deeperthanyesterday

    Upon doing one-to-one with people, leading a small group, or sharing lives with them do not be in the mood of being a doctor. A doctor analyzes and diagnoses the problem and comes up with a solution. Jesus is the solution and "our job is not to fix people but to love them." 1 I am convinced that Jesus' summary of the greatest commandment is the most efficient way to disciple people.  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ [ b ]  There is no commandment greater than these. 2 - Mark 12:31      Have you ever experienced where you talk with a friend or a companion and started to pour out yourself to him/her? Then, all you need to have is a listening ear but he/she started to give unsolicited advice or solutions even if you are not asking for it. If you don't follow his/her voice, you would be condemned to be unteachable? As if the best advice or best possible way to deal with your problem is to follow his/her instruction, if you ...

   Two days ago I read "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion... " 1 (2 Corinthians 9:7) before starting my day with Kyla and her parents. With my limited resources, I'd still want to bless the people on that day. A preacher once shared, "Not about the size of the amount you give... but it's about your heart to give." 2 Before proceeding downtown I offered to treat them to Starbucks which I have a staff discount.     I ordered at the first window and then talked with the staff at the last window where we received our orders. I told the cashier that I have a partner discount card on my phone which I showed. He then asked me for a government-issued ID, which I found odd. Showing the staff card on the phone is sufficient to verify the identification of the current customer. We only ask for ID if we just verbally state our partner number to avoid fraud. Since I am a genuine staff of the company and have my ID wi...

    When you face a significant decision in your life do you have peace? Upon sharing with the group what will happen in my life in the future, one of them asked me, "Do you feel pressured to make this choice? Are there any external factors that influence you in your decision-making? Do you have peace when you go on this path? Whatever you decide in your life as long as you have peace then go on."     Thinking about that truth in a moment, it is careful to consider one's definition and source of peace. If an individual has a different sense of peace, instead of going to the right path he/she may end up on the wrong result. What is the right source of peace?    Zechariah the priest prophesied regarding the role of his son being the prophet of the Highest he said, " to shine on those living in darkness   and in the shadow of death,  to guide our feet into the path of peace. " 1 - Luke 1:79     We all know who's the peace that is refe...

  A week ago I had the privilege of spending time with Ralph whom I know as a person of wisdom. We were heading towards their new place right after storing their things. On the highway, we saw on our right an Acura. Out of curiosity, I asked why the windows were opened and thought they were feeling hot and perspiring. Then he said that "Naka-Acura ka naman, wala ka namang aircon, wala din." ( You own an Acura car, but you don't use your air con, it is vain. )  Then we giggled. The driver is saving on his gas that's why he turned off the air conditioning.     Upon reflection, I thought of trying to get a new job or get a promotion or any other means to have an increase of salary just to have a new car or property. Then I realized if I ask for more hours at work or get another part-time job it would compromise the quality time with my loved ones. "Don't get pressured to be rich. God wants you to enjoy life." 1  Living here in Toronto is fast-paced. There i...