roman guevara

RISE UP
Inspirational Readings for Personal Growth

by

ROMAN GUEVARA

“Busy for the Kingdom”

Scripture: When

Matthew 6:33-34³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I remember when i was still a high school student, naging guest namin sa aming Prayer Meeting si Helen Vela.

Para sa mga hindi umabot sa kasikatan ni Helen Vela, nakilala ito, bilang isa sa pinaka kilalang personalidad sa radyo at telebisyon noong late 70’s, most of the 80’s, and until the early 90’s.

Her show “Lovingly Yours, Helen” was a very popular TV production. That when she became a Born Again Christian, nakatulong siya ng malaki, until her death in 1992, upang marami sa mga taga-showbiz, ang makakilala din kay Lord.

I will never forget what she said during our Prayer Meeting.

She said, “nakakalungkot, na maraming tao, maraming christians, even christian leaders, they are too busy for the kingdom, but no time for the king”.

I remember, marami sa amin ang nahamon ng kanyang message, at nabless sa kanyang testimony.

At bakit naman hindi?

Totoo naman, marami naman talaga na busy for the kingdom, but doesnt give quality time for the king of the kingdom, na walang iba kundi si God.

What Helen Vela was saying, is this. Pwedeng laman kalagi ng simbahan. Hindi ka umaabsent sa Prayer Meeting, Bible Study, Cell Group, Worship Service. Pwedeng active na active ka sa Worship team, Choir, Dance, Sunday School, and other church ministries. Pwede ka nga ring leader or elder sa inyong congregation or community. Pero hindi ibig sabihin, malinaw, malalim, at mainit ang relationship kay God.

Maaring may ibang motivation kung bakit nagpapaka religious.

Pwedeng to impress other people. Pwedeng nakasanayan na lamang ito. Pwedeng trabaho nalang kasi nila ang maging christian worker, kaya, praktikalan nalang. Marami pang pwedeng reasons.

However, eventually, lilitaw din, kung tunay at buhay ang ating pananampalataya, sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng bunga, ng maganda at matinong character, at powerful and effective anointing of the Spirit of God.

What she was saying was a rebuke to those who are active in the church, but unfortunately, have lost the real meaning of service to God.

Maganda naman dba?

But like all teachings, pag ito ay na mis interpret, ang ending, akala mo, ok lang, na hindi naman maging busy for the kingdom.

Some would even justify why they are not as active in the church as others.

And that is dangerous.

Walang masama, na maging excellent sa trabaho, business, at kung ano pa man ang profession na binigay sa atin ni Lord.

Pero kailangan, alam natin, kung papano sa profession at occupation natin sa buhay, ay mapaglilingkuran parin natin si God.

Walang masama na magkaron ng lovelife, ng hobby, ng friends. Gusto ni din naman ni Lord na tayo ay mabuhay, at mabuhay ng payapa, masagana, at pinagpapala.

At lalong walang masama, at mainam panga, na dapat, maging family oriented ang lahat ng christians. We should be loving parents and obedient children. We should apply God’s word in building a happy, strong, and united family.

Pero.

Pero.

Pero.

Darating ang araw na kailangang ma realize natin, na pagtayo ay naging christian, we are meant to live a life of faith. A life that trusts in God. A life that follows God’s will and direction. A life that serves the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Sometimes, yung gusto natin, hindi pala yun ang gusto ni Lord.

Sometimes, God wants us to give up something or someone.

Sometimes, God wants us to sacrifice our personal dreams, our financial security, our comfort zones, whatever they may be.

But oftentimes, when God comes in a persons life, when a person truly encounters God in a true and powerful way, halos bumabaliktad ang kanyang buhay. Nababago. Nashe shake. Nara rattle. Natra transform.

Some even experience radical transformation and turn around.

It happens.

Nangyayari parin, at dapat nating hangarin, ang isang true, personal, and powerful encounter with God.

