December 25, 2009
Dearest Loved Ones, Brethren & Friends,
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
It’s such a wonderful day to rejoice and remember – the day of great significance in all of our spiritual state of being. Yes, we have good reasons to be grateful - for 2009 years ago God stepped down from heaven, put on the robe of humanity, to be among His creation to see how it is to be like us. He came out of the abundance of His love, to take us out of the dark dungeon of sin and the clutches of fear to bring us into the light of His presence, in order to relate with us and reconcile us with Him, and take us back to be with Him in the everlasting life.
For our family, it’s very special season to count our blessings. God poured upon us great favors in His grace. Sustaining us in the worst season that we went through this year – yes, worst - in this land of abundance and overflows God has positioned us in Florida, USA. It made us aware that there is no exception for any one. Material provisions are not guarantees. Bad seasons can happen even in the land of plenty. Trials can confront us even in our faith. Praises to our Lord Jesus, He fulfills His promises. He is always with us. He rescues us. He uses bad situations for our good – to strengthen us. For all that – we are grateful. His name – Jesus is high and lifted up.
Starting new endeavors and projects at this late period of our life is very challenging. Considering, the worst economic condition we have just gone through. Most of all the family is maturing with Hannah and Sarah now shaping their lives ahead and our spiritual activities in doldrums – 2009 came out as one of the worst season our life faced. But, in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ we pulled the year through to make it a great Christmas of reflections and thanksgiving for our Lord’s faithfulness.
Business-wise Felix’s company – FRS Management, Inc., along with the FRS Group, made significant stride for growth amidst the economic depression. Trusting God as our only source – he is expectant for the business to prosper ahead.
Mae is now going into her 4th anniversary in her new, God given profession, foraying with great courage in the medical field as a nurse. We praise God for new heights she’s climbed in such short period of time in her work as Charge Nurse at Citrus Memorial Hospital. It is a major feat under God’s guiding hands, considering the entirely different careers in other seasons she has gone through, firstly - as a shipping executive during her early corporate years in Cebu, Philippines, and as educator during our memorable adventure in Saudi Arabia.
Hannah, equipped with her BS Economics degree from the University of Florida, is now developing her career in corporate America working as an account executive with Blue Horizons - one of the largest Insurance Company based in Seattle, Washington. She is now pursuing her Masters degree at the University of Washington.
Sarah is now a young lady in her Senior High at Ocala Christian Academy. She’s enjoying her role as manager of the school’s volleyball team. She is very active as vocalist with her FUSE Band, a youth group at our Church..
It is with profound and deep gratitude that we offer thanksgiving to our Father in heaven, as we send you this greetings of Peace and Joy, to celebrate the reason for the birth of our Lord Jesus – We. Christmas is for Us. We are the reason. His love for us is the reason. We have indeed a cause to be glad and rejoice as we welcome this season, the anniversary of our Lord’s birth when He brought us the gift of Salvation through His Grace and Mercy. Glorify and honor our King – the King of Kings… Yes. That is Christmas!
WE LOVE YOU ALL.
AGAIN, OUR PRAYER FOR A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!!
In the mighty name of our Lord Jesus,
Fel and Mae, with Hannah & Sarah
Friday, December 25, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Take the Best out of Every Season
Take the Best out of Every Season
What does this mean?
"We must not leave a season empty-handed.”
It is part of our Creator’s design when He establish the dimension of time, He divided it in seasons (Genesis
Seasons come and go.
It is wise that we learn how to get In and Out of seasons with optimum benefit, knowing that life is brief.
How?
Psalm 90:12 [NLT] “Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom.
This verse speaks of wisdom. We need wisdom. With that we must be teachable. Let’s get wisdom to help us in the management of our limited life-time.
We should know that when we operate in wisdom, the result is always best.
Season and time is the “clock”, the “watch”, or the “time marker” of our life.
It is essential we make our time counts to make our life counts.
Right now, here in this - ‘dimension of time’ in between eternities – that is - Eternity before time and Eternity after time. Our goal is to cross into and be part of that next Eternity with our Creator.
The period of time is measured in moments, seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years and seasons after season between our physical birth and physical death.
In this limited dimension of time, where we are now, time is our currency.
Let’s value it.
We must not waste time.
Let’s respect and honor time of the people around us.
We spend and buy time, wisely.
Lamentations 3:21-23 says:
“Yet I still dare to hope
when I remember this:
The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
His mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Time is for our stewardship.
We must sow time with goal for increase – in eternal gain.
We have to manage time well in order to hope to have better seasons.
God provides fresh time every morning through His mercies and compassions.
Always 24 hours. No less.
It’s like our daily cash allowance.
We must steward it.
Proverbs 12:11 (Amplified Bible)
“He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits is lacking in sense and is without understanding.”
Time is life.
How we spend TIME is how we spend LIFE.
In spending our life it is important to perpetuate good seasons.
We must be aware that what we do in each season determines our future. How we spend our time determines the result. Spend it well. Not on worthless pursuits.
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV)
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Psalm 90:12 (KJV)
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”.
These verses, advice us to
Redeem the time because the days are evil. Number our days wisely - Budgeting.
We must provide margins in time budgeting.
Ephesians
Rather redeem – use time wisely.
We should keep asking ourselves, is my (our) season better? Is it living upward between eternities? or, spiraling downward to eternal destruction?
While we are in this life of time, it is essential that we must spend our time with the Timeless One.
The FIRST BEST PORTION of our time is for Him. We spend it for, with and in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let’s use our currency - TIME, to transact with God, SPIRITUALLY.
Make use of our limited time for unlimited eternal commodity and gain. Spend and transacted with God, our limited time currency – then, we can receive spiritual benefit for the eternal life.
Psalm 90:12 [NLT] “Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom.”
Let’s have this attitude in prayers. Let’s spend our time with our timeless Heavenly Father in Christ Jesus our Lord, for a secure and certain better seasons, in our life ahead –in wisdom, taking with us the best of the season we’re leaving behind.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
God's Purpose for Us
Greetings to you all my Brethren in our Father's abundant supernatural favors and blessings.
It is great to know you are all doing well in the works of God through us all in His vineyard for His glory.
I praise our Lord for knowing that the seed from the Word of God that has been sowed in our hearts as we allowed ourselves to be marinated in His Holy Words at our regular fellowship in PFC Centers at Farms and others, blossomed, grew, continued to grow to date and promising to grow more in our journey on.
We indeed all have learned a lot from each other, as God used and continue to use each one of us as instrument for each other's spiritual growth.
At every juncture, turning points in our journey, it would be good to always remind ourselves of our Father's design and purpose for us. He created us for Himself - to Worship - to Grow - to Serve. Let us look into these reasons of our being created and see how we can have these come to pass in our daily living.
