deeperthanyesterday

   Lito shared his thoughts about his family's proposal for cat adoption. Eventually, he still won in the end. The family hoped that Lito would still be interested in adopting a cat. His better half continued showing some cute photos of cats online. He concluded that people were creative enough to capture the best angles of the cat. If people see how cute those cats are, they probably might adopt them. He then tried to contrast it with God's essence for adoption, "if the adoption system of God is like that (based on our cuteness)... do we have to impress God"? 1    "he[ b ] predestined us for adoption to sonship[ c ] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—" 2 - Ephesians 1:5    The only basis for why mankind is adopted as children of the highest is through Jesus Christ. It is never based on who we are or what we did here in our lives. It will be unfair if it is based from other factors other than his son Jesus Christ.    ...

   People are being brought to prison because of their wrong deeds. It was their own fault that they were put there. No righteous person would be put inside because he is righteous. Yet there was a small percentage of people who were put into prison due to a number of factors. In order to minimize the wrong accusations and unfairness there must be a trial. A trial is where the judge scrutinizes every facet of the narrative coming from different viewpoints and account narratives. After all the given elements are laid down on the table, the judge would have a higher probability of making the correct decision as far as the situation is concerned.      Throughout history, most prisoners were put in jail because of them violating the law except for Paul. He had been put into prison because he is a follower of Christ. Notice, Paul, while still in prison, was full of confidence and faith in his identity and calling in Christ AND not in his present circumstances which w...

   In our mundane lives, there are two voices that we hear. One is from God, and the other one is not from God. We then ought to make a decision about whom to follow. In the parable of the "Good Shepherd and His Sheep" in John 10, we can see how the sheep listen to shepherd. By implication those who belong to God, their nature is only to follow the shepherd and not the stranger. We can expect them to behave that way. "But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 1 - John 10:5    The word "will" refers to the future tense which means that "it will be done" and "it is going to happen". It didn't use the word "may, might, or would" which only to interpret a mere possibility or chance, but the word "will" is used.   If we belong to God, our true identity lies with his son, Jesus Christ. We are the bearer of his image. Jesus is the compass o...

     Driving one night with Bene (a.k.a. Dino) after few discussions about life, I suddenly shared a thought which we always hear in the pulpit, "People will not remember how much you know but how much you care ( paraphrase )". I told him one way of showing care for people is through acts of service, praying for them, and giving simple gifts.       Being in the seminary, we research, think, and analyze the scriptures. In my limited perception, we are most prone to become spiritually prideful and boastful because of our intellectual pursuit. We are vulnerable. Asking God's help for mercy and protection over those kinds of temptation ought to be part of our daily routine as scholars. "God gives [us] talent, skill, ability... but be careful if [our] head becomes big". 1      On the other hand, our class reminded me the importance of using our minds to worship God. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renew...

   Gina, a patron in our office, approached me and asked for a towel. She even demanded a towel that has a printed label on it because some didn't have one. People might analyze the negative character of the lady for being too picky, but I don't mind and just smiled at myself. She utterly asked for those unfolded ones. She knew that we take time and effort to fold the towels one by one. At that moment, I noticed the kindness of her heart towards the employees as well.     In asking God for prayers, we ought to be specific as well. God delights in the specificity of our prayer. It means we are believing exactly what we want and God can do it. No matter how big or small that request is. "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." 1 - John 14:14     The only limitation on how God could greatly bless and provide for us is our minds. 2 Do we believe that he can supply all our needs and wants? The specificity of our prayer reflects the revelatio...