ito’y punong-puno ng pera at mamahaling mga bagay. Magandang simulain ito para sa grupo na aming sinimulan. Ako ang pinuno dito ngunit may nagtaksil sa amin. Alam na nila ang pangalan ko at inaasahan na nila ako. Nakipaglaban ako at mayroon akong napatay. Nagising na lamang ako na ako’y nasa kulungan.

Alam ko na ang mga Romano ay hindi sasayangin ang oras na naisin nila na ako ay mamatay at mapako sa krus. Gagawin nila akong halimbawa sa mga tao para hindi pamarisan, ipapakita nila sa mga tao na papatayin ako. Alam Ninyo iniisip ko palagi kung ano na ang mangyayari sa susunod para sa akin. Nakakadena ang mga kamay ko, nakakulong sa hindi komprotableng lugar. Walang Liwanag na makikita pag ikaw ay hindi malaya. Maya-maya narinig ko ang mga yabag ng mga guwardiya, ang kanilang paglakad ay dinig na dinig ko sa tahimik kong kulungan . Ito na ang kinakatakutan ko- ang pagpako sa krus. Ngayon ko naramdaman ang takot sa kamatayan. Hinila nila ako ngunit dinala nila ako sa may hagdanan at hind isa labas na nandoon ang krus. Bakit kaya? Yon ang nasa isip ko. Maraming boses ng tao akong naririnig at mga sigaw. Nakaharap ko ang taong sinasakdal at tinanong ang mga tao kung sino ang papalayin. Tama ba ang dinig ko? Pangalan ko ang sinisigaw. Sabi nila PALAYAIN SI BARABBAS.

Alam Ninyo yong titulo na “SON of the Father” na sinasabi ng ibang tao sa Kanya. Ganon din ang ang ibig sabihin ng pangalan kong Barabbas. Ang ibig sabihin ng pangalang Barabbas ay “son of the father.” Parehas kami; kakatuwa di ba?  Ang mga tao kilalang-kilala nila ako. Alam din nila ang mga masasama kong ginawa. Pero Siya na sinasakdal, hindi Siya masama. Sino ang pipiliin ng mga tao? Alam ninyo ang tamang piliin ay Siya. Ako kasi ay nahuli at nahatulan na. Pero sinisigaw ng mga tao ang pangalan ko, “PALAYAIN SI BARABBAS, PALAYAIN SI BARABBAS!” Sa gaanong mga salita nag utos ang governador na palayain ako. Narinig ko ang mga katagang “PALAYAIN SIYA.” Ang mga kamay at paa ko ay tinanggalan sa pagkagapos. “MALAYA NA AKO! MALAYA NA AKO” Sa tingin Ninyo ano ang aking gagawin na malaya na ako? Hindi ko na kailangang ibahagi pa. Gusto ko ng umalis sa lugar na ito. Tatakbo at aalis sa lugar na ito. Pero habang bumababa ako nagsisigawan ang mga tao>>> Tama ba ang dinig ko… sigaw nila “IPAKO SIYA SA KRUS! IPAKO SIYA SA KRUS” Malaya ako pero yong isang SON OF THE FATHER ay ipapako sa krus. Mamatay Siya kapalit ko. Kahit sinong tao, masama o mabuti, mag-iisip na (pause)…SIYA ang mamamatay kapalit ko. Yong mga salita na yon ang nasa isip ko. KAPALIT KO SIYA!

Alam Ninyo ba yong pakiramdam na ikaw na yong mamatay tapos nakaligtas ka? Ano ang patunay ko na dapat ako? Tatlo ang krus na itinayo. Yong dalawa sa dulo ay mga kasamahan ko. Yong nasa gitna dapat ako (iiyak).  Alam ba Ninyo yong pakiramdam na may ibang TAONG umako ng lugar mo na kung tutuusin ay ikaw naman dapat dahil ikaw yong may kasalanan at yong ipinako ay inosente. ALAM BA NINYO YONG PAKIRAMDAM NG MALAYA?  