* Worship to our Almighty Father is what we do because our Heavenly Father tells us to do. Obedience. We do it because we love God, not because we gain something of it for ourselves. We do it solely for God. We sing for God. We study His words for God, because He said so in His words (Joshua 1:8). We do good to our brothers and others for God.
* Growth is a process. We are all in the process of growth. None is ahead & none is behind in the eyes of God. It involves continuing change. It is a development. Change can be negative or positive – depending on the environment we allow ourselves to be planted (Psalm 92:12-13) and the food we fed our spirit. Growing is imminent. It is a continuous process. It brings joy or pain. But growth is a must for us all. In that regard, it is essential to be aware of the following truths of growing pains:
We need to grow because God designed us to. We have the potential to grow. Yet, at one time in our life we became less than we ought to be, as per God’s design. Specially, if we attempt to go beyond God’s design for our lives – like Adam who attempted to be like God, where in as a result he became less than he was. We too we tend to reach up beyond God’s purpose for us. We want to be better than others when God’s Words say that we should consider others better than us. We tend to be served – when the Word reminded us that to be the greatest we should serve the rest. For these reasons, we should grow to continue regaining back the ground we lose and to bring ourselves back to where God designed us to be. This we can do together through and by the Word of God and Walking with God (That is applying God’s Words in our daily lives).
Our growth is affected by what we eat. We have to be fed by truth. The word is truth. (John 17:17). It is essential to be always dependent on the wisdom from God in our feeding process. Let’s be aware of His warning through 1 Peter 2:1-3 – beware of those who come as teachers. They are false teachers. The truth is we are all disciples and students. The Holy Spirit teaches us. Of course we can learn from each other as students – sharing with each other the good revelations we get hold of. Speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Walk in truth – this is daily living (3 John 1:4). The feeding process starts with milk – then we grow to meat through daily in-take of the Word.
We grow by pressure, pain, problems and trials. We either learn in the classroom or in crisis. It would be wise and better to learn in the classroom – eg. Keep meditating the Word of God with the honest intention to learn, instead of intending to just lift up the Word and passing it on to others (and calling ourselves teachers). The right way to do is let the Word in our hearts and be seen in action to manifest God’s design for us to grow. That being said – we must not fail to learn from crisis (Romans 5:3-4 AMP). In pain – let faith work. Bitter or better – call on faith that we may be made perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4).
We grow by exposure. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). In our service for each other - scratching each other’s elbows – is useful for us to smooth out the sharp edges of our being (Proverbs 18:1). We must eagerly seek wisdom (James 1:5-6).
We must grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter
We are to serve. Not to lead – lest we become the blind leading the blind. We are members in one body of many parts. Christ is the head. We are the many parts – with equal importance in the overall body functions. We are subject to one another. A brother’s keeper perhaps – for our brother’s benefit. Not in the context of being over our brother/sister to subjugate him/her, but to serve him/her, fulfilling God’s design for us to service. (Romans 12:4-6)
Our service should be in humility. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. (Mathew 18:3-5 NIV)
12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.(Mathew
But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.(Luke
Brethren, let us not lose sight of God’s purpose in our lives. He designed and created us to Worship, to Grow and to Service. Let us position ourselves for our Heavenly Father to be able to use us and work through us and be His instrument for the world to see for His Glory in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Christ’s loving grace,
Kuya Fel (Titing)W/ Ates Mae, Hannah & Sarah
Sunday, August 17, 2008
PFC 11th Anniversary - July 11, 2008
Dear and Beloved PFC Brethren,
Greetings to you all - for Victorious 11th Anniversary Celebration under the shadow of our Heavenly Father's abundant supernatural favors and anointing.
Thank you for all the good News & Updates.
As we meditate upon our theme this year's marking of season, from His words in Psalm 18, it is a good opportunity for us remind ourselves that we have to recognize that God is always protecting us. And that...all we need to do is respond to His call and keep ourselves fed by His words.
Psalm 91 reveals to us much, how to respond to our Father:
1) He is our Most High God. Able. Capable. Faithful God.
2) We know His Name, for us to be able to call upon HIM. He reveals Himself through His name. He is everything. He is our Creator. Father. Provider. Healer. Redeemer. He is Omnipotent. Omniscience. Omnipresent.
He is Prince of Peace. Peace that surpasses ALL Understanding.
His name is the name above all names. His is Christ Jesus our Lord!
3) We know that He has a Secret Place. He reveals this Place to us through His Spirit and His Word. The Secret Place is His presence. We can be in His presence in our one-on-one communion and in our fellowship with our Heavenly Father. The most important part of our Life is the part that only Him sees. Not what the public sees. Our hidden life with Him makes our life in public more authentic and pure.
4) Through His word we'll know that the Secret Place is the place our Father in Heaven hides us from the enemy. Our major enemies are: 1) The devil. 2) The flesh.
We know that the devil conspires with our flesh. But when we are always in the Secret Place of the Almighty (In the Constant Presence of God) and abide there [Be obstinate, stubborn, stay and settle] in His Presence always - the enemy is stripped of its power over us. The brand of peace that only God can give, which passes all understanding pervades our life.
In Recognition and in Response to God's Faithfulness - Psalm 18:16-21 (Amplified Bible)
We know that in His faithfulness,
16He reached from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.
In response, let's remain in His "Shadow". [Psalm 91:1-2 (Amplified Bible)]
1HE WHO [a]dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
May God bless you all a victorious journey forward.
Happy Anniversary!
Your Brethren Fel, Mae, Hannah & Shasha
Greetings to you all - for Victorious 11th Anniversary Celebration under the shadow of our Heavenly Father's abundant supernatural favors and anointing.
Thank you for all the good News & Updates.
As we meditate upon our theme this year's marking of season, from His words in Psalm 18, it is a good opportunity for us remind ourselves that we have to recognize that God is always protecting us. And that...all we need to do is respond to His call and keep ourselves fed by His words.
Psalm 91 reveals to us much, how to respond to our Father:
1) He is our Most High God. Able. Capable. Faithful God.
2) We know His Name, for us to be able to call upon HIM. He reveals Himself through His name. He is everything. He is our Creator. Father. Provider. Healer. Redeemer. He is Omnipotent. Omniscience. Omnipresent.
He is Prince of Peace. Peace that surpasses ALL Understanding.
His name is the name above all names. His is Christ Jesus our Lord!
3) We know that He has a Secret Place. He reveals this Place to us through His Spirit and His Word. The Secret Place is His presence. We can be in His presence in our one-on-one communion and in our fellowship with our Heavenly Father. The most important part of our Life is the part that only Him sees. Not what the public sees. Our hidden life with Him makes our life in public more authentic and pure.
4) Through His word we'll know that the Secret Place is the place our Father in Heaven hides us from the enemy. Our major enemies are: 1) The devil. 2) The flesh.
