THE TRUE PATH TO GREATNESS

We grew up in a world where GREATNESS is a goal. We want to be GREAT. We want to exceed the accomplishments of others.

That’s why a new candidate points out the failures of the administration to get more votes. That’s why a new player aims to break the records of the current player superstar.

But in today’s Gospel (John 13:16-20), Jesus redefines GREATNESS by saying, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:16)

Jesus is challenging us to be “slaves” to other. He is telling us to CHOOSE TO SERVE anybody. That's what TRUE GREATNESS is because that's what Jesus does. "For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve & to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

It’s always tempting to pick the people you want to help or serve. It's more comfortable to help the people you like. However, if you want to follow Jesus, you also need to reach out to every individual who needs care, attention, patience & support. Serve anybody, everybody.

CHOOSE TO SERVE ALWAYS not CHOOSE who to serve.

But here's a warning. When you choose to follow Jesus you may also receive what He got. You will be ignored, criticized, looked down upon or treated as a nobody by the world. Then your pride kicks in & whispers to you, “You don’t deserve this. This is not greatness!”

Stop listening to your pride. Remember what Jesus said - “no slave is greater than his master“.

If Jesus is your master & He chooses to serve others what makes you exempted from serving?

Choose to define GREATNESS as God defines it. Serve.

Because serving is a form of loving & you were made for love - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#shareaboutJesus

HAS GOD CHOSEN ALREADY WHO TO SAVE?

Predestination is a big word that means that God has eternally chosen those who He wants to save. That you cannot do anything about it because God has already chosen who He will save.

The believers of this doctrine love to cite the verse from today's Gospel, John 10:26 "But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep."

See, it's right there. If you are not His sheep then you won't believe. If you're from His flock then you will believe & will be saved. So if God has not chosen you then you won't be saved no matter what you do. Simple logic right?

Well, that's logical if you read only that specific verse. And Bible study is all about CONTEXT.

Let's see who was Jesus talking to by reading the two verses before 10:26

So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. - John 10:24-25

Jesus was speaking to the Jews. So if Jesus tells the Jews that "you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep" does that mean there's another flock of sheep aside from them?

Yes!

That's why Jesus says in John 10:16, "I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, & they will hear my voice, & there will be one flock, one shepherd."

The goal of Jesus is to save both types of sheep so that "there will be one flock, one shepherd." (John 10:16) Jesus came "so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life" (John 3:16). John 3:16 says "everyone who believes" & not this type of sheep only.

The first flock of sheep (John:26) were the Jews. Some of them believed but some didn't. The second flock (John 10:16) were another type of sheep that were not the Jews & it says that "they will hear my voice" too. These were the Gentiles. That includes most of us. But do all Gentiles believe Jesus? Nope. Like the Jews some of them believe & others didn't.

This simply means that believing & following Jesus is not about being a Jew or a Gentile or whatever clan, tribe, group, denomination you're with. Because believing God is all about a CHOICE THAT YOU MAKE.

Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few."

God always gives us the freedom to choose. That's what LOVE is!

If you want to be a part of Jesus' flock then CHOOSE JESUS. If you want Jesus to be your good shepherd, CHOOSE JESUS. If you want Jesus to be your defender then CHOOSE JESUS.

May we all be united in Christ because we all have the same Father who loves us.

My friend, choose Jesus always. Every time. All the time. - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#shareaboutJesus

#ChristianUNITY

DINDO

 He was one of my work mentors in my first job.

"Dindo. Just call me Dindo"

That was his opening line when the HR staff introduced him to me.

I replied with, "Yes, sir!"

"Sabing Dindo lang nga e." He gently corrected me & gave me his trademark smile.

Our travel time going to clients was always filled with laughter, anecdotes about his family, work & faith. Sabi ko nga - Di na kailangan ng radyo pag andyan si Dindo

On family, I felt that I knew his wife Cherry before I met her personally because Dindo loves to talk about her. He shared about his kids. His stories made me excited to have my own family.

On work, he gave me tips how to build relationships with clients.

On faith, we had different backgrounds.

I was Catholic. He was with a non-denominational church.

But our discussions on faith never resulted to heated arguments.

It was always a dialogue not a debate.

Maybe because the goal of our discussions was not to recruit the other person. The goal was to KNOW God more as we both serve Him in our respective churches.

