USAPANG BUWIS AT BUHAY

Nagsimula sa BUWIS ang usapan.

They asked Jesus in today's Gospel, "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” (Mark 22:14). That question is interesting even in our present time.

Jesus answers their question with another question. “Whose image & inscription is this?” (Mark 22:16)

Don't you love teachers who use this method? They make the students think by posing thought provoking questions. They keep them actively engage instead of simply spoon-feeding them the answers.

The question of Jesus elevates the discussion beyond taxes.

Nag-iba na ang paksa. Hindi na ito usapang BUWIS lang.

The topic shifts to image & ownership. Jesus probably asked that question to point back to Genesis 1:26 where God said, "Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness".

The point of our Lord is simple. Coins bear the image of the emperor so give to the emperor what's due him. You bear the image of God so give to God your life.

Ang usapang BUWIS naging usapang BUHAY.

Ang BUWIS ibigay sa gobyerno.

Ang BUHAY ibagay sa Diyos. Surrender your life to God.

Here's the difference. The government collects taxes to address your basic needs. On the other hand, God does not need anything from you. Yet, when you surrender your life to Him you will discover that everything that you need is in God.

Ask yourself this question, when will you give up your life to Jesus?

May God bless your week! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#shareaboutJesus

"KERI LANG"

That's how my friend & Open Door director Ampi replies to me whenever I asked her about the coming episode.

It means "it's ok" , "kaya naman" or "It's difficult but I can manage".

Keri lang. That's a good mantra in life. Because "life is difficult." That's how M. Scott Peck starts his book, "The Road Less Traveled".

All of us have concerns. You either have an ongoing problem, just came out of a concern or will be entering into one.

Jesus Himself says in today's Gospel, "In the world you have trouble". (John 16:33)

Lahat tayo may pinagdadaanan. No exemptions.

Ang important lang ay ipaalala mo sa sarili mo na pinagdadaanan lang yan. Kaya daanan mo lang. Huwag ka na tumambay dyan

Life is difficult. But carry on. Move on. Because even if this world is filled with trouble Jesus says, "I have conquered the world." (John 16:33) If you won't believe Jesus who else will you believe?

But you also have to believe Him when He says these words.

God will always be with you. (Isaiah 41:10)

God will defend you. (Psalm 91:11)

God is your peace. (Numbers 6:26)

God loves you no matter what. (Romans 5:8)

Your victory is assured because of Jesus!

So keri lang. Christ has conquered the world for you.

God bless your week! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#shareaboutJesus

CAN YOU TWIST THE ARM OF GOD?

Can you change God's mind so that He grants all your requests?

Isn't that Mark 11:24 says, "Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it & it shall be yours." Matthew 7:7 confirms this with, "Ask & it will be given to you." Throw in John 11:22 also which says, "even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”

A verse in today's Gospel also says that we need to "ask for whatever you want & it will be done for you" (John 15:7)

There you go. That's re-assuring right? Specially during this difficult time when our prayers need an extra boost. If you believe then you will receive. So, does this confirm that you can twist God's arm? Does it mean that whatever you believe in will come to pass?

Once again we have to look closely at what the Word of God says.

The full line of John 15:7 says, "If you remain in me & my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want & it will be done for you"

It clearly states that there are other requirements.

1. "If you remain in me" - you need to remain connected to God. That means your will conforms to His will. That you desire what God desires. That your heart becomes like the heart of God.

2. "and my words remain in you" - The words of Jesus should remain in you. This means that God becomes your foundation so that you can weather any storm. That you hear His words & follow all of them.

3. "ask for whatever you want & it will be done for you" - Jesus says that “it will be done for you”. He does not say that “you will do it”. This means that it's still the call of God not yours. It means that your faith has to be in God not in the words you say when you pray.

You can't twist God’s arm & make Him change His mind to do what you ask for. You just need to put your trust in Him. Always remember that God is our Father who loves us & He always knows what's best for us.

Don't twist His arm but instead hold on to His arm tightly. God will take care of you always. Believe. - alvinfabella@yahoo.com

#shareaboutJesus