Sometimes, sa pamamagitan ng message ng isang speaker or preacher, during a Sunday Worship Service, a Youth Camp, a Couples Retreat, or Revival Seminar.

Minsan, walang message, sa pamamagitan lamang ng Praise and Worship, pero nangungusap ang Panginoon sa iyo.

And there are times, people encounter God afresh, even through trial and sufferings.

God speaks in many ways.

Whatever may catch our attention.

At pag nangusap na si Lord, dapat sumunod tayo agad. Pag nakaranas ka ng apoy ng Espiritu ng Diyos, dapat, maglingkod agad.

Yung iba kasi, antay ng antay for the right timing. Yung iba, ang tagal ng training. By the time na dapat kanang maglingkod sa Diyos, e, wala ka ng apoy. Nasimot na ng mga masasalimuot na pangyayari sa buhay ng isang tao.

Ang diyablo kasi, alam na pag on fire tayo sa faith, gusto nating maglingkod. Kaya, gagawa at gagawa siya ng paraan, para mahinto at mapigilan tayo sa pagserve sa ministry, sa kingdom of God.

Gagamitin niya ang mga simple at normal na bagay sa buhay. Tulad ng lovelife, trabaho, mga kaibigan, at minsan, kahit sariling pamilya.

Maraming mga Youth at Young Adults, gustong gustong mag full-time sa ministry, o dinaman kaya, kahit hindi full-time, mag support financially sa mga churches and organizations. Pero kadalasan, ano pumipigil sa kanila? Sino ang nagdi-discourage sa kanila? You will be surprised, mga parents nila. Kahit pa kamo christian ang mga ito.

Yung mga Youth na active dati, halos hindi mo na makita sa church pag nagka asawa at nagka anak.

Ang dahilan?

Nagka asawa at nagka anak.

Hindi bat kahit nagka asawa at nagka anak, ay nakakapagtrabaho pa din? Nakakapag kita parin tayo sa mga high school at college classmates? Hindi bat hawak padin natin ang ating oras?

Bakit kailangan ang magsuffer, yung ministry natin for the Lord, in the church, yung calling natin to serve God, dahil nagkatrabaho, pamilya, at kung ano ano pang dahilan?

Totoo, dapat ayusin natin ang ating buhay. Kumita tayo ng pera. Tumulong sa pamilya.

Pero.

Pero.

Pero.

Pag christian kana, may calling ka to serve God.

Maybe as a Pastor, or maybe as a Bible Study leader.

Maybe as a Worship Leader, or maybe as a choir member.

Hindi pwedeng wala.

At dapat gawan natin ng paraan, na kahit gaano tayo kabusy, e, naglilingkod parin tayo sa kingdom of God. Kahit saan kaman dalhin ng iyong mga paa. Kahit san kaman ngayon nakatira o nagtatrabaho. Sa Pilipinas man, o sa ibang bansa.

I will not apologize to say, na mas mabuti ng busy tayo for the kingdom of God, kesa naman sa hindi.

Mas mabuti na busy tayo sa ministry, kesa naman na busy tayo sa kalokohan.

Mas mabuti na naglilingkod tayo sa Panginoon, kesa naman na pinaglilingkuran natin ang diyablo at sanlibutan.

Yung iba, alam na nila, na paghuminto sila sa pagiging busy sa kingdom of God, e baka bumalik sila sa dati. Tulad ng bumalik sa bisyo, sa panchi chiks, at sa kung ano ano pang kasalanan. Kaya wise move na para sa kanila, na mag ubos ng oras serving God.

The truth is, maraming busy for the kingdom, kaya sila ganon ka committed at passionate, kasi in love sila kay God. They have decided to follow Jesus. Sabi nga ng kanta, “no turning back, no turning back”.