We know that the devil conspires with our flesh. But when we are always in the Secret Place of the Almighty (In the Constant Presence of God) and abide there [Be obstinate, stubborn, stay and settle] in His Presence always - the enemy is stripped of its power over us. The brand of peace that only God can give, which passes all understanding pervades our life.
In Recognition and in Response to God's Faithfulness - Psalm 18:16-21 (Amplified Bible)
We know that in His faithfulness,
16He reached from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.
17He delivered me from my strong enemy and from those who hated and abhorred me, for they were too strong for me.
18They confronted and came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay and support.
19He brought me forth also into a large place; He was delivering me because He was pleased with me and delighted in me.
20The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness (my conscious integrity and sincerity with Him); according to the cleanness of my hands has He recompensed me.
21For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God.
In response, let's remain in His "Shadow". [Psalm 91:1-2 (Amplified Bible)]
1HE WHO [a]dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
2I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!
May God bless you all a victorious journey forward.
Happy Anniversary!
Your Brethren Fel, Mae, Hannah & Shasha
Monday, August 4, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Reaching Ahead
A message to our young ones now and to future generations of youth who are about to, and will be embarking on their journey towards the abundant future God has uniquely designed for them, let us meditate upon these verses from Apostle Paul's letters below.
Press towards the goal (NKJV)
"Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Be Focused on the Goal (The Message)
"Philippians 12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back."
There may be obstacles. Pressures along the way. Never give up. Take Apostle Paul's message to the Corinthians as encouragement.
"2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NKJV) We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
"2 Corinthains 3:7-12 (The Message Bible) If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best!"
Let me also reiterate to you, my message to those who have taken the journey before you, as my small contribution to the provisions of encouragement that you will carry with you --
"FAILURE IS ONLY A POSTPONEMENT OF SUCCESS
(Speech at the First PhilCoSA Commencement Exercises 1996)
First of all, I thank the Almighty God for this momentous celebration that we have today.
It is a great honor for me to have this rare opportunity and privilege to speak before a very special group intellectuals, these young people who are graduating today, the pioneer crops of the Philippine Community School in Al-Khobar.
Graduation. Some may have wondered why graduation rites are also called commencement exercises. As graduation, this moment marks the end of a phase of an endeavor. As commencement this marks the beginning of another stage of one's struggle.
We sometimes ask, how come an end becomes a beginning? How can such opposite words mean the same?
The explanation is quite simple: It is the reality of the continuing cycle of life. It is like the twilight that marks the end of the day and the beginning of the night. Or, it is like the dawn which marks the end of the night and the beginning of a new day. In life around us, all things begin and end. The beginning of one marks the end of another in the continuing march of time until eternity.
Graduation day brings happiness and joy to the graduates, teachers, parents and relatives as the fruit of a loved-one's effort is now being reaped. Sometimes, at graduation, longing from friends, classmates and schoolmates start to sink as relationships may now have to end in order to face a new beginning in the search for knowledge and wisdom. Yes, there is this mixed feelings of excitement which graduation evoke.
But today, there is no room for longing and mixed feelings. Today, there is no time for nostalgia of the year that passed. Today, there is no reason to harbor thoughts of doubts and anxiety for the future. Because, today I declare to you with thanks giving to God's blessings, our sponsor's reassurance that he is with us for the next school year 1996 to 1997 and the years to come. And that PhilCoSA is here to serve the needs of our children, to help mold their future in line with her mission. So today, no longings. No mixed feelings. No doubts. No anxieties. For we are here to wait for the next planting seasons, to continue sowing the seeds of wisdom. And indeed, God willing, we are here to stay.
Rather, an air of jubilation is here. For today is the day of reaping. Today is the day of a crowning glory for intellectual struggle for the search of truth and enlightenment. Today is the day of thanks giving to God, for His guidance and protection in leading us all through together in our journey amidst such perilous waters that we have just undertaken. For which, without God we would have not been here today to enjoy the glorious harvest of our labours, most specially the glory for the labours of our youth that we are honouring today. The echoing impact of the high marks they have garnered during the NEAT exams raised PhilCoSA's spirit to race on forward. Our graduates are the proof and exemplification of PhilCoSA's firm and strong resolve to accomplish her mission: Total Commitment to Total Quality Education.
You and I, the graduates and all of us, have now become wiser - endowed with the knowledge and wisdom, out of what we have experienced, for which we are all graduating from, as mentors and disciples. We have now gained an everlasting attribute, a valuable treasure of intellect. Graduates, we are now released from the dark dungeon of ignorance.
Graduates, I see in your eyes the bright and eager look for the future. I see you stare squarely upon greater heights of accomplishments. A sense of fulfillment is in your veins. But you must remember, this is not the end. Yes indeed, this is the beginning of your continuing stride towards more victories and successes. For today is the beginning of coming forth to service our God, to service our family, to service our community and to service our country.
From here on, you begin to shape and mold more vividly your ambitions and aspirations. So focus yourself straight ahead to the finish line. Never falter nor waver. Never accept anything as defeat. But consider everything as challenges to do better. For there is no such thing as failure - the ultimate defeat.
Failure is only a postponement of success...
Failure is only a postponement of success....
Failure is only a postponement of success.....
Always remember this, in your progress towards continuing knowledge, our country and people shall progress with you. You are the hope. You are the future. You are the light at the end of a tunnel. Therefore go forth! Chase your dreams! God is with you always.
Graduates, congratulations and may God bless you all.
Thank you very much!"
I am reiterating this message to reinvigorate and stir our zeal and commitment to allow God to accomplish His purpose for our lives. These words - empowered by God's holy and written Word has always been and will always be the driving force in my pursuit of God's plan for me through Christ Jesus our Lord.
I have full trust - these can be a driving force for you all, as well.
Again, congratulations to everyone!
F. A. Frias
PFCMissions 2008
With Mae, Hannah and Sarah
Press towards the goal (NKJV)
"Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Be Focused on the Goal (The Message)
"Philippians 12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back."
There may be obstacles. Pressures along the way. Never give up. Take Apostle Paul's message to the Corinthians as encouragement.
"2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NKJV) We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
"2 Corinthains 3:7-12 (The Message Bible) If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting in on the best!"
Let me also reiterate to you, my message to those who have taken the journey before you, as my small contribution to the provisions of encouragement that you will carry with you --
"FAILURE IS ONLY A POSTPONEMENT OF SUCCESS
(Speech at the First PhilCoSA Commencement Exercises 1996)
First of all, I thank the Almighty God for this momentous celebration that we have today.
It is a great honor for me to have this rare opportunity and privilege to speak before a very special group intellectuals, these young people who are graduating today, the pioneer crops of the Philippine Community School in Al-Khobar.
Graduation. Some may have wondered why graduation rites are also called commencement exercises. As graduation, this moment marks the end of a phase of an endeavor. As commencement this marks the beginning of another stage of one's struggle.
