The Joy in the Weirdest Circumstances
by: Jeflivs Livara

Joy is the most difficult thing to search. It seems like it is impossible for us to have consistent joy in our lives. Joy seems temporary in the lives of people. We work not because of money... We work because we want to have what money can benefit us and one of them is joy.

The problem is not JOY itself. The problem is, we are looking for joy in the wrong places on earth. 

Money 
We thought that having much money would make us happier. The happiest man on earth is not the wealthiest man. Money cannot bring joy.

Peers
We also thought that being with friends can bring joy. Yes they can help you and be with you in the good times. But chances are when trials come in your life, give a head count. They might leave you in your most troublesome moments.

Career
We thought that having a job would bring joy... but the people with high paying jobs are not the happiest people on earth. Sometimes they become too much focused on their jobs that they forget their family and worse, forget about God.

Religion
We thought that religion can bring us JOY. Perhaps yes or no. Even the most religious people on earth are not happy. If you go back to the bible, aren't the most religious people, the one's who crucified Jesus? Jesus doesn't endorse religion. Read the Bible. Many sects would claim they are the true religion... Jesus does not speak of a religion but Jesus speaks of your RELATIONSHIP to His father.

True and Everlasting Joy can only be found with Jesus Christ when you start a relationship with HIM. If you find joy in material wealth, it is temporary and it will pass. But when you find joy in Jesus, your life will change and it's eternal.

In Philippians 1-1:11, Paul will give us a very concrete scenario on how he found Joy. If you study the context, Paul was a prisoner when he wrote to the Philippians. He was imprisoned and yet HE has JOY in his heart! He never complained, He never lost faith, He never rebelled against the Lord... In fact he continued to become an effective apostle of Jesus.

How many of us now are imprisoned? Yes, we might not be behind bars but many of us are PRISONERS of Grief, Sufferings, Anger, Pain, Worry, Selfishness, Hatred and Uncertainty... But when you invest in the word of God, you will no longer feel and experience these... because Jesus changes your heart. He puts a renewed spirit within you... and his graces will simply manifest in you.

A man who has Jesus in his heart, smiles a lot and inspires others a lot.

From the time I accepted Jesus in my life, problems and trials did not eventually diminish! But what was renewed, was the way I think and see.
Others see problems as dead end but I see it as opportunity.
Others see trials as hindrances but I see it as preparation.
Others see being "alone" as sufferings but I see it as an opportunity to improve oneself and spread my wings.

When you see yourself at the mirror? What do you see? An unhappy man or a man with JOY over flowing?

Jesus renews you and brings JOY. Joy cannot be found in places... It can be found only in Jesus. It can reside in you. If it does, joy is in you even in weirdest places on earth just as Paul when he found joy even when he was imprisoned  because JOY resides in the Heart where there is God.

Amen.

Reflection:
Philippians 3:8
"3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus."

ReDiscovering Faith.

Faith is not faithfulness to religion. It is faithfulness to God. It is not what the "world" says. It must be what the Lord says. Many claim to know Christ but the message of Christ is not evident in their lives. Our deeds are reflection of our faith.

Even in this present time, Jesus continues to restore us. I see people being restored for the better and not for the bitter. It changed me; It restored me; That is why I am always eager to invite acquaintances and friends to rediscover Jesus and understand more about Him because I want them to experience first hand the LOVE of God to us.

It is not enough that we remain lax about our faith. Being lax is a sign of no faith at all. Talking to a stone or a wood will not change anything; tradition will not save us. Jesus does. Their is no neutral faith; There is no stagnant faith; And their is no middle ground. Faith is dynamic. Even the parable of the mustard seed says that when you have a faith like a mustard seed, it can grow to be the biggest of the herbs! How? It is when it is scattered on the ground! Faith does not grow when you are holding it. It should be scattered to the ground - it must be shared and nourished in order to grow. Your faith grows, then let it grow.

This coming Christmas, I believe the best gift we could give to a friend is Jesus. Some say they are living in hell right now but they still have the chance to change their lives through Jesus. I am thankful for some friends who decided to follow Christ. I believe they are living testimonies of how Jesus pulled them up from the rubles they have been.

I would like to invite you to discover what the Lord has planned for you.

Have a blessed Sunday.

