CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE

Take full responsibility for your actions. . .

The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me — she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” The Lord God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” (Genesis 3:12:13)

Even in the beginning, God has a plan to save you from the devil who works hard to deflect you from your destiny. He knows that sin is embedded in our lives that causes disordered relationships. For this reason, God has to intervene in the life of humanity but in order to do so, we must be willing to accept and cooperate with Him.

Rebellion to the will of God makes life hard but obedience makes life light and easy. Always be obedient to the Lord and do not listen to anyone else.

Obedience to God’s commands is of utmost importance in conducting our daily way of life. God gave us a choice between obedience and disobedience, allowing us to exercise free will and to choose whether to follow His commands or not. 

A way to exercise free will in a way that pleases God is to practice self-discipline. Self-discipline means to exercise power over one’s self and to keep one’s self under control. It is the ability to master one’s inner desires, thoughts, actions, and words. By practicing self-discipline, you can resist temptation and make choices that align with God’s will.

Be content in whatever state of life you are facing . . .

Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13).

Father in heaven, in all circumstances, I can do all things in Jesus Christ who strengthens me.



Published:

December 08, 2023, 8:14AM

May 29, 2023, 8:00 AM

February 11, 2017, 6:47 AM
January 27, 2011, 7:25 AM

The Father who Sees in Secret will Repay you

But when you give alms, 

do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 

so that your almsgiving may be secret. 

And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 

MATTHEW 6:3-4

The rewards for good deeds come from God and not from public recognition or praise. The reward may not be material or immediate, but it’s promised to be greater than any earthly recognition. It emphasizes the spiritual benefits of altruism and selflessness. Keep one’s good deeds in secret. Acts of charity or kindness should be performed quietly and without public recognition. The idea is to avoid hypocrisy and perform good deeds for their own sake, not for praise or recognition. It’s a reminder to maintain humility and sincerity in our actions.

In the quiet corners where no eyes can see, perform your deeds, let your kindness be free. No applause to seek, no praise to invite. In the hush of the secret, find your delight. The right hand gives, the left remains unaware, a silent dance of love, beyond compare. In the heart of the night or the light of the day, in secret we give, in secret we pray. The echo of goodness, silent and profound, in the whispers of the wind, its voice is found. Not for the world to see and applaud, but for the eyes of the One, our heavenly Lord. The reward awaits, not in this earthly sphere, but in the realm above, crystal clear. For the Father who sees in secret, knows, in the garden of the heart, a secret rose grows.

1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 2 When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 5 “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 16 “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18)

This is a powerful call to repentance and return to God, emphasizing the importance of sincere, heartfelt contrition over mere outward displays of remorse. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to turn back and seek a relationship with the divine. The focus is on the internal state of the heart and the genuine desire to reconnect with one’s spiritual roots. It’s a beautiful expression of faith and devotion. Indeed, this is a beautiful expression of faith. It speaks to the belief in a higher power that is gracious, merciful, patient, and abundant in kindness. This sentiment is found in many religious texts and teachings, emphasizing the divine qualities of mercy, patience, and forgiveness. It serves as a reminder for us to strive to embody these qualities in our own lives. 

In the quiet of the night, in the break of the day, "Return to the Lord, your God," I hear a soft voice say. With a heart full of sorrow, with tears in our eyes, we return to the Lord, under the vast skies. With fasting and weeping, with a mournful song, to the Lord, our God, we truly belong. Rend not your garments, but your hearts instead, return to the Lord, by His love be led. For His mercy is boundless, His love knows no end. In times of despair, He's our truest friend. Slow to anger, rich in kindness, He waits for our return for us to seek His face, His love in our hearts to burn. So, return with your whole heart, let no part remain, in the love of the Lord, let us be born again. For gracious is He, relenting in punishment, in His divine presence, find your heart's content.

12 Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; 13 rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. 14 Perhaps he will again relent and leave behind him a blessing, offerings and libations for the Lord, your God. 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an assembly; 16 gather the people, notify the congregation; assemble the elders, gather the children and the infants at the breast; let the bridegroom quit his room, and the bride her chamber. 17 Between the porch and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep, and say, “Spare, O Lord, your people, and make not your heritage a reproach, with the nations ruling over them! Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” 18 Then the Lord was stirred to concern for his land and took pity on his people. (Joel 2:12-18)

This is a profound expression of remorse and repentance and humble admission of guilt and heartfelt plea for forgiveness, expressing deep remorse and seeking divine mercy. It’s a recognition of one’s own failings, wrongdoings and a confession that those sins are always present in one’s consciousness, and a request for compassion and understanding. It signifies the belief that ultimately, our actions are accountable to a higher power. This sentiment is often associated with the process of repentance and reconciliation in many spiritual traditions, emphasizing the belief in a merciful and compassionate God who forgives those who sincerely repent. It’s a beautiful expression of faith and humility. 