Maraming busy for the kingdom, in love na in love kay God, kaya they are not holding back. They are giving their everything to the LOrd. Their time, talent and even their very treasures. Wag natin sila agad i judge. Wag nating isipan sila ng masama. Hindi rin madaling maglingkod sa Panginoon at sa kanyang mga sinasakupan. It is not easy to give everything for the cause of Jesus Christ.

Kaya.

As much as importanteng we should grow spiritually, that we have a real and intimate relationship with the King of kings, dapat din, ang bunga nito, ang ating passionate commitment to serve God and his church.

For us to be busy for the kingdom, and not to be busy for the things of this world.

For some people, the time has come.

This is the time for you to follow Him, to make him number one, to make him your priority in all things.

Na kung dati, lagi nalang siya ang huli sa ating priorities.

Na kung dati, laging tira tirang oras at panahon lamang ang binibigay natin para sa kanya at sakanyang kaharian.

Baka panahon na, na this time around, sya naman ang ating unahin.

Baka naman pwedeng, this time around, sya naman ang ating piliin.

Let God speak to your heart.

Let the Spirit touch your mind.

And receive today God’s word that transforms and changes us for his glory.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, please show me the way. The right path to life. Forgive me for my disobedience. Rescue me from deception. Enable me to live a live that truly pleases God. Renew my mind Lord Jesus. Take away any wicked and evil thought. Fill me with your Spirit. Fill me with your passion. Allow me to respond today with faith. Desiring to put you above all things. In Jesus name, amen.

RISE UP
Inspirational Readings for Personal Growth

by

ROMAN GUEVARA

“Busy for the Kingdom”

Scripture: When

Matthew 6:33-34³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I remember when i was still a high school student, naging guest namin sa aming Prayer Meeting si Helen Vela.

Para sa mga hindi umabot sa kasikatan ni Helen Vela, nakilala ito, bilang isa sa pinaka kilalang personalidad sa radyo at telebisyon noong late 70’s, most of the 80’s, and until the early 90’s.

Her show “Lovingly Yours, Helen” was a very popular TV production. That when she became a Born Again Christian, nakatulong siya ng malaki, until her death in 1992, upang marami sa mga taga-showbiz, ang makakilala din kay Lord.

I will never forget what she said during our Prayer Meeting.

She said, “nakakalungkot, na maraming tao, maraming christians, even christian leaders, they are too busy for the kingdom, but no time for the king”.

I remember, marami sa amin ang nahamon ng kanyang message, at nabless sa kanyang testimony.

At bakit naman hindi?

Totoo naman, marami naman talaga na busy for the kingdom, but doesnt give quality time for the king of the kingdom, na walang iba kundi si God.

What Helen Vela was saying, is this. Pwedeng laman kalagi ng simbahan. Hindi ka umaabsent sa Prayer Meeting, Bible Study, Cell Group, Worship Service. Pwedeng active na active ka sa Worship team, Choir, Dance, Sunday School, and other church ministries. Pwede ka nga ring leader or elder sa inyong congregation or community. Pero hindi ibig sabihin, malinaw, malalim, at mainit ang relationship kay God.

Maaring may ibang motivation kung bakit nagpapaka religious.

Pwedeng to impress other people. Pwedeng nakasanayan na lamang ito. Pwedeng trabaho nalang kasi nila ang maging christian worker, kaya, praktikalan nalang. Marami pang pwedeng reasons.

However, eventually, lilitaw din, kung tunay at buhay ang ating pananampalataya, sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng bunga, ng maganda at matinong character, at powerful and effective anointing of the Spirit of God.

What she was saying was a rebuke to those who are active in the church, but unfortunately, have lost the real meaning of service to God.

Maganda naman dba?

But like all teachings, pag ito ay na mis interpret, ang ending, akala mo, ok lang, na hindi naman maging busy for the kingdom.

Some would even justify why they are not as active in the church as others.

And that is dangerous.

Walang masama, na maging excellent sa trabaho, business, at kung ano pa man ang profession na binigay sa atin ni Lord.