Reflection:

"These people claim to worship me, but their words are meaningless, and their hearts are somewhere else. Their religion is nothing but human rules and traditions, which they have simply memorized. So I will startle them with one unexpected blow after another. Those who are wise will turn out to be fools, and all their cleverness will be useless." - Isaiah 29:13-14

Between your Purpose and Alcoholism
By: Jeflivs Livara

Our purpose in life is not to become wasted. Alcoholism is an addiction that destroys relationships and families. It eats up good times with people closest to your life. It distorts good decision making. It loses your focus to God.

How far have we departed from the Gospel? How big was the impact of alcoholism in your life? Who is in control of your life... Alcohol? What is your source of joy... Alcohol? Where do you find refuge... Alcohol? When do you find relaxation... Alcohol...? Now, who is your God?

Alcoholism is an addiction most alcoholics do not admit. The world has taught us false ideas of righteousness.May be it's about time we check the bible and understand what it says. It is not enough that we pray, read the word and get drunk after. We must be a living manifestation of the Word. When people see you, do they see the glory of God shining on you and not the bitterness of life.

Ironic how we complain sometimes about life but we never tend to give up what is holding us back. Have a non-intoxicated Sunday everyone! 

The Domestic Truth

The Domestic Truth
By: Jeflivs Livara

Funny how the author used Filipino in a sentence as an example of Racial Harmony. This is the way (we) Filipinos are etching history. It is a sad reality that we fail to accept. It becomes sadder when we continue to deny the truth and do nothing to change it.

It represents the failure of our government and even "us" as part of the government to provide JOBS in our own country, a JOB that can sustain a comfortable life. We are creating thousands of graduates every year but only 1/4 gets to work. From the 1/4, majority of the graduates have no choice but to get a job not related to their course.

Few days ago, I happen to visit a tea shop. I read a book which says, "The government does not generate jobs, an ENTREPRENEUR does" and "Schools train students to become GOOD EMPLOYEES and not Entrepreneurs." I agree with the authors. Most filipino families, encourage their children to study hard to work for a company when they graduate. "Galingan mo anak para makapagtrabaho ka sa Makati, dahil sa makati maganda ang buhay!".  or a call-of-the-flesh, "Galingan mo mag-aral anak para makapangasawa ka ng professional o porenger". These are typical mind conditioning most parents inculcate to their children. Then we ask ourselves, how come majority of wealthy Filipinos in the country are CHINESE? ...because they were not raised that way. We need home grown entrepreneurs. We need more Filipinos generating jobs for fellow Filipinos!

Filipinos have the POTENTIAL. It should not remain as a wishful thinking. It should not remain as potential. We should start etching our mark today for the coming generation. If we hate the example from the text book then let as start to act. Starting from your own kids would the best gesture.
1. Accept the reality
2. Change the history
3. Consistency

If so, then we are looking at the same star.


Photo: from hongwrong.com

The UNEXPECTED GRACE
by: Jeflivs Livara

I thought I already knew a lot about Grace since I use the word almost everyday to describe how wonderful life is. But I found a whole new perspective of what is God's Grace. 

Grace is a manifestation of God's presence in our lives. The joy, happiness, inspiration, love...etc are manifestations that we receive graces from God. You might be living sufficiently, you might be living humbly, you might be striving to make ends meet... The fact that you are given the opportunity to improve your self and to improve the quality of your life is God's Grace.

You might be a sinner! You might have violated every law! You might have done things in the past that makes you undeserving to receive God's grace. My friends, not even me is worthy. We have committed sins and we have hurt people but God's grace is greater than our sins... Who am I or Who are you to receive God's Grace? The answer... You are His masterpiece and creation. You are made in His own image and likeness and You have a place in Heaven reserved, prepared and ready for you.

GRACE IS RECEIVING WHAT WE DO NOT DESERVE. A humble and thankfukl person receives graces. It is more than a stable financial status. It is more than your job. It is more than your position. Besides, it is not your Job that defines who you are but it is the Grace of God that defines you. If your BASIS of Life is your Career then you are unsecured. If your career ends then so is your life but if Jesus is the center of your life. You grow and continuously receive blessings infinitely.

If you are an employee reading this, your WORK is a grace from God. If you are a business owner reading this, your business is a grace from God. If you are a public servant reading this, your position is a GRACE from God. You are in the position because you have a purpose. Do not complain because you are of equal importance to the society. Driver, doctor, maintenance worker, electricians, technicians, carpenter...etc your work is a Grace from God. Do not complain. Instead, do your best and let promotions, provisions and favors among favors come. Be the best you can be because your WORK is a Grace from God.