We sometimes ask, how come an end becomes a beginning? How can such opposite words mean the same?
The explanation is quite simple: It is the reality of the continuing cycle of life. It is like the twilight that marks the end of the day and the beginning of the night. Or, it is like the dawn which marks the end of the night and the beginning of a new day. In life around us, all things begin and end. The beginning of one marks the end of another in the continuing march of time until eternity.
Graduation day brings happiness and joy to the graduates, teachers, parents and relatives as the fruit of a loved-one's effort is now being reaped. Sometimes, at graduation, longing from friends, classmates and schoolmates start to sink as relationships may now have to end in order to face a new beginning in the search for knowledge and wisdom. Yes, there is this mixed feelings of excitement which graduation evoke.
But today, there is no room for longing and mixed feelings. Today, there is no time for nostalgia of the year that passed. Today, there is no reason to harbor thoughts of doubts and anxiety for the future. Because, today I declare to you with thanks giving to God's blessings, our sponsor's reassurance that he is with us for the next school year 1996 to 1997 and the years to come. And that PhilCoSA is here to serve the needs of our children, to help mold their future in line with her mission. So today, no longings. No mixed feelings. No doubts. No anxieties. For we are here to wait for the next planting seasons, to continue sowing the seeds of wisdom. And indeed, God willing, we are here to stay.
Rather, an air of jubilation is here. For today is the day of reaping. Today is the day of a crowning glory for intellectual struggle for the search of truth and enlightenment. Today is the day of thanks giving to God, for His guidance and protection in leading us all through together in our journey amidst such perilous waters that we have just undertaken. For which, without God we would have not been here today to enjoy the glorious harvest of our labours, most specially the glory for the labours of our youth that we are honouring today. The echoing impact of the high marks they have garnered during the NEAT exams raised PhilCoSA's spirit to race on forward. Our graduates are the proof and exemplification of PhilCoSA's firm and strong resolve to accomplish her mission: Total Commitment to Total Quality Education.
You and I, the graduates and all of us, have now become wiser - endowed with the knowledge and wisdom, out of what we have experienced, for which we are all graduating from, as mentors and disciples. We have now gained an everlasting attribute, a valuable treasure of intellect. Graduates, we are now released from the dark dungeon of ignorance.
Graduates, I see in your eyes the bright and eager look for the future. I see you stare squarely upon greater heights of accomplishments. A sense of fulfillment is in your veins. But you must remember, this is not the end. Yes indeed, this is the beginning of your continuing stride towards more victories and successes. For today is the beginning of coming forth to service our God, to service our family, to service our community and to service our country.
From here on, you begin to shape and mold more vividly your ambitions and aspirations. So focus yourself straight ahead to the finish line. Never falter nor waver. Never accept anything as defeat. But consider everything as challenges to do better. For there is no such thing as failure - the ultimate defeat.
Failure is only a postponement of success...
Failure is only a postponement of success....
Failure is only a postponement of success.....
Always remember this, in your progress towards continuing knowledge, our country and people shall progress with you. You are the hope. You are the future. You are the light at the end of a tunnel. Therefore go forth! Chase your dreams! God is with you always.
Graduates, congratulations and may God bless you all.
Thank you very much!"
I am reiterating this message to reinvigorate and stir our zeal and commitment to allow God to accomplish His purpose for our lives. These words - empowered by God's holy and written Word has always been and will always be the driving force in my pursuit of God's plan for me through Christ Jesus our Lord.
I have full trust - these can be a driving force for you all, as well.
Again, congratulations to everyone!
F. A. Frias
PFCMissions 2008
With Mae, Hannah and Sarah
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Christ Jesus our Lord is Risen!
Dear Brethren & Loved Ones,
The fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He lives. He is the First Born. The First of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again. Because He lives ours is the promise of the life eternal in the Heavenly Kingdom prepared for us.
1 Corinthians 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. NIV
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia! Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and others
Jesus Christ our Lord won the final victory!
The grave has been "boasting" of its power since the fall of Adam's dominion over Eden. But in the blood of Christ it has finally met its match. It tried to wrap Jesus up at the Cross and "forbids him to rise," but our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, resisted, fought, won and conquered. Where is your sting now, O Death? When Ho came out of the grave, a guarantee has been established for us in life everlasting. Christ Jesus our Lord has won the final victory.
We know that His victory is our victory. Our boasting we do not in ourselves, but in the power of Christ. He has won the victory, and now we're just soaring where Christ has led. We now bask in the benefits of the Cross, and we look past the grave to our heavenly reunion with Him. Alleluia!
Our greetings to you all for a joyful Resurrection Day celebration!Happy Easter!
Agape in Christ,
Brod Fel, Sists Mae, Hannah & Shasha
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Crossing The Time Line - 2007 to 2008
Dear Loved Ones, Brethren and Friends,
Happy New Year to you All!
Crossing The Time Line – 2007 to 2008
As I am now in the brink and transitory point of time to cross from 2007 to 2008, it’s amazing to feel the weight of anxiety this imaginary line brings. It feels daunting to come over to new beginnings. We need to cross the markers and signs of seasons that God set forth at creation in Genesis 1:14, when He divided the day from the night.
Meditating on Ephesians 5:15-17 ”See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil, wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is”, I am made aware that in crossing the line I leave a past and welcome a future to live purposely and not by circumstance. Knowing that as in the 2007, in 2008, fear is my greatest enemy. It comes in different disguises. Economic downturns, Social disorders, Financial Crisis, Health scare. Etc. But, I know by the promises of God’s words that – goods, money and everything – Is Still In The Earth! I haven’t heard any of it ever have flown out to Mars. It’s all still here. And, God has given me claims for all these blessing to harvest as I continue sowing. (Genesis 8:22) “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”
I have been made mindful that fear comes by hearing and bombardment of media technology makes me hear it again and again. It’s time to be discriminate in my media choices. Knowing that fear drains and paralyses.
Praises to our Lord for His word, which provide the weapon, how to fight fear. His holy Word supplies hundreds of ‘Fear Not’. Few of those verse are: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but power, and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1.7). For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again of fear, but ye have receive the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (Romans
Really fear should not hinder us to move on. Whatever circumstance happening, already happened before and God dealt with it victoriously for our sakes. “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). So this new year on, need to be careful what to hear. … and what time I am afraid – I will Trust in the Lord (Psalm 56:3). As I cross the time line I declare my trust in and with God. I will do it even if afraid, because God is with me.