Pero kailangan, alam natin, kung papano sa profession at occupation natin sa buhay, ay mapaglilingkuran parin natin si God.

Walang masama na magkaron ng lovelife, ng hobby, ng friends. Gusto ni din naman ni Lord na tayo ay mabuhay, at mabuhay ng payapa, masagana, at pinagpapala.

At lalong walang masama, at mainam panga, na dapat, maging family oriented ang lahat ng christians. We should be loving parents and obedient children. We should apply God’s word in building a happy, strong, and united family.

Pero.

Pero.

Pero.

Darating ang araw na kailangang ma realize natin, na pagtayo ay naging christian, we are meant to live a life of faith. A life that trusts in God. A life that follows God’s will and direction. A life that serves the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Sometimes, yung gusto natin, hindi pala yun ang gusto ni Lord.

Sometimes, God wants us to give up something or someone.

Sometimes, God wants us to sacrifice our personal dreams, our financial security, our comfort zones, whatever they may be.

But oftentimes, when God comes in a persons life, when a person truly encounters God in a true and powerful way, halos bumabaliktad ang kanyang buhay. Nababago. Nashe shake. Nara rattle. Natra transform.

Some even experience radical transformation and turn around.

It happens.

Nangyayari parin, at dapat nating hangarin, ang isang true, personal, and powerful encounter with God.

Sometimes, sa pamamagitan ng message ng isang speaker or preacher, during a Sunday Worship Service, a Youth Camp, a Couples Retreat, or Revival Seminar.

Minsan, walang message, sa pamamagitan lamang ng Praise and Worship, pero nangungusap ang Panginoon sa iyo.

And there are times, people encounter God afresh, even through trial and sufferings.

God speaks in many ways.

Whatever may catch our attention.

At pag nangusap na si Lord, dapat sumunod tayo agad. Pag nakaranas ka ng apoy ng Espiritu ng Diyos, dapat, maglingkod agad.

Yung iba kasi, antay ng antay for the right timing. Yung iba, ang tagal ng training. By the time na dapat kanang maglingkod sa Diyos, e, wala ka ng apoy. Nasimot na ng mga masasalimuot na pangyayari sa buhay ng isang tao.

Ang diyablo kasi, alam na pag on fire tayo sa faith, gusto nating maglingkod. Kaya, gagawa at gagawa siya ng paraan, para mahinto at mapigilan tayo sa pagserve sa ministry, sa kingdom of God.

Gagamitin niya ang mga simple at normal na bagay sa buhay. Tulad ng lovelife, trabaho, mga kaibigan, at minsan, kahit sariling pamilya.

Maraming mga Youth at Young Adults, gustong gustong mag full-time sa ministry, o dinaman kaya, kahit hindi full-time, mag support financially sa mga churches and organizations. Pero kadalasan, ano pumipigil sa kanila? Sino ang nagdi-discourage sa kanila? You will be surprised, mga parents nila. Kahit pa kamo christian ang mga ito.

Yung mga Youth na active dati, halos hindi mo na makita sa church pag nagka asawa at nagka anak.

Ang dahilan?

Nagka asawa at nagka anak.

Hindi bat kahit nagka asawa at nagka anak, ay nakakapagtrabaho pa din? Nakakapag kita parin tayo sa mga high school at college classmates? Hindi bat hawak padin natin ang ating oras?

Bakit kailangan ang magsuffer, yung ministry natin for the Lord, in the church, yung calling natin to serve God, dahil nagkatrabaho, pamilya, at kung ano ano pang dahilan?

Totoo, dapat ayusin natin ang ating buhay. Kumita tayo ng pera. Tumulong sa pamilya.

Pero.

Pero.

Pero.

Pag christian kana, may calling ka to serve God.

Maybe as a Pastor, or maybe as a Bible Study leader.

Maybe as a Worship Leader, or maybe as a choir member.