We are saved not by our good deed but by faith and His grace.

Reflection:
1 Cor 15:9 For I am the least of the Apostles and I am not worthy to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

The Power of Forgiveness

The Power of Forgiveness
by: Jefferson "Jeflivs" Livara

"I am sorry" is the most abused sentence according to some and "I forgive you" is the most difficult sentence to say among others.

Forgive came from the old english word forgiefan, for which means complete and giefan which means give. We can now read it as completely give. If the origin of the word forgiveness is accurate then, we are now guilty of violating the word. "Forgive but never forget..." now becomes irrelevant to the entomology of forgiveness. According to Google, forgiveness is an action or a process . When we forgive, we completely give our understanding, peace, hope, joy, trust and love to the person. For some, it takes time to mend but it is the act that matters for it is a process.

Forgiveness does not only involve two parties. It always involve a third where God is the center. It is you, others and God. Anything you do to others, you are doing it to the Lord; Anything you also do for your self you also do it for the Lord. Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and anything you do to for the Lord, you are doing it for the least of your brothers and sister. There is power in forgiveness and we might not even be aware of it. Jesus teachings always mention about forgiveness and love. Others think that forgiveness is a sign of cowardliness or defeat; Worse, others choose to live a life of guilt and pride each day. When we ask for forgiveness or forgive others, we are:

1. Unloading a heavy burden - We are releasing a burden that is deeply embedded in our heart and mind. We are surrendering it all to God. That is why when there is forgiveness, we become renewed, revitalized and recharged.

2. Freeing our self from the bondage - We are held hostages of pride when we cease to forgive. We are never free to act. It seems that everything we do is limited. That is the result of guilt and fear. When we forgive or ask for forgiveness, we are freeing ourselves and others from the torture we are creating.

3. Securing our relationship - Sin breaks relationships to others and to God. It also affects the way you look at your self. If we forgive, we are actually restoring broken relationships. We do not only restore but we are guarding it. We are securing it for the days, months and years to come. If we forgive, we do not only secure relationship from the person who has done you wrong but you are securing your relationship to God.

4. Living Life as true witnesses of Jesus - Jesus died on the cross for your sins. Jesus died as the sacrificial lamb. Jesus died as the final blood to be offered. For what? For my sins and for your sins. We forgive because we are FORGIVEN. The death of Jesus is an act of forgiveness. A man with no sin has been crucified to pay the price for us to be forgiven. Shame on the people who says they cannot forgive. Shame on the people who claims to be Christians without following what Jesus taught us. Have we witnessed Jesus lately? Take time to read the bible.

5. Obeying the words of God - Forgiveness comes from God. If we acknowledge we are His people then it is quite right to follow what He says. It might be difficult for our "earthly" mind to understand but God's plan for people who follow and serve Him is greater. A better life is waiting for those who forgive cheerfully. God forgave us without conditions. We are recipients of God's forgiveness too. Every time put pride before us, we are actually raising eyebrows with God and not just to the person who wronged us. We forgive because we acknowledge the KINGSHIP of God in our lives.

Forgiveness is a Power which can transform our lives. It starts the moment we say Sorry with all sincerity. Forgiveness from God is a manifestation of His unconditional love. It is a renewal of the old covenant to a new one. In Christ, we are a new creation. Leave the past behind and embrace the new plan of God in our lives.

Amen.

-Jeflivs

Reflections:

Isiah 3:19
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord"

2 Corinthians 5:17
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

Between Pride and You must be Humility.

I was very excited last night that I posted about our team's effort in helping the people in our mission area. I even posted it here in FB with pride. This morning I went over my posts and tried to ask my self, am I boasting? As I read my bible reflection for today, it says,

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the Gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Thank God for reminding me not to boast on deeds!

Faith comes first before good deeds. Good deeds should just be a manifestation of faith in God. Good deeds will not save you; If good deeds are the basis to heaven then how NOISY heaven would be. All will be boasting of their deeds and achievements...

Jesus was truly amazing when he said that it is through FAITH... because faith cannot be measured or be boasted. No matter how small your faith is, God does not measure how immense it is. Again it was stated in the bible,

“If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you." Luke 17:6

It is by Faith and not by deeds. Good deeds are manifestation of your faith.

Compassion guards ourselves from Greed.
Faith guards ourselves from Self Gratification.
Humility guards ourselves from Pride.

Humility is not putting yourself below others. It is putting God above yourself.