I will cross the line afraid. I am up for it. God provides the strength and the way out just in case. (1 Corinthians 10:13) “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Yes, I don’t know what’s out there ahead in 2008. But God is faithful. What’s out there, I am up for it. God knows it. And, God is already there. He is for and with me. (Jeremiah 42:11) Be not afraid of the king of
In crossing, I must take faith coupled with wisdom. God promise to uphold me (Isaiah 41:10) “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not be dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness”. Faith and trust is how to overcome. All I do is ask Him. “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.” (1 John 5:14). I just have to ask my Lord to tell me again and again through His words all His promises, for me to hear again and again to increase my faith (Romans 10:17).
Coupled with wisdom – (Proverbs 4:7) ‘Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.’ I ask for wisdom (James 1:5) and God will give it generously. I must desire and dig it (Proverbs 2:1-9). I must avoid walking with ‘dummies’ (Proverbs
For any circumstance that my tend to shake the journey in 2008 (I pray none would come across), need to seek God, normalize – keep moving on and meditate on God’s principles.
I know I can’t change anything around me but I know God is out there ahead and behind, and I can change, adapt and equip myself. I will overcome victorious all through 2008 by the promises of my Creator and Father in heaven. His Word stands forever. It never fails. Jeremiah 29:4-14:
‘Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have cause to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;
Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;
Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.
And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; let not your prophets and diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams with ye cause to be dreamed.
For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the Lord.
For thus saith the Lord, that after seventy years be accomplished at
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you expected end.
Then shall ye call upon me and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.”
Yes, there are media paint of dooms in 2008 – they are not from the Lord. God will perform His favours upon us.
May God bless us all a blessed and overflowing prosperity in 2008 on, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Happy New Year!
Brod Fel with Sists Mae, Hannah and Shasha
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
A Lasting Marriage-Family That Lasts
Marriage is a tripartite covenant with God, between man and woman, for the establishment of a partnership in family formation, the core for ideal community and nation building. If that covenant is tampered and weakened, community denegrades and a nation degenerates.
Marriage was instituted in the garden of Eden by the power of the word of God - 'And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help mate for him'(Genesis 2:18 NKJV). Man and woman becoming one flesh (Genesis 2:24 NKJV). Bound by God, in love - (Mathew 19:6 NKJV) " ....What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." No man can separate. This very essence of God's design for marriage is threatened - being tampered with by the standards of the world today, which results to many family dys-functionalities. Forming breeding grounds for all sorts of community disorders now confronting our society.
Marriages are broken, [parted by debt!!] - gone is 'til death do us part'. Families are disintegrating, and children left on the cold devastated. Why? The right base for a lasting marriage has been abandoned. God's original plan for marriage is corrupted [even re-defined] by the influence of the world - directly colliding head-on, with God's word.
The danger of deepening erosion of those foundations is real. It is time for us to re-examine the foothold we stand on. Perhaps re-establish and/or continue strengthening the right base to build a marriage and family that will last, by meditating upon a reminder from one of the many messages from the Word of God, shared by the famous evangelist Billy Graham, ......
Quote:
A Strong Foundation Building a Marriage and Family That Will Last
Marriage was instituted in the garden of Eden by the power of the word of God - 'And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help mate for him'(Genesis 2:18 NKJV). Man and woman becoming one flesh (Genesis 2:24 NKJV). Bound by God, in love - (Mathew 19:6 NKJV) " ....What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." No man can separate. This very essence of God's design for marriage is threatened - being tampered with by the standards of the world today, which results to many family dys-functionalities. Forming breeding grounds for all sorts of community disorders now confronting our society.
Marriages are broken, [parted by debt!!] - gone is 'til death do us part'. Families are disintegrating, and children left on the cold devastated. Why? The right base for a lasting marriage has been abandoned. God's original plan for marriage is corrupted [even re-defined] by the influence of the world - directly colliding head-on, with God's word.
The danger of deepening erosion of those foundations is real. It is time for us to re-examine the foothold we stand on. Perhaps re-establish and/or continue strengthening the right base to build a marriage and family that will last, by meditating upon a reminder from one of the many messages from the Word of God, shared by the famous evangelist Billy Graham, ......
Quote:
A Strong Foundation Building a Marriage and Family That Will Last
The home is the foundation of any society. But something is wrong with many of our homes. We've never had more books available advising us how to solve our family and marital problems than we have today. Yet somehow we're more miserable, we're more broken, we're more torn, we're more hurt, than we've ever been. Why? Because we have not taken the Word of God into account. God has laid down the rules and regulations for a successful and happy home, and we've broken them.
Is your home built on a solid foundation? If we disregard God's regulations for the home, then our homes are in danger of ending in disaster.
The husband-wife relationship is the key to family success. A successful family needs to be founded on a divinely ordered marriage.
Marriage is not a short-term option. It is a contract for life; it is ordered by God. The Bible says, "Live joyfully with the wife of your youth" (Cf. Proverbs 5:18). Don't even think about a divorce—be faithful. Christ can hold you together; there is no problem that cannot be solved by the Lord Jesus Christ.
If you are a believer in Christ, you are to marry a fellow believer, not an unbeliever. Jesus said, "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand" (Mark 3:25, NIV). Don't say, "We'll settle some of these things after we're married." Settle them before you marry. The Scripture says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14, NIV).
Be careful about whom you fall in love with. What are you looking for in a spouse? In our obsession with physical appearance we often fail to look for and to recognize the inner qualities that make a woman or a man truly attractive. Proverbs 31 says, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Proverbs 31:30, NIV).
Put God First
A cornerstone in the foundation of a happy home is the spiritual exercise of prayer, Bible reading and church attendance. Do you attend church? Do you read the Bible in your home? Do you gather your family and have a time of Bible reading and prayer? Do you ask God's blessing at the table?
In Deuteronomy 6 we read, "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NIV).
The key to a solid family is putting God first in our homes and families. And to put God first in your home, He needs to be first in your own life—whether you are a father, a mother, a husband, a wife or a child.
All of us have problems. I have never known a marriage or a family that did not have problems. But Jesus listens, and He always hears and answers our prayers. How wonderful it is to go to Him in prayer! How wonderful it is for a husband and wife to kneel together and pray.
Fathers
Men need to work at being good fathers. If I had the opportunity to do anything over in my life, one of the things I would do over is be a better father. But, thank God, all five of our children know Jesus Christ.
The Bible points out the importance of strong husbands and fathers. In Hebrews we read, "Noah ... built an ark to save his family" (Hebrews 11:7, NIV). The Bible exhorts married men, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25, NIV). Christ loved the Church so much that He died on the cross and rose again.
Husbands are to love their wives like that, but some men have abdicated their responsibility. When a husband loves his wife as Christ loves the Church, it is easy for the wife to submit to the husband. The image here is not that of a mighty potentate sitting on his throne and ruling his subjects with an iron hand. No, it is more like a conductor directing a symphony—delicate but definite, subdued yet powerful.
Mothers
A successful home also needs a devoted wife and mother. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully" (1 Timothy 5:14, KJV).