A clean heart create for me, O God, in your divine workshop, under your nod. Wipe away my offenses, my sins erase. In the mirror of my soul, let me see your face. A steadfast spirit renew within me, like a sturdy oak, strong and free. In the storms of life, let me not sway, in your path, O God, let me stay. In your goodness, O God, show me the way, In the silence of the night, in the bustle of the day. With a heart that's clean, a spirit that's steady, for your divine guidance, O God, I'm ready. In the greatness of your compassion, let me find rest. In the journey of faith, let me be the best. A clean heart, a steadfast spirit, my plea, create in me, O God, a reflection of thee.

3 Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. 4 Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. 5 For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always. 6 “Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight.” 12 A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 13 Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. 14 Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. 17 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. (Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17)

God hears us and helps us, particularly in times of need. The phrase “now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” emphasizes the immediacy of God’s grace and the urgency of accepting it. It’s a reminder that every moment presents an opportunity for redemption and transformation. It’s a a powerful affirmation of faith and a call to action. Do not to take the grace of God for granted or to ignore the opportunities it provides. Receiving the grace of God in vain would mean failing to respond to it, failing to allow it to transform us, or failing to put it to good use in our lives. 

We are ambassadors for Christ, in this world, we roam, carrying His message, far away from home. As if God were appealing, through our humble voice, to love, to forgive, to rejoice. In the name of Christ, we implore, open your hearts, let His love pour. Be reconciled to God, let go of strife, embrace His grace, welcome new life.. Through us, His appeal, in every word, every deed, in every seed we plant, in every soul we feed. We implore you, in Christ's name, let your heart mend, to God, your soul, let it ascend. For we are but vessels, in His grand design, through us, His divine love may shine. So, heed this call, let your spirit soar, be reconciled to God, forevermore.

20 Brothers and sisters: We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him. 6:1 Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says: In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you. Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2)

Lord Jesus, the rewards for good deeds come from God the Father alone and not from public recognition or praise. The reward may not be material or immediate, but it’s promised to be greater than any earthly recognition. Please help me keep the good deeds You do in me in secret so that any act of charity or kindness be performed quietly and without public recognition. Thank You so much for capturing my heart and mind today to avoid hypocrisy and perform good deeds for my own sake, for personal praise or recognition. As always, may Your ever presence in me makes me maintain humility and sincerity in all of my actions. All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Proclamation of the Kingdom

TEACHING ABOUT ALMSGIVING / ABOUT PRAYER / ABOUT FASTING

Matthew 6:01-04/05-08/16-18

The Book of Joel

THE DAY OF THE LORD

Joel 2:1-18

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

THE MISERERE: PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

Psalm 51:1-21

II: The Crisis between Paul and the Corinthians - B. Paul's Ministry

THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION / THE EXPERIENCE OF THE MINISTRY

2 Corinthians 5:11-21 / 6:1-13

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Secret Revealed

 “There is nothing concealed

that will not be revealed, 

nor secret that will not be known.”

LUKE 12:2

What does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Rom 4:3). Indeed, if Abraham was justified on the basis of his works, he has reason to boast; but this was not so in the sight of God (Rom 4:2). 

Jesus said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” (Lk 12:6-7)

A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due. But when one does not work, yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. (Rom 4:4-5) Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record. (Rom 4:7-8)

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart (Ps 32:11). Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (Ps 32:1-2)

Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the Lord,” and you took away the guilt of my sin (Ps 32:5).

TRADE SECRET

There are times when the success of work in business depends upon its "Trade Secret". Such so called hidden formula are ways to perk up the curiosity of men. Often times, they are used as marketing strategies to enhance the craving interest of the buying public against other products of the same nature and use. It is also an innovative way to make a product distinct or presumably different from those being sold by other competitors.

The absolute truth is that "nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known (Mt 10:26). Nothing hid, except to be made manifest; nor is anything Secret, except to come to Light (Mk 4:22)".

Sooner or later, this hidden formula will eventually become common knowledge. Others will begin to duplicate them or even further expand on them.

