QT10027: 1 Peter 2: 9-10 Precious in the Sight of God

9 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. 1 Peter 2:9-10

Looking for a job these days is no walk in the park, especially with the restrictions on foreign workers in certain industries. The IT industry, in particular, has become a fierce battleground for career seekers. We're up against a horde of fresh-faced graduates, armed to the teeth with their newly acquired skills and ready to take on the world. For those of us with more experience under our belts, the challenge is even greater, as employers often prefer the cost-effective option of hiring theoretically trained individuals over those with practical know-how. It's frustrating, but let's not dwell on that. Let's get back to the topic at hand. The struggle is real, my friends. It seems like the only option is to consider jobs outside of our field. But here's the thing: if I do apply and get chosen, I'll cherish that opportunity like no other. It's moments like these that remind me of my faith as a Christian.

Peter's letter (1 Peter 1) was a saddening reminder of the challenges faced by Christians, whom he referred to as "aliens" - individuals who are foreign residents or strangers. These scattered believers endured hardships and experienced rejection, yet Peter reassured them of their chosen status and their preciousness to God (1 Peter 2:4). As flawed human beings, it is natural for us to sometimes feel lost and lose hope. However, let us not dwell on these feelings too much. Instead, let us focus on the empowering words of Scripture: "He who believes in Him will not be disappointed." How reassuring it is to have a Father who cares for us deeply! And it is more humbling to be chosen by God. Embrace this confidence and let it guide our actions.

Let us embrace God's words! We are a chosen race after all, a royal priesthood. He has called us from darkness into His marvellous light. We were once not His people, but now we are! We have received mercy. Those words are really a great comfort. Another word of God came to mind. 

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? Matthew 6:26

Don't forget, birds don't work, yet God still feeds them. We're more precious than birds, right? 

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QT10025: Matt 5:16 - The Light that Shines

Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5: 16 (NASB)

Good day to each and every one again. I just woke up, but I want to start the day with a daily devotion or what I always call quiet time verses. It's nice to start our day talking to the Lord or to meditate so invite you to open your Bible and read our verse for today. You might want to read the previous verses to grasp the very reason Jesus uttered these words for the beatitudes. Beatitudes in Orthodox pertains to patriarchs of the church which in the Bible, you will find it in the previous verses starting with the word "blessed" from verse 3 up to 11. If one of the "blessed" feels like it is for you then you are blessed, and you are one of the beatitudes.

My dearly beloved brethren. Celebrating Christmas 2022

Going back to our verse, the verse is like Jesus is talking to you. Well, if you are one of the beatitudes then Jesus is most likely talking to you. In KJV translation it goes like this:

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven

The verse teaches us beatitudes to serve as the light to others. The word "light" or "phos" in greek means to shine or make manifest. Most of the time phos mean heavenly light which can only mean the light that came from God. 

Light is the opposite of darkness and darkness pertains to confusion or ignorance and chaos. So, when God says we should be light to people in darkness that means for us to be their guide. There is a word that we must not ignore here, and it is with great importance that we do not overlook it. The word "must" in "Your light must shine before men....." is very important. "Must" means it is unavoidable or it is required. Like what I always say before, it is easy to be a Christian but Christianity is not easy specially when people persecute you or abuse your "goodness" to them - sometimes your old self wants to kick in and get even. But as a Christian, we all know that Christ lives in us: 

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. - Galatians 2: 20

Which means we are the mirror of Christianity or your Christian living. What others see in our life reflects not just us but Christianity. Just like when other nations see Filipinos, what do they always say about us? It may be negative or positive, but it reflects what most Filipinos do. So as Christians, we must be careful in what we do.

The reason I am saying this is, the verse teaches us that we must let our light shine to the world to the point they will see your good works which is supposedly the product of being in Christ. So, if they don't see Christ in your life that would be a problem. But if they see Christ in you, your life will be a living testimony to them, and you glorify our Father by this.

So that's it for now. Hope you are all blessed for today. God bless each of our beatitudes. If you have been blessed by this verse, please like and share to others as well. You are also welcomed to make a comment. God bless.

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QT10023: Psalm 23: 6 (Keep Dwelling on Him)

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Last Sunday, I was on my way to our old house to fetch some of our remaining stuffs when I had an accident. I always made sure to pray before I go on my way to wherever I go. I was on the highway that time and almost passing a branching road when a taxi starts swerving left and right. A pick-up truck was in front of me and in front of him was the swerving taxi. I immediately turned my hazard lights on and started slowing down while still paying attention to the pick-up truck in front of me. When the pick-up truck stopped, I just stopped nonchalantly. Suddenly, I heard a thud and the car shook, I knew I was hit by a vehicle behind me. I checked my side-mirror and saw a taxi. Well, if you are not aware, taxis here in Saudi Arabia has a habit of tailgating and it really is annoying and quite alarming when you are the one in front of them and you are in a highway.

Me, my youngest son Noah and our Chevy Cruze.

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QT10020: Proverbs 15: 1 (Calm Your Storm)

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

It is okay to get angry but instead of arguing with harsh words, it's best to have a calm and soft voice when dealing with people. One of our pastor once preached that even if you throw food to chickens, they'll turn away from it and that applies to us too. Even if you are saying something right, if you are harsh in delivering your words, people will back-out or ignore you at all.

Confronting people with anger or hatred always end up fighting but being calm can resolve a lot of things. It goes without saying this is also applicable, specially applicable to couples. One tip to couples, if your half is already angry, let him/her get angry and do not confront them with anger. They'll eventually calm as they realize your calmness if not you can always ask nicely - "Am I shouting at you? We can better resolve matters if we think calmly."

That's all for now. God bless from me and the rest of the gang (my family).

Just another wacky family outtake!

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Will You Continue to Serve Him?

After reading a news article from Yahoo, I felt saddened but not afraid. According to the article, there were Christian Ethiopians who were performing a private prayer service when Saudi authorities raided their place. Around 35 people were detained (mixed men and women) and is now facing deportation.

It was said that men were kicked, beaten and insulted by branding them "unbelievers" while two women were strip searched by lady officers for illegal substances hidden in their body - basically their genitals. There were no words from Saudi Interior Ministry when asked for a comment.

Although it happened around mid-December last year, no news were published regarding this matter. I've looked for reports through their English online newspapers such as Arab News and Saudi Gazette but found nothing.

If this was ever true, I can only pray for all those detained people. I just hope that the Saudi government will be true to their words in giving rights to other faiths in practicing their faith because if they keep on persecuting other faiths how can they share their faith to countries abroad.

True or not, I still will serve God. Paul remained and continued to serve God even persecuted because it is where he stands. This is where I stand and believe.

image from: http://sodivinemagazine.com

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

1 Corinthians 15: 1-4

Reference: Christians 'face deportation' in Saudi Arabia.

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QT10016: Hebrews 13: 5 (Reflections)

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  - Hebrews 13: 5

It's been a long time since I've blogged here at my Baul again. I've missed you guys. I've been busy lately and I have to let go of blogging for the mean time in order to finish my projects. Most of them are finished so here I am again. Now let me share you something about a reality that surrounds me right now - a reflection, my reflection.

Thanks to Dorisjoa for the image.

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Having an inspirational themed blog doesn't mean that I am always inspired or even mean that  I am a strong person. It is true that when in difficulties, it is hard to thank God for the things happening around us. Difficulties come to everyone and Christians are not excempted. I've been through a lot lately but I am confident even when I struggle. I am confident that all things will still work together for good (Rom 8: 29).

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