I don't think anyone works any harder than a devoted mother [whether she works outside the home or not]. Don't ever say, "I'm just a housewife." Say, "I'm a homemaker and a mother, and I'm proud of it!"
Children
Disciplined and obedient children help to make a happy home. But the Bible predicted that society would be characterized by disobedience to parents. How many young people today are disobedient to their parents? Parents too often have shirked their responsibility to discipline their children. In one survey of American teenagers, 75 percent said that they would welcome more discipline and that they need it. They admitted that more discipline would cause them to respect their parents more.
The Bible affirms that children can absorb loving discipline: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6, NIV).
There may be a period when young people seek their own identity. They may want to pull away from the family and be on their own. That's natural and normal. But sometimes we parents don't know how to handle it. I'll tell you how I think we ought to handle it. Love them; let them know that you disapprove of some of the things they are doing, but do it in a spirit of love. No matter how old your children are, they still need to be loved.
Top Priority
Finally, have you made it your primary concern to lead your child to Christ? Our oldest daughter accepted Christ when she was five years old. You ask, "Don't you think that's too young?" No. Jesus called the little children unto Him. Paul reminded Timothy, "from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15, NIV). Do all that you can to lead your children to Christ.
And what about you? Do you know Jesus Christ?
The first step is to turn your life over to Jesus Christ. Be willing to confess and repent of your sins—to turn away from them. Let Jesus come into your heart and help you to be the right kind of husband, wife or child.
Let's come back to the Word of God and build our homes on the solid foundation of the Bible and God.
How to Receive Christ
We hope this message has helped you to understand what Jesus Christ has done to save us and what our response must be. If you are not sure that you are right with God, you can be sure—right now. Remember, we must admit that we are sinners. We must turn away from our sins and turn to Christ. We must trust Him as our Savior and follow Him as our Lord. God promises that when we do this, He will save us and make us His children, and we will live with Him forever. Will you turn to Christ now? Pray:
"O God, I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sin. I am willing to turn from my sin. I receive Jesus as my Savior; I confess Him as my Lord. From now on I want to follow Him in the fellowship of His Church. In Jesus' name. Amen."
Is your home built on a solid foundation? If we disregard God's regulations for the home, then our homes are in danger of ending in disaster.
The husband-wife relationship is the key to family success. A successful family needs to be founded on a divinely ordered marriage.
Marriage is not a short-term option. It is a contract for life; it is ordered by God. The Bible says, "Live joyfully with the wife of your youth" (Cf. Proverbs 5:18). Don't even think about a divorce—be faithful. Christ can hold you together; there is no problem that cannot be solved by the Lord Jesus Christ.
If you are a believer in Christ, you are to marry a fellow believer, not an unbeliever. Jesus said, "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand" (Mark 3:25, NIV). Don't say, "We'll settle some of these things after we're married." Settle them before you marry. The Scripture says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14, NIV).
Be careful about whom you fall in love with. What are you looking for in a spouse? In our obsession with physical appearance we often fail to look for and to recognize the inner qualities that make a woman or a man truly attractive. Proverbs 31 says, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Proverbs 31:30, NIV).
Put God First
A cornerstone in the foundation of a happy home is the spiritual exercise of prayer, Bible reading and church attendance. Do you attend church? Do you read the Bible in your home? Do you gather your family and have a time of Bible reading and prayer? Do you ask God's blessing at the table?
In Deuteronomy 6 we read, "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NIV).
The key to a solid family is putting God first in our homes and families. And to put God first in your home, He needs to be first in your own life—whether you are a father, a mother, a husband, a wife or a child.
All of us have problems. I have never known a marriage or a family that did not have problems. But Jesus listens, and He always hears and answers our prayers. How wonderful it is to go to Him in prayer! How wonderful it is for a husband and wife to kneel together and pray.
Fathers
Men need to work at being good fathers. If I had the opportunity to do anything over in my life, one of the things I would do over is be a better father. But, thank God, all five of our children know Jesus Christ.
The Bible points out the importance of strong husbands and fathers. In Hebrews we read, "Noah ... built an ark to save his family" (Hebrews 11:7, NIV). The Bible exhorts married men, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25, NIV). Christ loved the Church so much that He died on the cross and rose again.
Husbands are to love their wives like that, but some men have abdicated their responsibility. When a husband loves his wife as Christ loves the Church, it is easy for the wife to submit to the husband. The image here is not that of a mighty potentate sitting on his throne and ruling his subjects with an iron hand. No, it is more like a conductor directing a symphony—delicate but definite, subdued yet powerful.
Mothers
A successful home also needs a devoted wife and mother. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully" (1 Timothy 5:14, KJV).
I don't think anyone works any harder than a devoted mother [whether she works outside the home or not]. Don't ever say, "I'm just a housewife." Say, "I'm a homemaker and a mother, and I'm proud of it!"
Children
Disciplined and obedient children help to make a happy home. But the Bible predicted that society would be characterized by disobedience to parents. How many young people today are disobedient to their parents? Parents too often have shirked their responsibility to discipline their children. In one survey of American teenagers, 75 percent said that they would welcome more discipline and that they need it. They admitted that more discipline would cause them to respect their parents more.
The Bible affirms that children can absorb loving discipline: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6, NIV).
There may be a period when young people seek their own identity. They may want to pull away from the family and be on their own. That's natural and normal. But sometimes we parents don't know how to handle it. I'll tell you how I think we ought to handle it. Love them; let them know that you disapprove of some of the things they are doing, but do it in a spirit of love. No matter how old your children are, they still need to be loved.
Top Priority
Finally, have you made it your primary concern to lead your child to Christ? Our oldest daughter accepted Christ when she was five years old. You ask, "Don't you think that's too young?" No. Jesus called the little children unto Him. Paul reminded Timothy, "from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15, NIV). Do all that you can to lead your children to Christ.
And what about you? Do you know Jesus Christ?
The first step is to turn your life over to Jesus Christ. Be willing to confess and repent of your sins—to turn away from them. Let Jesus come into your heart and help you to be the right kind of husband, wife or child.
Let's come back to the Word of God and build our homes on the solid foundation of the Bible and God.
How to Receive Christ
We hope this message has helped you to understand what Jesus Christ has done to save us and what our response must be. If you are not sure that you are right with God, you can be sure—right now. Remember, we must admit that we are sinners. We must turn away from our sins and turn to Christ. We must trust Him as our Savior and follow Him as our Lord. God promises that when we do this, He will save us and make us His children, and we will live with Him forever. Will you turn to Christ now? Pray:
"O God, I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sin. I am willing to turn from my sin. I receive Jesus as my Savior; I confess Him as my Lord. From now on I want to follow Him in the fellowship of His Church. In Jesus' name. Amen."