Hindi pwedeng wala.

At dapat gawan natin ng paraan, na kahit gaano tayo kabusy, e, naglilingkod parin tayo sa kingdom of God. Kahit saan kaman dalhin ng iyong mga paa. Kahit san kaman ngayon nakatira o nagtatrabaho. Sa Pilipinas man, o sa ibang bansa.

I will not apologize to say, na mas mabuti ng busy tayo for the kingdom of God, kesa naman sa hindi.

Mas mabuti na busy tayo sa ministry, kesa naman na busy tayo sa kalokohan.

Mas mabuti na naglilingkod tayo sa Panginoon, kesa naman na pinaglilingkuran natin ang diyablo at sanlibutan.

Yung iba, alam na nila, na paghuminto sila sa pagiging busy sa kingdom of God, e baka bumalik sila sa dati. Tulad ng bumalik sa bisyo, sa panchi chiks, at sa kung ano ano pang kasalanan. Kaya wise move na para sa kanila, na mag ubos ng oras serving God.

The truth is, maraming busy for the kingdom, kaya sila ganon ka committed at passionate, kasi in love sila kay God. They have decided to follow Jesus. Sabi nga ng kanta, “no turning back, no turning back”.

Maraming busy for the kingdom, in love na in love kay God, kaya they are not holding back. They are giving their everything to the LOrd. Their time, talent and even their very treasures. Wag natin sila agad i judge. Wag nating isipan sila ng masama. Hindi rin madaling maglingkod sa Panginoon at sa kanyang mga sinasakupan. It is not easy to give everything for the cause of Jesus Christ.

Kaya.

As much as importanteng we should grow spiritually, that we have a real and intimate relationship with the King of kings, dapat din, ang bunga nito, ang ating passionate commitment to serve God and his church.

For us to be busy for the kingdom, and not to be busy for the things of this world.

For some people, the time has come.

This is the time for you to follow Him, to make him number one, to make him your priority in all things.

Na kung dati, lagi nalang siya ang huli sa ating priorities.

Na kung dati, laging tira tirang oras at panahon lamang ang binibigay natin para sa kanya at sakanyang kaharian.

Baka panahon na, na this time around, sya naman ang ating unahin.

Baka naman pwedeng, this time around, sya naman ang ating piliin.

Let God speak to your heart.

Let the Spirit touch your mind.

And receive today God’s word that transforms and changes us for his glory.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, please show me the way. The right path to life. Forgive me for my disobedience. Rescue me from deception. Enable me to live a live that truly pleases God. Renew my mind Lord Jesus. Take away any wicked and evil thought. Fill me with your Spirit. Fill me with your passion. Allow me to respond today with faith. Desiring to put you above all things. In Jesus name, amen.

RISE UP
Inspirational Readings for Personal Growth

by

ROMAN GUEVARA

“Busy for the Kingdom”

Scripture: When

Matthew 6:33-34³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I remember when i was still a high school student, naging guest namin sa aming Prayer Meeting si Helen Vela.

Para sa mga hindi umabot sa kasikatan ni Helen Vela, nakilala ito, bilang isa sa pinaka kilalang personalidad sa radyo at telebisyon noong late 70’s, most of the 80’s, and until the early 90’s.

Her show “Lovingly Yours, Helen” was a very popular TV production. That when she became a Born Again Christian, nakatulong siya ng malaki, until her death in 1992, upang marami sa mga taga-showbiz, ang makakilala din kay Lord.

I will never forget what she said during our Prayer Meeting.

She said, “nakakalungkot, na maraming tao, maraming christians, even christian leaders, they are too busy for the kingdom, but no time for the king”.

I remember, marami sa amin ang nahamon ng kanyang message, at nabless sa kanyang testimony.

At bakit naman hindi?

Totoo naman, marami naman talaga na busy for the kingdom, but doesnt give quality time for the king of the kingdom, na walang iba kundi si God.