Pero ang katanungan ngayon MALAYA NA NGA BA AKONG TALAGA?

WHEN LOVING IS HARD

 

WHEN LOVING IS HARD

(Luke 22:63-65; 23:32-38; Matt.5:44)

                    picture taken from www.bing.com images

INTRODUCTION:

Bible says, “LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.”

It’s hard to have enemies, isn’t it? But it’s harder to love them, right? Also, it’s hard when your friends turned to be your enemies. There was a time in my life where our friends and I decided to build a business. Our eagerness in business made our hearts did everything to make things happened according to our plan. To make it short, we failed and we were drowned in debt. That was the start of misunderstanding and fighting. We ended up trying not to see each other and each one faced our own struggles financially, emotionally and legally. Out of seven members, two or three of us only faced the tremendous debt. I remember asking God why He didn’t open my eyes to see the consequence of that decision. I was afraid to face the debtors and didn’t know what to do. That was the time I cried to the Lord and ask for guidance. My eyes were swollen because of crying. That was the time I surrendered everything to the Lord. Thankfully the next day, I had the courage to face the problems and I started writing down the possibility to solve a more than a million debt. I faced the angry faces of different people whom I talked to, the legal aspect, talking to peace process in a certain barangay and many more. So, with this, I understand the difficulty of loving your enemies.

 

In our lesson titled “WHEN LOVING IS HARD,” I know each one of us can relate. This talks about loving your enemies. Yes, it’s hard LOVING YOUR ENEMIES.

 

LESSON POINTS:

1.   WHEN YOUR PATIENCE IS PUT TO TEST

 

When was the time your patience was tested? When somebody tells something against us, the tendency to keep quiet is far for us to do. Our natural reaction is to answer back and defend ourselves. Jesus did

And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. ⁶⁴ And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? ⁶⁵ And many other things blasphemously spake they against him (Luke 22:63:65)

Honestly, when I read this bible passage, I cried for the experience God had with people. I feel angry for those people who did bad to the Messiah. This makes me think to this question, “Do you have many reasons not to forgive?” Naturally for us, forgiving our enemies is a big deal. Our old nature telling us not to forgive because we are in pain. Imagine they made the Lord Jesus blindfolded, struck Him on the face, spoke blasphemous words against Him and they disrespected Him; that was so hard but He was in silent and did nothing against them. Instead, He said in Luke 23:34.

 

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

 

When it’s hard for us to forgive, look unto Jesus. He is the great example of forgiving the unforgivable.

 

 

2.   WHEN KINDNESS IS HARD TO SHOW

When a hostile mob seized Jesus and took Him to the High Priest, “the men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him (Luke 22:63). The abuse continued all the way through His sham trials and execution. Jesus didn’t merely endure it. When Roman soldiers crucified Him, like mentioned earlier, He prayed for their forgiveness.

Honestly, what we wish for the people who hurt us badly? For them to be in good shape and have an abundant life? We can do that; our old nature would not do that; we would wish for their misfortunes.  But we are Christians; we are a new creature (2 Cor.5:17) God wants us to be like Jesus.

 

 

We may not encounter a literal enemy who’s trying to kill us. But everyone knows what it’s like to endure ridicule and scorn. Our natural reaction is to respond in anger. Jesus raised the bar: “pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

 

CONCLUSION:

Truly, God can make the impossible to possible. I have no capacity to pay the debt that we had; God works in a mysterious way. As time passed by and continue pleasing and serving the Lord, by His grace He makes me at peace to people especially to our debtors. PRAISE GOD. This verse in Proverbs 16:7 is a great reminder.

When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

WHAT'S IN YOUR HAND?

• WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND?

  (EXODUS 4)

WHEN HOPE DEFERRED

 WHEN HOPE DEFERRED

PROVERBS 13:12, GENESIS 12:1-5; 15:1-4

Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

          picture taken from Google
INTRODUCTION:

What does the word defer mean? 

