Mercy...Not Sacrifice

     Reading the book of Matthews, I have come across one of Jesus' statements that do have an impact on me as a Christian, "I desire mercy not sacrifice" (Matthews 9:13&12:7). Jesus said these words when He heard what the Pharisees had asked His disciples about why He was eating with the tax collectors and sinners. On another occasion, the Pharisees condemn Jesus for allowing His disciples to pick some grains on the field and eat them during the Sabbath. At first, I thought, Jesus was talking about for people to show or feeling mercy on Him than giving their sacrifices. Upon researching, I thought I was wrong and also found out that somehow I may be correct.
      In the context of what Jesus has stated, he said those words when the Pharisees had asked questions that might be caught Him unaware (as the Pharisees had thought). For that matter, Jesus answered that it is not healthy who need a doctor, it is sick. Jesus told His people to go and find out what it means that He desires mercy and not sacrifice. Jesus also cited what David did when they were hungry, eating the consecrated bread which is unlawful for them to do and yet they are innocent. In a simple explanation, what I understood from the searches I have found, Jesus doesn't need our sacrifices if it isn't done in true devotion and faith and in love. Our sacrifices meant nothing if we don't have love. It was like, we are working all day making sacrifices for our parents, kids,  or siblings and yet we are just doing it because it is our responsibility and obligation to do so but we don't have love, all our sacrifices would be in vain. We will not be happy and contented doing all these things.

    Jesus said "I desire mercy not sacrifice" because he wanted His people to do what He has done, showing mercy for the sinners, for the lost soul, and for the broken spirit. Forgiveness for those who offended us, not being judgmental to other people, being considerate, and being sensitive to the needs of our fellows are what Jesus desires for us to do. Jesus had offered His life so He could save the sinners, find the lost soul, and heal the broken spirit. All these things Jesus had done because He loves us.  Following His example, Jesus desires for us to do His work, to make sacrifices out of love. I may be true to what I had thought first, that Jesus needs to feel that we love Him than giving our sacrifices for Him. For if we do love Him, what we have done to other people, we have done it unto Him. Follow His example and our sacrifices will not be in vain.

Quality or Formality Education?...

     Education tells who you are...does it?.. But what does education tells us?.. a stable job? success? speaking and writing in languages other than our mother tongue? proficient communication? talking confidently? good stature? Have a diploma? good manners? or rather, it's learning?..unfortunately, that's a fact now..learning comes last followed by good manners when talking about education. But what is education really mean? Education in its broadest sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people live on from one generation to the next. It occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts. Education in its narrow, technical sense, is the formal process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills, customs, and values from one generation to another, such as instruction in schools. In the latter sense, this is where the question of quality and formality emerges.

     Quality education leads and plays a major role in excellent student education. An excellent education can be done through teaching methods and a curriculum that works for the students as well as the country's present situation. In having quality education, institution sets standards of achievement. An achievement test is being implemented at a different level, from division to regional to a national achievement test. Students undergo these tests to determine if they have attained the standards set for achievement, and these tests also acknowledge the kind of educational system in which the students are enrolled. In this manner, comes the question of the formality of education.

     Formality education or rather formality of education refers to the structure and system or process being implemented for the attainment of learning. The question lies in the attainment of learning and the process, being the process as a means and learning as an end. Due to the structure of certain schools and the government agency responsible for education, the means become an end. To follow the standards set for achievement and the system and the process, the real goal was set aside which we don't know exactly who would benefit from it since learning of students as a goal was not really achieved. Teachers, Principals, Division Heads, Supervisors, etc, are busy implementing school rules and educational systems and are occupied with the submission of different paper requirements and documents as well as beautifying the school's image. Every year, you can ask students if they have learned the required curriculum that they had just passed, but I doubt if they have. 

     Quality or formality? the end or the means? ..search it and know the difference, know it deeper and think how it is..look down and read...

     Though it seems right..let's take the job as a task. Learning is for a future task...Results are obtained when the former students start their new tasks...