He gave me a bible as birthday gift & wrote this letter on the inside cover. I still have this bible after 27 years. I still use it for personal study & to preach God's Word to others.

Thank you Dindo! Pasensya ka na 1 week late itong post ko. Maybe because I was on denial that you passed away already.

Rest in peace & pray for us as you enjoy God's kingdom. - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

DON'T GO BACK

It's always easier to quit, to give up. To say, "I'll just go back to my old ways." That's what Peter did when Jesus died.

Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." - John 21:3

He went back to fishing. It's the trade that he left 3 years ago when he followed Jesus. But what can he do now that his Teacher is gone. No more Messiah to follow. So Peter thought, "It's easier to quit. I'll go back to my old ways."

And that attitude can easily influence others. The other disciples followed Peter.

They said to him, "We will go with you." - John 21:3

Was that a good move? Maybe not. Because when "they went out got into the boat"....."that night they caught nothing" (John 21:3).

Nothing. Zero.

Life may look difficult. It's so hard to be good. But don't go back to your old ways. Move forward. Follow The Way Himself & that is Jesus. Because Jesus meets you along the way. And when Jesus is with you great things will happen.

Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard & hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. - John 21:10-11

Awesome things happen when Jesus is present.

Don't go back. Keep moving forward. - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#ShareAboutJesus

THREE END?

THREE men were crucified that fateful day in Golgotha.

Two of the men were convicted thieves. The other man sinless. He was unfairly convicted. This man called Jesus was fully man & fully God.

He started preaching at the age of 30. He was known as an exceptional teacher, mighty healer, drove out evil spirits & followed by many. His ministry came to end after THREE years.

At the cross stood His faithful disciple John, Salome & THREE Mary's - His mother, Mary the wife of Clopas & Mary Mag'dalene. (John 19:25)

During His last moments He spoke THREE words, "It is finished". Then "he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." (John 19:30). He died at the age of thirty THREE.

Then THREE supernatural things followed. The curtain of the temple was torn in two, the earth shook & the tombs also were opened where many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. (Matthew 27:51-52)

His followers fled & hid. The faithful ones went home sad & crying.

Then silence & darkness followed.

Did God lose this battle? Was the evil one the winner?

Is this THE END? Does silence mean God is gone?

Don't lose hope. Wait for THREE DAYS. WAIT for God. Because silence does not mean God is not present. Silence doesn't mean He does not care.

Lord, increase my faith that in the midst darkness I may wait for you because you are God. You will be victorious! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#shareaboutJesus #blackSaturday

#HOLYWEEK2021

TWO STORIES

Here's TWO stories that happened TWO thousand years ago . One is about TWO friends of Jesus & the other about TWO thieves crucified with Jesus.

Peter was the first friend. He denied Jesus three times. He said that he didn't know Him despite being with Him for three years. The second friend, called Judas, sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He led the armed crowd to illegally arrest Jesus. The Roman soldiers then tortured Jesus & had him carry TWO pieces of wood that was attached together to form a cross. Jesus was crucified on that cross in between TWO thieves in a place called Golgotha.

One of the thieves complained harshly to Jesus, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (Luke 23:39). The other one defended Jesus. He humbly requested the Son of God to "remember me when you come in your kingly power." (Luke 23:42)

Jesus granted his request by telling him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)

Let's go back to the TWO friends of Jesus. Peter repented. He saw the risen Jesus & rushed towards him. Jesus forgave Peter. He fulfilled the prophecy to lead the Church that Jesus founded. To this day, Peter's successor continues to lead that Church. Judas, on other hand, was driven by guilt & killed himself.

These TWO stories point us to one truth. You can always go back Jesus to ask for forgiveness. No sin is too much for the GREAT LOVE that God has for you.

"I THIRST."

Jesus mentions these TWO words while He was nailed on the cross & was about to die.

Today, may those TWO words also be our prayer.

"I THIRST."

We THIRST for You our Lord Jesus Christ. Because nothing else in this world will satisfy the emptiness of our hearts but You alone.

Have a blessed #GoodFriday ! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#shareaboutJesus

#HolyWeek2021

ONE DAY

ONE DAY, a thousand years ago, God became man.

He ignored His godliness & become man to be with man physically.

