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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QT10026: Prov 22:6 - Funny and Cute Praying Noah

Most of us parents neglect the value of teaching children to be grateful, especially to our great provider. One of the things we taught our children is to pray to God before having our meal. It's very important to pray, that is the message we tell them. And even at a young age, they should know the value of praying.

I can't tell you how proud and at the same time happy to see this video. It even made me laugh a lot of times because of how cute he prays. Well, of course he doesn't pray this way anymore but that is just normal. But as a parent, I am so happy and proud of him.

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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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QT10024: Mark 14: 72 (When You Realize You're Wrong)

Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, "Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." And he began to weep. - Mark 14: 72

How often do we make mistakes in our lives? And when we do realize our mistake, have we ever recalled someone's voice in our head saying "I told you so"? Now I don't mean literally someone's voice saying in our head but a thought comes out or a memory of something we read in the Bible or a memory of our loved one reminding us what happens if we do this or that. Then we say to ourself, "I should have done that or this".

When Peter denied Jesus the third time, he remembered what Jesus told him after the cock crowed twice and then he wept. Jesus told him that he (Peter) will deny Him thrice and on the third the cock will crow (Matthew 26: 34). Nothing was said after that, he just wept after that and the chapter starts with a different topic. When you say wept, there is a deep sorrow or regret. We just assumed that Peter just did something to make up to God for what he did.

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QT10022: James 1:12 (Blessing on a Sleepless Night)

Can't believe it's 5am already and I still can't sleep. It must be the Ramadan season that's giving me sleeping disorder. I remember having the same problem two years ago (last year I was in the Philippines during Ramadan). I tried to count sheep but whenever I think of it, I remember their lamb chops and it makes me hungry (lol!).

I logged-in on my Facebook account and all I see are travel trips of fellow bloggers in the Philippines and it makes me feel homesick - waaah! Went to GMANews but I don't see any good news or even interesting topics I can read. I want to watch a movie but I know when it's a good movie, I won't feel sleepy at all.

As long as you can see a smile on each of your family member and as long as you are together while you keep your faith in God - you will find victory in the end.

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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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QT10017: Psalm 56: 3-4 (God is Our Protector)

When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?

-- Psalm 56: 3-4

Reading 2 Kings chapter 18 and 19, I was really amazed of God's power of protection to his children. That time, Assyria took over some fortified cities of Judah. Hezekiah told them they did nothing wrong and asked what do they want. After giving tribute to Assyria, they kept on challenging Judah, mocked their king-Hezekiah and his faith to God to persuade the people to join them.

If you were on Hezekiah's situation would you continue to pay tribute because you are afraid or condemn God as your protector? If you are afraid where or who do you turn to? Who would you trust?

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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.

I

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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QT10015: 1 John 2: 5-6 (Dad, You're Jesus!)

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. - 1 John 2: 5-6 

Yesterday while I was mopping the floor, I asked Ize to stay on the sofa. He was quite bored so I decided to put the chairs in front of him and told him to pretend that he is on a boat. His boredom quickly subsided and got quite excited. He was watching me while I mop the front area of his "boat" and then he said "Dad, that's the water. Your stepping on the water." He was talking about the wet area that I've mopped. "Oh! You're walking on the water like Jesus!" I laughed and was happy that he remembers the stories shared to him on their Sunday School and the Christian cartoons he was watching on TBN - Smile of a Child.

The new Superman outfit. Ize pretending to be Superman.

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QT-10014: Romans 12: 4-5 (Division of Labor)

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

It's been a long time since I've made an addition to the series of Quiet Time. Once again, I ask your forgiveness. I think it is great and timely that I discuss something about division of labor. 

So what is Division of Labor?

Whereever you look, there is always a division, there is always a group. At work, we are designated on a group called department (eg. Information Technology, Human Resource, etc..). Our task at work depends on our skill or the job description we are hired for. Like in a restaurant, there is the cook, cook's helpers, the waiter or food servers and cashiers and they all share the same group but different tasks. They all depend on each other's performance and if one is not performing properly the whole group's performance maybe affected.

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QT-10013: Matthew 24:6-8 (What is Happening to the World?)

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 

Matt 24: 6-8

This morning as I opened my PC to check what is currently happening to Jeddah via internet. I checked but to avail there was no internet. I checked the laptop and the other machine but no internet. I reset everything but still there is no internet. Then I realized about the news that has been spreading this past few days about another demonstration, not in other country but here in Saudi Arabia -specifically Jeddah. We have all witnessed what is currently happening in most arab nations -demonstrations for a change in their country's leaders for all those country who are tied-up or has a good relations with United States of America.

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QT-10012: Romans 8:28-30 (Happiness and Sadness is Not Always)

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 

Are we the type of person that goes where happiness is? There is a saying "Life is too short to be anything but happy." But did we ask ourselves, is life all about happiness only?

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QT-10011: Proverbs 22:6 (Let Them Be Children!)