Zenni Optical Launch Buy 2 pairs Get 1 pair Free Deal

     Vision problems affect our daily lives, especially in performing our work. Also, during our leisure time like watching our favorite sports game, we tend to miss the details of game surprises due to vision problems. We can't help but wear prescription glasses. Wearing prescription glasses goes with a fashion sense, fitting the frames, checking its quality and price range..and if you're one of the people who wear it for fashion but checking on getting more than what you pay for..visit Zenni Optical, #1 online eyeglasses store offering high quality $ 6.95 prescription eyeglasses. Virtually any glasses, even bifocal or progressive eyeglasses, can be ordered on Zenni's website with tint, whether for fashion or sunglasses. Full-rim, half-rim, or even rimless frame eyeglasses can be tinted to suit your style or use, and with tint only $4.95; it’s an option not to be overlooked. And have you figured it out? Fitting the frames even online?.. You can try any frame before you buy with the Zenni Frame Fit system. (I was even amazed trying to fit the frames myself!) Check them out! And with the affordable price at Zenni, you can buy multiple pairs and get to switch styles to match the outfit or mood.
     And as some of us know, astigmatism usually runs in the family, as well as nearsightedness and farsightedness. If one or both of the parents have it, there is a tendency for their kids to have it too. And wearing prescription glasses in the family needs an affordable eyeglasses price range and quality. Visit Zenni Optical, they are running a "Buy 2 pairs get the 3rd pair FREE" (equal or less value) promotion on all eyeglasses.

      A perfect match for your family's needs on prescription glasses! Plus...all their glasses include free anti-scratch coating, free thin and light 1.57 index single vision lens, free full UV protection, a free protective case, and a free microfiber cleaning cloth. Imagine those benefits that you can get with a price of two but three pairs to be delivered to your door. Think about buying more than what you pay for.

Ease Your Loneliness

     Many people if not some are lonely. They build walls instead of bridges. That very same thing has happened to me. Trials of life and discouragement from people whom I have trusted. I stopped talking to people and go out. I have my own world then. But then I realized, I still have some that left of me and I should be happy that I have them..my kids...and truly, they are my treasures. They have kept praying for me until I decided to go back to where I have grown up as a Christian, my Church, my Christian home. 

     Being lonely is not the end of the world but a way to understand other people who are undergoing the same situation, thus, the opportunity to reach out and find encouragement for each other. Through this blog, I hope I can reach out to many people by sharing these thoughts and discover how these three actions can help to ease our loneliness.  Dave Branon of "Our Daily Bread" correlated them with verses in the Bible. 

1) Learn contentment. Read Philippians 4:10-13, then ask God to help you to depend on Him each day and to learn to be content in any situation.

     "I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last, you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

2) Do good for someone. Read Hebrews 13:1-3, then look for someone in need of help. You will get rid of loneliness for both of you.

     "Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

3) Worship with God's people. Read Hebrews 10:21-25 which emphasizes the value of worshiping with other believers, Find someone with whom you can praise God. 

     "...and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

     These actions will redirect your thinking and remind you that when you know God you are never alone. Lean on Jesus for contentment. 

     If you feel lonely and alone, feel free to talk to me. ('',)





#loneliness #alone #God #christian 

7 Things That We Can Do In Discovering God's Will

  

   
     According to Joanie Yoder, one of the writers in "Our Daily Bread", a daily devotional guide, some people love to serve God, but they don't know what to do. The best way to discover God's specific will for your life is to obey His clearly revealed will. There she enumerates a list of how God wants us to live and what He wants us to do.

1) Love and pray for your enemies.

     "But I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."  - Matthew 5:44 (NIV)

2) Walk by faith and not by sight.

     "We live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

3) Love God by enduring temptation.

     "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has  stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." - James 1:12 (NIV)

4) Serve one another.

     "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." - Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

5) Lay up treasures in heaven.

     "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." - Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV)

6) Share the gospel with the lost.

     "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." -  Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

7) Exercise your spiritual gifts.

     "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." - Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

Our Boracay Tour

     Kinda late to write about our Boracay tour, but since we just came from the Cebu tour a week ago, I can't stop comparing the two places and what we experienced in the previous one.