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Attributes for a Great Marriage
The First negative word of God in Genesis 2:18 that relates to relationship is "Then the Lord God said: 'It is not good for the man to live alone. I will make a suitable companion to help him.'"[Good News]. This leads to God's instituting the relationship of marriage, which no man shall separate but rather must nurture to make it strong - one worthy to be viewed 'great'.
A GREAT MARRIAGE manifests many unique attributes which we all can develop with an attitude of submission and teachability by the truth of the Word of God. Let us look into 5 of these attributes and start to trigger its manifestations upon our relationships as partners and members of the body of Christ, through the urging of the Holy Spirit.
To have a great marriage we must:
1. Go Together---- Acts 18: 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them.
When we set out together—
Wherever we GO– GO TOGETHER
Hard it may be to get out of the box of comfort in the Middle East, WE MOVED TO OCALA — Once we decided, disregarding the perks around us, we have to look beyond – That was it, we have to be together.
RUTH 1: 16 But Ruth said: “ Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.
We (with our spouses) are not separate people—
We are one flesh– One Spirit
If we’re spending evenings apart– week ends apart– STOP!
Golf is not more important, work’s not more important, Shopping not more..
Priscilla and Aquila— LEARNED HOW TO GO TOGETHER.
2. Work Together– Acts 18: 3 So, because he (Paul) was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tent makers.
We don’t have to have the same occupation — working toward the same outcome.
When 2 people build something–
THEY BOTH HAVE TO KNOW--- What the other one wants.
One can’t have this idea — One have another. We fill up each other's deficiency, and draw out from each other's strength.
In our diverse individuality, Our thoughts, actions, responses, goals, direction in our relationships – Have to be the same.
It’s that way in a MARRIAGE—
Both working for the same thing in mutual submission - Ephesians 5:21 'Submit yourselves to one another because of your reverence for Christ'.
If we’re caught up on – Status, Impressions, Greed, danger is — forgotten the marriage.
Acts 18: 24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25, This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26, So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
They [Aquila & Priscella] taught together—
We must learn how to — a. teach each other b. teach our children
Never send mix signals— TO EACH OTHER— OR, TO OUR KIDS.
3. Take Risks together– Romans 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
We don’t know what the 2 of them did, the Bible is not specific on it ---
It had to be GOOD — Paul Thanked them.
Let's not be afraid to try new adventures in our spiritual growth as partners –
Always attempt changing things up for good in our behaviors and attitudes – Spicing things up spiritually and in simple appreciation for each other.
Don’t allow to be held up to do so same ole- Hum drum— Boring, mundane routines.
Sometimes just say something new—
“that pony tail on you is HOT”
Keep opening doors of new adventures in our life — good times, hard times, times of ease and frictions — Do it together.
4. Inspire together– 1 Cor 16:19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
In the next 20 years– long, loving, strong marriages will be almost extinct.
Unfortunately— many are becoming takers, instead of givers.
Marriages become centered around– What am I getting– Not what I am giving.
If I am Getting more than I am giving — NEVER BE HAPPY. There is no joy in getting. The Bible says, it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Let's be mindful about what we're giving to each other.
Then focus on— The inspiration we can give other married couples----as did Aquilla and Priscilla.
It wasn’t enough that Pris & Aqui—
Had this knowledge in them.
They mentored others– in their house—
They INSPIRED PEOPLE TOGETHER.
5. Be Together- Out of the 6 Scriptures in bible that mention these 2 -
ALL SIX LIST BOTH OF THEIR NAMES.
Half of them— HER NAME IS LISTED FIRST----UHHHHHH
They we’re a couple– They belonged together
They we’re 2 people who had become 1.
How do marriages become great?:
1. Go together
2. Work Together
3. Take Risks together
4. Inspire together
5. Be together
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
The Ten Commandments for Marriage
Our greetings and prayers to all brethren and friends, who are marking seasons of loving relationships this month of July.
In our celebration let us all re-visit the nurturing catalyst of that abounding intimacy with our loved-ones and foremost our Heavenly Father in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Let us re-stir ourselves with the Ten Commandments for Husbands and Wives as shared by Elisabeth Elliot (with few personal comments) and let’s also try to get hold of the book of Dr. James Dobson (Love Must Be Tough). It is our belief that if we, as couples, lived by these useful commandments, our marriages would grow stronger and richer. We pray you’ll gain from them as we do.
TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR MARRIAGE:
(1) RESPECT THE IMAGE OF GOD IN THE OTHER PERSON. If someone said, "How would you treat your spouses if you saw them as being autographed by God?" The Bible tells us that we're ALL made in the image of God (and that includes our spouse).
(2) REMEMBER THAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU A GIFT IN YOUR SPOUSE. We hurt the Lord's heart whenever we abuse or take for granted, the gift that He's given to us. We know this isn't always easy to do—especially if we're in the middle of a conflict or pestering issue. But, it is always rewarding to make a conscious effort every day to thank God for our best-halves and for the gifts He's given to them that add value to our lives.
I don't believe it's a "coincidence" that the number of conflicts in our marriage is reduced simply by viewing our spouses as the gift from God that they really are. That's because it doesn't leave much room in our heart for anything but gratitude and appreciation.
(3) LOVE ALWAYS MEANS SACRIFICE. Jesus himself set the example for all of us in laying down His life for us. (Let’s read Ephesians 5:1-2 …..you must try to be like Him. Your life must be controlled by love….[Good News]) and ask ourselves how to apply these verses in our marriage.)
(4) RELINQUISH YOUR RIGHTS. That's a really tough one, especially in today's world. Christ showed us the perfect example in this. As we read Philippians 2:5-8 we see where Christ Himself who had every right there ever could be, emptied Himself of all but love, making Himself nothing. We're told to have the same attitude. As we interact with our spouse we need to keep in mind that it's not about being right—but rather doing what's right that's important. Relinquish our rights as Christ Jesus did for us.
(5) LET EACH ESTEEM THE OTHER BETTER THAN HIM/HERSELF. This is an area that we REALLY see lacking in most married couples. Philippians 2:3-4 says to "do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than your selves. Each of us should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others." This we must apply specially with our spouses, first and foremost.
The Lord continually reminds each of us not to think that our opinions aren't more important than our spouse's. In order to live through those verses in everyday living in our marriage, we’re to put our partner’s interests as a priority over our own. It goes back to remembering that God's given my husband/wife to me as a gift to love, which takes sacrifice on my part. It also means relinquishing my own rights, giving priority to my partner’s.
That doesn't mean that I'm to erase my own opinions or interests. It means that I'm not to let my own selfish ambitions take over where I sacrifice the "we" for me. When I gave my vow to love, honor, and cherish my spouse before God, I vowed from that day forward that I'd make continual choices to walk through life unselfishly as half of a whole team, fully committed to do my part to glorify God in our union in marriage.