As a businessman, I too have a trade secret in order to be successful. I have learned that the work of trade is not something that I can do by myself alone or with the help of other people. There is someone greater than all who makes it possible for things to be accomplished. He is the only one who has full knowledge of the past, present, and future. He is JESUS, whom I acknowledge as my Lord and Savior, sent by the Father to be with me until the end of time. At work, I am not a master who owns a business but rather a servant of the Lord who works in me. His Hand works to give me success in all undertakings.

Friend, allow the Hand of God to work in you so that you will become successful in your field of endeavor. In darkness and in light, the Lord is always there to guide your steps and make sure that you will achieve your goals. In the silence of your heart, listen to the whispering of His voice. He will teach you, move you, and make you do things in order to benefit and profit.

Lord Jesus, your word is a lamp unto my feet, dispelling all my darkest secrets and bringing light to my path towards success (Ps 119:105). You are my Teacher and Master!

May I be like you in words and in deeds for the praise and glory of God the Father. Fill me with your Spirit so that I may have the courage to be bold and effective in proclaiming your Word and mighty Works.

SECRETS OF WISDOM

My soul was tormented in seeking her, 

my hand opened her gate and 

I came to know her secrets.

Sirach 51:19

I thank the Lord and I praise him; I bless the name of the Lord. (Sir 51:12)

When I was young and innocent, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. I prayed for her before the temple, and I will seek her until the end, and she flourished as a grape soon ripe. My heart delighted her, my feet kept to the level path because from earliest youth I was familiar with her. In the short time I paid heed, I met with great instruction. (Sir 51:13-16)

Since in this way I have profited, I will give my teacher grateful praise. I became resolutely devoted to her — the good I persistently strove for. (Sir 51:17-18) I directed my soul to her, and in cleanness I attained to her. (Sir 51:20)


OTHER BIBLE TRANSLATIONS

My soul was tormented in seeking her

I burned with desire for her, never turning back. I became preoccupied with her, never weary of extolling her. (NAB)

KEYS TO UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF WISDOM

You must have a burning desire that can only come from the Holy Spirit. You must always be forward looking and be submissive to God's Will and Purpose.


Published:
June 01, 2013 - 8:46AM

 

SECRETS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

"To you it has been given to know 

the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, 

but to them it has not been given."

Matthew 13:11

GIVEN TO KNOW THE SECRETS

God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. (1 Cor. 2:10). So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God (1 Cor. 4:1).

We speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began (1 Cor. 2:7). A man can receive only what is given him from heaven (Jn. 3:27).

TO THEM IT HAS NOT BEEN GIVEN

For you this whole vision is nothing but words sealed in a scroll. And if you give the scroll to someone who can read, and say to him, "Read this, please," he will answer, "I can't; it is sealed" (Is. 29:11).

Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people (Ez. 12:2). They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts (Eph. 4:8).

KNOWLEDGE OF THE SECRETS

Jesus said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand (Lk. 8:10). Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given (Mt. 19:11). This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him (Jn. 6:65). No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day (Jn. 6:44). All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (Jn. 6:37).

KNOW THE MYSTERY OF GOD

In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see (Is. 29:18).

I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers (Rom. 11:25). God has chosen to make known the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).

He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ (Eph. 1:9). My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ (Col. 2:2).

The anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him (1 Jn. 2:27). You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth (1 Jn. 2:20).

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ (Eph. 3:4) and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things (Eph. 3:9).

I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that (1 Cor. 7:7).


Published: July 10, 2011 - 9:38AM

SECRETS OF THE LORD

A TRUE FRIEND IS ONE WHO CAN KEEP A SECRET

This is what the Lord has revealed to me today. In my daily readings, I was struck with a verse taken from Psalm 25:14 which reads, "The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant".

I was then led to read the other bible translations of this verse and discovered that the word "friendship" refers to "secrets" of the Lord.

God knows all our secrets for nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light (Lk 8:17 NASB). What is amazing is when you come to a degree of closeness and friendship with the Lord where He Himself will reveal to you His secrets!

Anyone can read the Bible but not all can fully understand and comprehend its depth. Each person would have a different understanding of what he has read depending on his level of relationship with the Lord. This is why the Lord said, "while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand" (Mt 13:13 NASB).

I am just thankful to the Lord that He has made me His friend, built upon the trust that I will keep His words in my heart all the days of my life.

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.