It can be easy to dwell on the negative circumstances that happen from day to day. “The nerve!”, I might say for people who cause offense. “Now what?” to yet one more demonstration of Murphy’s Law. The list can go on. The mind is the seat for transformation. What we dwell on has the power…
Category: Learning God’s Principles in Daily Living
Perfect Valentine
Eight years ago, I got invited to a ladies’ luncheon where I heard the speaker, Deonna Tanchi, talking about the stages of love. If I remember right, it was something like this: 1. Romance; 2. Reality; 3. Resentment; 4. Retaliation; 5. Rage; 6. Resignation or Restoration. Romantic movies popularize notions like “You complete me”. In reality, we…
Ear-Tickler or Truth-Teller
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend (Prov 27:17). I so appreciate in my life truth-tellers who will tell me straight to my face what I need to hear, not just what I want to hear. They will speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15), just like it is, whether in rebuke, exhortation,, or revelation of a painful…
Attitude of Gratitude
It’s easy to well up with gratitude for blessed days like today. Love, grace, peace, joy, and music overflowed. Indeed this is a gift from God. Thank you, Lord! But the verse in 1Thess 5:18, Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus, reminds us that we need to condition our minds…
Coffin Fashion
For the first time, I heard about a coffin fashion show in Texas for selling guitar cases. “Coffin Fashion Show” got me thinking of the garb to wear when one is literally breathless and ready for decomposing en route to becoming dust. Are there any rules of thumb?…What length should the dress be? Should it…
Bitter or Better?
In a Cebuano accent, the sound of the word “bitter” and “better” are interchanged so we could get confused as to what is being referred to. We, however, do want to ensure that we get better, not bitter and not vacillate between the two as though there were no difference. See to it that no…
Beware Praise?
According to Prov 27:21, The purity of silver and gold can be tested in a crucible, but a man is tested by his reaction to men’s praise. Why might that be? The subtlety of self-pride can creep in. If I receive a praise, reward, or award for something I have done, I might forget that all the factors that…
Tests for Service
Peter is my favorite disciple. I am always encouraged to see how God can use an impulsive, unschooled fisherman who has a tendency to put his foot in his mouth. One of my favorite passages is the restoration of Peter. Not long after having passionately professed a willingness to die for and never forsake Jesus (Matt 26:33,35),…
Trusting in Man or God
Some people are interested or wired to associate with people “with connections” to powerful, influential, or wealthy people. They are not able to appreciate people whom they consider of lower “quality” than themselves. James 2:4-6 has this to say: 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers and…
Yoking with the Unbeliever
If you are already married, 1Corinthians Chapter 7 has guidelines regarding being yoked with an unbeliever. Generally, in most cases, you are supposed to stay married. (Please refer to the chapter for details.) But if you are unmarried and considering a lifetime partner or if you are married and considering a partner in business or…
BUTTERFLY IN THE SPRING 