(6) PRAY FOR EACH OTHER — PRAY and WITH EACH OTHER (very important and so often overlooked). We aren't only to pray together at meal times. We’ve found that in our own marriage as we pray for and with each other, our relationship grows all the deeper. God has a way of uniting us all the more as we pray together. "There's nothing that makes us love someone as much as prayer for him" (William Law).
(7) NEVER GO TO BED ANGRY. (See Ephesians 4:26-27 …. Don’t give the devil a chance; and Psalm 4:4 …think deeply about this when you lie in silence on your beds [Good News]) We all need to remember that "anytime we reconcile, it's a picture of what God wants to do with man".
(8) WHENEVER YOU'RE WRONG, ADMIT IT. WHENEVER YOU'RE RIGHT, BE QUIET! Love aims at unity and harmony.
(9) KEEP SIGHT OF YOUR PLACE IN GOD'S ORDER. God can work in wonderful ways when we view our role in our marriage as completing each other rather than competing with one another. (Read Hebrews
(10) BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR VOW. Be a promise keeper—not a promise changer or a promise breaker. We vowed in our wedding ceremony to love, honor, and cherish each other. We noticed in the media today that said, "The rules have changed." We thought to our self, "In marriage, many couples are living as if the rules have changed. But God's rules really haven't changed. Heaven and earth pass away but His Word remains. The marriage vow is still to be honored even if our spouse doesn't keep up with his/her side of the vows. As the Bible tells us, "Let our yes be yes, and our no be no."
Our prayer for each other as we celebrate a marking of season in our marriage is that God will speak to our hearts to show us how to love one another "as unto the Lord". Let’s pray that we fervently look for ways to out-serve each other knowing that the Lord's smiling as He sees us loving our spouse as He loves us.
In our prayers, heaven touch earth. And, in Christ His love abounds, as together we pursue loving our spouses with the love of Christ, following these guiding principles (taken as commandments upon ourselves.)
In Christ’s loving grace,
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
PFC : Tenth Anniversary - July 20, 2007
Dear PFC Brethren,
Greetings in our Father’s special favors through Christ Jesus for this special day of celebration!
Christian Excellence.
What does it mean?
"Excel" is to "out-do", to "go beyond", to "surpass in good quality"; and
"excellent means "extremely good of its kind, first class."
To strive for excellence as a being of frailty, is a daunting and perhaps even an impossible task, but, with God there is assurance through Christ Jesus our Lord – as ‘Partners for Christ’. And that is what we should work on towards, as we heed the urging of Apostle Paul to be wise on what is good.
What we should persist to endeavor is to stir up the desire for Christian Excellence! We could call it "Pursuit for Christian Excellence." Let’s remember, Lord Jesus said, in the Sermon on the Mount, that we are to be "perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect." This was His call to maturity - yes a call to excellence. To out do the world. And as our Lord said ‘exceed the righteousness of the scribes and parishes’.
It would be worth noting that the Bible makes it clear that this is not about materialistic pursuits - life does not consist of the abundance of things that man possess (Luke 12:15). Paul made this clear when he wrote, "food does not bring us near to God, we're no worse if we don't eat, and no better if we do." Neither is this about how well we keep the religious rituals.
What then should we seek in our "Pursuit for Christian Excellence"? Paul's letter to the young church at Thessalonica gives us some clues. In the middle of his first letter, Paul identifies four areas for excellence: Loving Others, Pleasing God, Hope, and Encouragement. An "Excellent Christian" will be exhibiting manifestations in these four ways.
I. Love Others –
1 Thess
Note these passages: Philippians 1:9-11 …I pray that your love may abound yet more…., and I Corinthians 12:31 ‘But covet earnestly the best gifts……’ which leads right into the "Love Chapter". Also notice that the word used here is the context of the word "philadelphia
II. Pleasing God –
1 Thess 4:1 …as ye have receive of us how ye ought to walk and to please God…
Lord Jesus said that our "righteousness must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees”. Consequently, we should not be content with mere behavior modification, but are ought to be concerned about the condition of our hearts which produce the behaviors. In the text, Paul provides two examples: we are called to be sanctified (4:3f), abstaining from sexual immorality, and are also called on to "lead a quiet life" (4:11 ). As a Christian, we must respect others, even outsiders of the faith, by minding our own business, and working hard and in our faith for the Lord. Why? In order to Please God.
III. Hope –
1 Thess 4:13 …ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
If we allow ourselves to be immersed fully in the system of the world, we will be dismayed, become negative and defeatish. Praises to our Lord Jesus, His Kingdom is at hand and the system of His Kingdom operates fully to our advantage as a child of God. In Christ, victory in the world is won. Our Lord Jesus said, in this world there is trouble, but He said we should be of good cheer, He has overcome the world (John 16:33 ). Also it would be useful to note the word of promises in Romans 15:13. … now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost.
IV. Encouragement –
1 Thess 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words; 1 Thess 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Christians seeking "excellence" will speak words of encouragement to one another. God commanded Joshua not to be dismayed (Joshua 1:9) These words are for edification - other people's growth is our goal. Let's remember, as Partners for Christ, let us always be abounding in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58 ) as we know our labor is not in vain in the Lord.
As we celebrate this 10th PFC Anniversary under the banner of Excellence, let’s meditate on these Four 4 letter words which summarize the four areas for our Pursuit of Excellence:
1. LOVE others - this is the relational aspect of excellence.
2. LIVE for God - this is the spiritual base and moral aspect of excellence.
3. LONG for the Lord's coming - this is the attitudinal aspect of excellence.
4. LIFT up others by encouraging words and deeds- this is a sacrificial aspect of excellence.
How can we do this?
By A Heart cultivated with the Word.
But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Matthew 13:23
Our Lord Jesus indicates that the parable of the four soils was a key to understanding the rest of His parables.
The parable of the soils (Matthew 13:1-23) has to do with what is required for the Word of God to bear fruit in the life of the one who receives it. When the Word is sown in the heart, the condition of the "soil" (the heart) makes all the difference. If the heart is hard, Satan can snatch the Word away. If the heart is troubled or enamored with the world, the Word can die before it bears fruit. But if the heart is tender and ready to receive the Word, it will spring up and bear fruit "thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold." The key to spiritual fruitfulness is a heart in which the Word of God can be sown and take root.
Our attitude would be to spend time daily cultivating your heart so it will be ready to receive the Word. We should allow ourselves to meditate the Word daily and know that the scripture is God breathe (1 Timothy
God’s word is alive, real, absolute, truth, certain and powerful. It’s promises will come to pass. The Word is our lifeblood in the pursuit for Christian Excellence as we operate in the system of the
Let's not relegate our Passion for Excellence to the system of this world. Let us all come into the divine sovereignty of His Kingdom and be Partners in the Pursuit for Christian Excellence."
Happy Anniversary our beloved PFC Brethren!
Kuya Fel
With Ates Mae, Hannah & Shasha
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