ONE DAY, He suffered. He endured physical torture, emotional trauma & spiritual agony. He was betrayed, denied & abandoned by friends. He was punished, spat on, crowned with thorns, flogged & made to carry a heavy wooden cross. He was nailed to the same cross. He died.

Why?

Because He doesn't want only ONE DAY with you. He wants to be with you for ONE gazillion years to the nth power! Simply put, God wants to be with you ALL THE TIME.

Imagine this, there's 7.8 billion people in the world today yet God looks at you as if you're the only ONE. That's love! That's perfect love.

So if things look bleak. Or when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. When the suffering is too much. What can you do when you completely don't understand what God is doing or not doing?

Jesus says in John 13:7, "What I am doing you do not know now, but afterward you will understand."

For now I can only TRUST GOD. I trust that ONE DAY all these things will make sense.

ONE DAY, everything will be better.

This week, be with the ONE who loves you. Be with Jesus.

God loves you! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#HolyThursday2021

#shareaboutJesus

#HolyWeek2021

THE "SPF" to HOLINESS

Summer is here so let's talk about SPF. It's also Holy Week so let's discuss HOLINESS.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the measure of how well a product will protect your skin from sunburn. This Holy Monday, let's talk about another SPF that can protect you from the temptations of this world, the evil one & our own broken nature. This SPF protection also leads you to holiness.

Being holy should be our priority because it is the pursuit that God gave to everyone.

What does it mean to be HOLY? It means to be "set apart." It means consecrating, dedicating ourselves fully to God so that we should be His & His alone.

“Can I be really be HOLY?”

The simple answer - YES.

The Gospel today, John 12:1-11, gives us very good pointers on how to be one.

Here's the “SPF” to being HOLY.

"S" - SERVE. John 12:2 says that during supper, "Martha served.” In verse 3, it says that, Mary “anointed the feet of Jesus & wiped his feet with her hair.” Mary & Martha both served. They served Jesus & the disciples. Jesus expects you to serve God & others too. Serve God by giving Him your best. Mary's ointment was worth "three hundred denarii" (John 12:5). That's a lot of money at that time! But Mary didn't hesitate to give it all to God. You are called to SERVE others. Especially those who are weak & cannot pay you back. Jesus says that “when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, & you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14:13-14). That's why Holy week calls us to do almsgiving. Give more. Give God your all.

"P" - PRAY. There’s another story in the bible where Jesus hangs out with His friends Martha, Mary & Lazarus. In that episode Mary “sat at the Lord's feet & listened to his teaching” (Luke 10:39). That is PRAYER. Jesus affirms her act but saying, “Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:42). PRAY because God wants a relationship with you. Always find time to PRAY because all relationships need time for it to grow. How much time in prayer did you spend during #Lent2021?

"F" - FELLOWSHIP. Who was with Jesus in Bethany? Lazarus, Martha, Mary & the disciples. They were having dinner. They were at the table exchanging stories. They were having fellowship. They were hanging out with Jesus who is the Holy One of Israel. The point is simple. If you want to be HOLY then spend time with Jesus (PRAYER) & also spend time with fellow believers who also want to be HOLY. That is what FELLOWSHIP is all about. They say that we become what we read. Here's another truth, you also become who you hang out with. So spend time with people who will love & encourage you. Be with people who will support one another because God calls us to "Bear one another’s burdens" (Galatians 6:2)

Serve, Pray & Fellowship are keys to being HOLY. You’re meant to be a SAINT. It will be difficult but always remember that with God everything is possible (Luke 1:37)

Have a blessed & grace filled #Holyweek2021! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#shareaboutJesus

WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?

In today's Gospel, the angel Gabriel told Mary who is Jesus.

"He will be great, & will be called the Son of the Most High;& the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, & he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; & of his kingdom there will be no end." - Luke 1:32-33

Talk about being a powerful king. That's Jesus! He was, is & will always be King of kings, Lord of lords.

So, the question for you is this - WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?

Will you pick the world or go with Jesus & His Church?

Will you choose the temporary or choose the forever King?

Will you prefer gold or go with God?

It's all up to you. God gives you the choice.

A quote from Abraham Lincoln goes, "... my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."

CHOOSE JESUS. It's a difficult path. You need to drop things that you like. You need to change your ways. It becomes God first, others second & ME last.