     The thought of boarding a plane really excites us, especially for a mom who would give her kids a taste for the first time traveling through the plane. I got 4 kids but only the 2 of them were with me on our Boracay tour. Excited since it is our first, we would be able to see Manila lights from above since our flight is at 5:20am, the seas, the clouds..and how does it feel when the plane is about to take off.
     We have a smooth journey and from Kalibo airport, somebody was waiting for us to take us to Caticlan, which is part of the promo package I had bought from an Ensogo deal. An hour of travel lulled us to sleep later we have to board a ferry boat to take us to the island of Boracay. Another ride was waiting to take us to our accommodation tour package in Patio Pacific Hotel Boracay. I would say if u want a more quiet place to stay, not too far from the beach hub and free from the loud music of bars and restaurants, choose this one. Secured, cozy rooms with wi-fi and cable tv, great dishes as well as friendly staff, and affordable rates.

     With our accommodation, daily breakfast is included on buffet plus...free one lunch and dinner. On our 1st day, we decided to have our lunch outside a hotel in D'Mall rather than take the free lunch. Since it would be harder for us to find a restaurant for dinner, we had availed of our free dinner on our 1st night there and exchanged our free lunch for another dinner on our 2nd night. While eating, the kids and I kept thinking about their eldest and youngest siblings (I am with my 2nd and 3rd kids) who were left behind as suggested by their father. With all the menu being served, we can't stop thinking if they are there too. The food servings and the staff and crew at Patio Pacific Hotel Boracay are worth our dime. Php 8888, 3days 2 nights with round trip transfer from Kalibo to Caticlan, free daily breakfast, one lunch, one dinner for 2 and you can bring along one child below 10 years old for free.

Boracay, November 2011

     What would enchant a visiting tourist in Boracay? What I love in Boracay is the white fine sand, swimming with small fishes even near the shore, the hotel accommodation, the freshwater pearls, different people from different places and cultures, a  no inhibition zone (you can even walk on the beach and the national road on two-piece or bareback without intimidation). Visiting this place is worth your trip.

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 Boracay Views

Wonderful Opportunities

Life is full of opportunities, but they say opportunity knocks once. As I am reading a lesson on Pre-encounter to an Encounter with God, opportunities are in abundance. It changes my outlook on opportunities. As long as we live, we could have these opportunities, the four wonderful opportunities that would change us ...

1) The Encounter Opportunity

This struck me the most..no matter how far we have strayed from God, we can STOP right now and TURN BACK to Him. Remember the story of the prodigal son? The son made the decision to return to his father's house looking for a second chance. (Luke 15:11-20), we can do the same thing by deciding to have an encounter with our Father God. Anyone ...ANYONE .. who desires to have an encounter with God CAN do so. God is always close to us, as close as the air we breathe."We are His offspring"(Acts 17:27-28).

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." - Jeremiah 29:13

2) The Reconciliation Opportunity

We can have true reconciliation with anyone if we recognize our sins, and our faults and ask for forgiveness. The same thing with our God, ACKNOWLEDGING our sins, REPENTANCE and ASKING for His forgiveness, and RENOUNCING all the evil we have committed. When we do this, God stretches forth His merciful hand toward us. 1 John 1:9 assures us: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and purify us from all unrighteousness. Just like the prodigal son, seeing his fallen condition he decided to come back so as not to stay in that condition and take the risk to find a new opportunity. An opportunity to be in his father's place once again.

"I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against You. I am no longer worthy to be called Your son; make me like one of your servant men." - Luke 15:18-19

3) The Restoration Opportunity

As to how an old painting is being restored by its painter, a new set of coloring kits is being dabbed in and a time spent to bring back its natural and original beauty, God does it to His sons. All of our sins deserve punishment, but God allowed His Son Jesus Christ to take our place and pay for our sins. Just like the father in the prodigal son, he decided to restore his lost son's dignity when he came back and ask for his forgiveness. He ordered a fattened calf to be a sacrifice in honor of his son's return. 

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

4) The Provision Opportunity

As children of God, we have all the privileges that we could enjoy. God considers us His dear children, making us participants of the same riches and glory as Jesus Christ. Once, we had lost these privileges because of sin. Coming back to Him, He dresses us in the best garments, puts the best shoes on us, and gives us the ring that represents the authority we now enjoy as His children and heirs. God treats us as His beloved children.

"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12

In general, when there is an opportunity, there will be an encounter a new task, a new life. Opportunities would open a new door to a new beginning. Specifically, these opportunities are always available to us, life-changing opportunities, to begin with.