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Prov. 22:6

Since I am assigned to teach in our church's youth ministry and shared a room with children of ages 4 and above, I have observed some of their behaviors. Whenever I hear something from their mouth, they always try to mouth words from the TV shows they have seen. Most of the words I've heard were from Pinoy tele-novelas. It was fun watching them play dead, play doctor, play like their idols, play like "lobos" or werewolves and vampires from ABS-CBN 's tv show Immortal. But have we ever listened closely to what they were saying?

"Kakaiba na talaga ang mga kabataan ngayon." (Children these days are so naive) - this are the famous words by people these days, specially by adults. But have we asked ourselves, are they truly naive?I don't know how many times have I shared this word of God but for the sake of our children, let us always be reminded the value of training our child the way they should be.

"As parents, have you ever wondered when and how they've learned those stuffs? What have you done about it?"

People these days start talking about sex, marriages and violence at a very young age. And as a parent, you maybe laughing when you hear some other children talk about it but when you hear it from your own child, it is a different matter. You'll most likely be furious at the person who taught them some of their words. Or we'll probably blame other children and start telling your child not to play with those BI (bad influence) child or children. Should we really blame those other children? Or should we blame ourselves for not trying to correct them?

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QT-10010: Proverbs 3:5

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

To all who are heavy hearted and who is currently in trouble and almost lost their hopes. Specially, to all the OFWs that will be spending their holidays far from their family.

Whenever I feel troubled, I read this verse and try to remind myself that in my years of stay here in Saudi Arabia, He was my only hope and the very foundation of all my strength and knowledge. He made sure that even at times of trouble (financially), He always delivered and meet all my needs. Even when I was weak and almost lost my hope, He kept on meeting my needs. My blessings may not be overwhelming but He made sure it was sufficient for my family. Enough to realize He was there when we need Him, enough for us to continue depending on Him and enough for us not to forget Him.

Trust in the Lord always is difficult if you keep depending on yourself. Depending only in your own understanding will probably help you build self-confidence but it won't help you get through all the future problems we may face. We all know that our knowledge and strength is limited and all those came from God as well.

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QT-10009: Isaiah 9:6 (The Birth of a Savior)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

It's been a long time since I've written a Quiet Time passage, please forgive me for that. I am still busy but I think this would be a great reminder for everyone of the coming season.

In coming days, people will merry and people will rejoice as they celebrate Christmas Season. Back in the Philippines, you'll hear joyous Christmas carols all over the radio night and day while at night you'll hear children singing Christmas carols in exchange for a few bucks. People conduct Christmas parties and exchange gifts, and other events -all pertaining to Christmas. But do we really know what Christmas is?

In your heart, what is Christmas?

• it is a time of giving.
• it is a time for forgiving.
• it is the birth of our Savior.

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QT-10008: Matt 21:22 (Need Your Prayers Guys)

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Whenever we are weary or sad, we like to hear encouraging words. And one of those days is when we are sick. It is a good thing that me and my wife are together coz right now she is currently sick and I could take care of her. It has been more than a week since she was sick but still she's under medication. Although it is not some serious matter, it is quite a burden for her since it is continuous pain that she has to endure everyday. The only thing we could do is to follow what the doctor says and drink her medication like she's instructed. Believing in prayer that she'll be healed, we continue to pray for her.

Now, I only ask all the Bible believing readers of this Baul to please make a little prayer for my wife. We know in our hearts that God will not forsake His children specially this faithful and diligent servant of His.

Basically, that is what this verse means so it doesn't need more explanation. We believe and we know a few more days we'll be saying "Thanks" and we'll have another testimony for you all. God bless us all.

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QT-10007 - John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

These very words were the words used by Jesus to comfort His disciples. Are you not comforted to hear these words? We may not be of peace today but God has promised us something great - PEACE. We all know that peace starts in our home. Now, the peace that God offers is different from what the world offers as it says in the Bible (Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:27). I have already taught this to our young people group (John 14:27) or about the peace that God offers. Think of this situation:

As a child, you accidentally broke your Mom's favorite glass jar. Using your earned money from school allowances, you try to hide what you did and buy a new glass jar of the same kind and color while hiding the evidence of the accident. You managed to fool your Mom but still you are afraid if your mom ever finds out about the accident. The fact that you were able to fool everyone by replacing the broken jar with a new one never really gave you peace.

Here is a true example of God's peace. You accept your mistake and went to your mom and ask for forgiveness. Your mom who truly loves you forgives whatever is done. Without even spending a dime or replacing the glass jar and fooling everyone specially your mom, you achieved peace. There may be guilt in your heart but the feeling of having been forgiven is something really great. 

We may also notice that this verse also proves that Jesus did not promise us good things all the time, He said we shall have tribulation in this world but we should not worry. So, what Jesus wants us to know is, let us rejoice for He has overcome the world. Have a peace of mind - God loves you.

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