But it's all worth it. Make the right choice. CHOOSE Jesus always.

Have a blessed #lent2021! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#shareaboutJesus

THE FEAR ANTIDOTE

A valley is a stretch low land between two mountains or hills.

We all have our own "valleys".

We all have low points in our lives where we experienced fear.

What's your "valley"?

* Maybe it's a financial debt that's draining all you got.

* Or a broken relationship that continues to haunt you.

* Is it the health of a sick relative? Or maybe it's your own health.

* Maybe it's a habitual sin that you can't break.

* How about Covid-19? Is this pandemic your "valley"?

Valleys bring us fear.

King David, in Psalm 23, speaks about a valley that brings an extreme kind of fear.

It's "the valley of the shadow of death".

What should you do when you're in that valley?

WALK THROUGH IT.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." - Psalms 23:4

Don't stop. Don't fall down in panic.

You need to walk through it.

Have faith to walk through the valley because God is with you.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me..." - Psalms 23:4

And all you need is God. St. Teresa of Avila says, "Solo Dios Basta." God alone is enough.

Don't rely on yourself.

There are a lot of things that we can't control.

But God is always in control so depend on Him.

Verse 4 closes with these 3 things that brings us comfort.

"....you are with me; your rod & your staff, they comfort me" - Psalms 23:4

Walk through your fears because you have GOD, His rod & His staff.

"....you are with me" - God is with you always. Jesus promises us that "I am with you always, to the close of the age" (Matthew 28:19).

".... your rod" - A shepherd uses his rod to defend his flock from lions, bears & other wild beasts. God will defend you. "The LORD will fight for you & you have only to be still" (Exodus 14:14)

"...your staff" - A shepherd uses his staff to guide the flock where to go. He uses it to lead them to better pastures. God should be your guide because God's ".. word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalms 119:105)

Allow God to defend you. Allow God to guide you.

God is your antidote against fear because "there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear" (1 John 4:18)

And God is the only being that can love you perfectly.

No one else. God alone.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod & your staff, they comfort me" - Psalms 23:4

Have a blessed week! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#lent2021

#shareaboutJesus

ARE YOU WAITING FOR GOD'S ANSWER ?

Sometimes God answers my prayers instantly.

A lot of times HE makes me wait.

Our modern world teaches us not to wait.

We want things done quickly, A.S.A.P., now na!

But waiting is not a bad thing.

Because waiting makes you stronger.

Waiting renews our faith.

It gives us hope in God.

What can you do while you’re waiting?

Two things.

1. PRAY FOR THE CONCERN OF OTHERS. James 5:16 says that we should, "pray for one another, that you may be healed." Remember, that you're not the only one struggling. Every person you meet is facing their own battles. Make the most out of your waiting by praying for others.

2. PRAY MORE. St. Paul says that we should "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray more not to change God's mind. But, instead, pray for God's wisdom so you may review again what you're praying for. Are you praying for a NEED or a want? Will you be better person if God answers your request? Will you be able to love more people when God answers?

This #Lent2021 add this to your #goals - "PRAY MORE".

Think about this. If you pray for 5 minutes a day during this season that's more than 200 minutes with God when Easter comes. Two hundred precious minutes with your Father & no one can take that away.

So pray more. Talk to God. Listen to Him.

Are you praying for something? Type it in the comments section & let me pray for you.

Have a blessed weekend - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#lent2021

#shareaboutJesus

WHO'S GOT YOUR BACK?

Maybe you have power so you think you're above the others.

Or maybe you are popular. You trust your so called "friends".

Maybe you're a talented man. You exceed expectations in whatever field you're in.

You're so GOOD that you forgot about GOD.

Ask yourself, "Who's got your back?"

If you put other things above God that's NOT a BLESSING.

That's a CURSE!

"Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD." - Jeremiah 17:5

You're nothing.

You're like a "barren bush in the wasteland." (Jeremiah 17:6)

Put your trust in God.

That's your goal this #Lent2021.

Trust God above all.

Because...

HE alone will LOVE you perfectly..

HE alone will never leave your side.

HE alone is your true blessing

HE will make you "like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It does not fear heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; in the year of drought it shows no distress, but still produces fruit." (Jeremiah 17:8)

Have a blessed #Lent2021! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com