What Helen Vela was saying, is this. Pwedeng laman kalagi ng simbahan. Hindi ka umaabsent sa Prayer Meeting, Bible Study, Cell Group, Worship Service. Pwedeng active na active ka sa Worship team, Choir, Dance, Sunday School, and other church ministries. Pwede ka nga ring leader or elder sa inyong congregation or community. Pero hindi ibig sabihin, malinaw, malalim, at mainit ang relationship kay God.

Maaring may ibang motivation kung bakit nagpapaka religious.

Pwedeng to impress other people. Pwedeng nakasanayan na lamang ito. Pwedeng trabaho nalang kasi nila ang maging christian worker, kaya, praktikalan nalang. Marami pang pwedeng reasons.

However, eventually, lilitaw din, kung tunay at buhay ang ating pananampalataya, sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng bunga, ng maganda at matinong character, at powerful and effective anointing of the Spirit of God.

What she was saying was a rebuke to those who are active in the church, but unfortunately, have lost the real meaning of service to God.

Maganda naman dba?

But like all teachings, pag ito ay na mis interpret, ang ending, akala mo, ok lang, na hindi naman maging busy for the kingdom.

Some would even justify why they are not as active in the church as others.

And that is dangerous.

Walang masama, na maging excellent sa trabaho, business, at kung ano pa man ang profession na binigay sa atin ni Lord.

Pero kailangan, alam natin, kung papano sa profession at occupation natin sa buhay, ay mapaglilingkuran parin natin si God.

Walang masama na magkaron ng lovelife, ng hobby, ng friends. Gusto ni din naman ni Lord na tayo ay mabuhay, at mabuhay ng payapa, masagana, at pinagpapala.

At lalong walang masama, at mainam panga, na dapat, maging family oriented ang lahat ng christians. We should be loving parents and obedient children. We should apply God’s word in building a happy, strong, and united family.

Pero.

Pero.

Pero.

Darating ang araw na kailangang ma realize natin, na pagtayo ay naging christian, we are meant to live a life of faith. A life that trusts in God. A life that follows God’s will and direction. A life that serves the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Sometimes, yung gusto natin, hindi pala yun ang gusto ni Lord.

Sometimes, God wants us to give up something or someone.

Sometimes, God wants us to sacrifice our personal dreams, our financial security, our comfort zones, whatever they may be.

But oftentimes, when God comes in a persons life, when a person truly encounters God in a true and powerful way, halos bumabaliktad ang kanyang buhay. Nababago. Nashe shake. Nara rattle. Natra transform.

Some even experience radical transformation and turn around.

It happens.

Nangyayari parin, at dapat nating hangarin, ang isang true, personal, and powerful encounter with God.

Sometimes, sa pamamagitan ng message ng isang speaker or preacher, during a Sunday Worship Service, a Youth Camp, a Couples Retreat, or Revival Seminar.

Minsan, walang message, sa pamamagitan lamang ng Praise and Worship, pero nangungusap ang Panginoon sa iyo.

And there are times, people encounter God afresh, even through trial and sufferings.

God speaks in many ways.

Whatever may catch our attention.

At pag nangusap na si Lord, dapat sumunod tayo agad. Pag nakaranas ka ng apoy ng Espiritu ng Diyos, dapat, maglingkod agad.

Yung iba kasi, antay ng antay for the right timing. Yung iba, ang tagal ng training. By the time na dapat kanang maglingkod sa Diyos, e, wala ka ng apoy. Nasimot na ng mga masasalimuot na pangyayari sa buhay ng isang tao.

Ang diyablo kasi, alam na pag on fire tayo sa faith, gusto nating maglingkod. Kaya, gagawa at gagawa siya ng paraan, para mahinto at mapigilan tayo sa pagserve sa ministry, sa kingdom of God.

Gagamitin niya ang mga simple at normal na bagay sa buhay. Tulad ng lovelife, trabaho, mga kaibigan, at minsan, kahit sariling pamilya.