Something "deferred" is put off, delayed, or suspended. The longer a person goes without seeing their hope realized, the more likely they are to become discouraged.

Have you ever had something  you've been waiting for God to do, and you wait and wait? It could be finding God's plan for your life. You hold on into it and then you still waiting  until now. For a while, you're good but you're thinking that time is running out for you. You look for situations and nothing change.

In Proverbs 13:12 we’re told, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” 

In tagalog... 

Ang matagal na paghihintay ay nagpapahina ng kalooban, ngunit ang pangarap na natupad ay may dulot na kasiyahan.

Deferred in this verse refers to a hopeless situation that feels long and drawn out. It’s the seemingly unending and disappointing kind of season that can leave us tempted to look at our lives and question, Why is God withholding this from me? 

LESSON POINTS:

 

1. STILL HOLD ON TO GOD'S PROMISES - In Genesis 15:2 Abraham and Sarah had their own struggles too like us. 

And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?

Abraham and Sarah were childless and when God talked to Abraham and mentioned his great reward. Abraham mentioned what these rewards were for if they were childless. He mentioned that his steward in their house, Eliezer might be their heir. God reminded Abraham His promises in the following verses that they would have  child. In Genesis 15 verse 5, God showed him the stars and assured him that promises are set not to be broken.

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

With these words from the Lord, in verse 6 "And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness, Abraham belived in God. This is a great example for us although we can't speak to God like what Abraham spoke to the Lord we have already God's Word. All we need to do is read His Word and believe.

2. BE MINDFUL THAT THAT YOUR WAY IS DIFFERENT FROM GOD'S 

   When waiting for a long time, there's tendency that you make your own way. In Abraham and Sarah's case, they made a decision that would caused them problems. In Genesis 16 verses 1 and 2, Sarah and Abraham both agreed to take Hagar instead in order for them to have a child. Then it happened and Hagar started to despise Sarah. Has this situation as ours? Do we have situation in life where we chose our ways?

Remember when I was a bit younger, I was worried because I haven't married yet and the frustrating part was the people around me, they kept on asking why I didn't marry yet. I always say, "Waiting for God's will for me." Because of that, i started to look online and tried a couple of dating apps. That decision just led me to bad habits and unchristian way of dating. Also, some guys online are just scams. I stopped from those and leave it to the Lord. 

In Abraham and Sarah's situation, they knew God's promise to them (Genesis 15:1-2). They tried to help God fulfills  His promise which is not the best for them. God's way is better than ours.

3. WAITING FOR GOD'S WILL IS WORTH THE WAIT - 

 We already know the story and Isaac was born (Genesis 21:5). Many things happened in their family and we can conclude through their life that God's will is the best. 

As this moment we may not still have the plans we have been praying for (just like me) but don’t worry God knows the best for us. We just need to be faithful and attentive to God’s voice. Pray for wisdom and knowledge in every decision we’re going to make.

 

CONCLUSION:

CONCLUSION taken from: https://letgodbetrue.com/proverbs/index/chapter-13/proverbs-13-12/

Believers never give up, as long as they have life, for a living dog is better than a dead lion (Eccl 9:4-10). Until God removes all hope, there is still hope, and even then there is hope. David prayed fervently for his sick son, and gave up praying when the child died, yet he knew he would see him again. He had hope, even after death (II Sam 12:15-23). Paul was sure he would die at Ephesus, but hoped in a resurrecting God (II Cor 1:8-10).

When a believer is discouraged, he has a simple remedy unknown to the world. He can remind himself to hope in God, just as David showed you (Ps 42:5,11; 43:5). The God of hope can give perpetual hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13). Even at the hour of his death, he can be filled with joyful and peaceful hope, for he knows about heaven and the resurrection of the dead, the blessed hope (Pr 10:28; 14:32; I Cor 15:19). The believer has hope, which the unbeliever will never have – confident waiting on God.