Maraming mga Youth at Young Adults, gustong gustong mag full-time sa ministry, o dinaman kaya, kahit hindi full-time, mag support financially sa mga churches and organizations. Pero kadalasan, ano pumipigil sa kanila? Sino ang nagdi-discourage sa kanila? You will be surprised, mga parents nila. Kahit pa kamo christian ang mga ito.

Yung mga Youth na active dati, halos hindi mo na makita sa church pag nagka asawa at nagka anak.

Ang dahilan?

Nagka asawa at nagka anak.

Hindi bat kahit nagka asawa at nagka anak, ay nakakapagtrabaho pa din? Nakakapag kita parin tayo sa mga high school at college classmates? Hindi bat hawak padin natin ang ating oras?

Bakit kailangan ang magsuffer, yung ministry natin for the Lord, in the church, yung calling natin to serve God, dahil nagkatrabaho, pamilya, at kung ano ano pang dahilan?

Totoo, dapat ayusin natin ang ating buhay. Kumita tayo ng pera. Tumulong sa pamilya.

Pero.

Pero.

Pero.

Pag christian kana, may calling ka to serve God.

Maybe as a Pastor, or maybe as a Bible Study leader.

Maybe as a Worship Leader, or maybe as a choir member.

Hindi pwedeng wala.

At dapat gawan natin ng paraan, na kahit gaano tayo kabusy, e, naglilingkod parin tayo sa kingdom of God. Kahit saan kaman dalhin ng iyong mga paa. Kahit san kaman ngayon nakatira o nagtatrabaho. Sa Pilipinas man, o sa ibang bansa.

I will not apologize to say, na mas mabuti ng busy tayo for the kingdom of God, kesa naman sa hindi.

Mas mabuti na busy tayo sa ministry, kesa naman na busy tayo sa kalokohan.

Mas mabuti na naglilingkod tayo sa Panginoon, kesa naman na pinaglilingkuran natin ang diyablo at sanlibutan.

Yung iba, alam na nila, na paghuminto sila sa pagiging busy sa kingdom of God, e baka bumalik sila sa dati. Tulad ng bumalik sa bisyo, sa panchi chiks, at sa kung ano ano pang kasalanan. Kaya wise move na para sa kanila, na mag ubos ng oras serving God.

The truth is, maraming busy for the kingdom, kaya sila ganon ka committed at passionate, kasi in love sila kay God. They have decided to follow Jesus. Sabi nga ng kanta, “no turning back, no turning back”.

Maraming busy for the kingdom, in love na in love kay God, kaya they are not holding back. They are giving their everything to the LOrd. Their time, talent and even their very treasures. Wag natin sila agad i judge. Wag nating isipan sila ng masama. Hindi rin madaling maglingkod sa Panginoon at sa kanyang mga sinasakupan. It is not easy to give everything for the cause of Jesus Christ.

Kaya.

As much as importanteng we should grow spiritually, that we have a real and intimate relationship with the King of kings, dapat din, ang bunga nito, ang ating passionate commitment to serve God and his church.

For us to be busy for the kingdom, and not to be busy for the things of this world.

For some people, the time has come.

This is the time for you to follow Him, to make him number one, to make him your priority in all things.

Na kung dati, lagi nalang siya ang huli sa ating priorities.

Na kung dati, laging tira tirang oras at panahon lamang ang binibigay natin para sa kanya at sakanyang kaharian.

Baka panahon na, na this time around, sya naman ang ating unahin.

Baka naman pwedeng, this time around, sya naman ang ating piliin.

Let God speak to your heart.

Let the Spirit touch your mind.

And receive today God’s word that transforms and changes us for his glory.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, please show me the way. The right path to life. Forgive me for my disobedience. Rescue me from deception. Enable me to live a live that truly pleases God. Renew my mind Lord Jesus. Take away any wicked and evil thought. Fill me with your Spirit. Fill me with your passion. Allow me to respond today with faith. Desiring to put you above all things. In Jesus name, amen.

RISE UP
Inspirational Readings for Personal Growth

by

ROMAN GUEVARA

“Suffering in Silence”

Scripture:

Psalm 55:22

²² Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.

I went to a christmas party last sunday.

I just came from a speaking engagement in the afternoon kaya pagabi na nung nakarating ako sa christmas party na ito.

And while i was making my way inside the house where it was being held, greeting the host and friends alike, e, biglang nakuha ng TV ang aking attention, nung binabalita ng breaking news na pumanaw na ang batang aktor na si Marky Cielo ng starstruck fame.

Now i am not exactly a fan. I don’t even watch TV at all. But im aware that there is such an actor by the name of Marky Cielo.

At bilang isang minister to young people, nalulungkot ako pag me mga kabataang pumapanaw agad, without fully realizing their full potential. This actor kasi was only 20 years old at the time of his death.

Another Mico Sotto. Another Rico Yan.

At sa konting na gather ko sa interviews sa ina nung Marky Cielo, sabi nung ina niya, the few days before the young actor’s death, napapansin niya na lagi itong pagod, at mukhang laging malungkot.  But knowing how secretive he was, na hindi ito mahilig magkwento ng mga dinadala, lalo nat personal problems, ay hinayaan nalang nila ito.

Unfortunately, they will never know anymore kung ano nga ang tunay na bumabagabag sa batang ito, as after only a few days, this young actor, Marky Cielo, was found dead by his mother, in his room, sa house nila sa Antipolo. No one knows how he really died.

Being secretive? Ang hindi pagkwento ng mga dinadalang bigatin at suliranin?

Can this kill?

Can you die because you carry your problems all by yourself?

Bakit ba merong mga tao na ganyan?

Yung hindi palakwento?

Masyadong malihim?

Come to think of it, hindi bat marami din tayong kilala, mga kaibigan, na imbis namang malihim, e madakdak naman?

Bakit sila hindi sila nahihirapan i announce sa buong mundo ang kanilang pagdadalamhati?

Ang kanilang kabigatan?

I remember tuloy isang youth ko dati sa isang church. Babae ito. One day, naka receive ako ng text mula sa kanya. Which is really unusual, kasi hindi naman kami textmates. Sabi niya, “kuya kamusta kana”, e at that time, ok naman ako talaga, kaya ang sabi ko i was doing just fine. And then she said, “e kuya, alam mo naba”. Sabi ko, “anung alam ko na?”. “Na buntis ako?”.  You know what just happened?  Akala niya siguro pinaguusapan siya ng kung sino sinong common friends namin regarding her condition, hindi pa kasi siya married, kaya eto, ina announce na niya to me. Kaso nga lang, hindi ko naman alam. At baka hindi ko naman kailangang malaman. Later i found out, sa ibang common friends namin, ganun din siya. Ganun din ginawa niya. Tinatanong niya kung alam na nila. And eventually tuloy, nalalaman na ng lahat.

Maybe people like them, they have their reasons why they want many people to know their problems. Maybe they really need a lot of people, or even just a few people to know how difficult their burdens are. Maybe they are hoping that if these people only knew what they were going through, e matutulungan sila ng mga ito somehow. O dinaman kaya, kahit hindi sila matulungan directly, at least yung maramdaman lang nila na merong nakakaintindi ng kanilang pinagdadaanan, na meron man lamang silang makakausap tungkol sa mabigat na problema nila, na meron man lang sanang yayakap sa kanila at tutulong pumunas ng luha sa kanilang mga mata, e, siguro yun yon. Yun ang mga dahilan why some people want others, their family and friends, to know about what’s happening with them.

At bakit nga hindi nila ito gawin? Lalo na kung pwede naman silang mag share. Lalo na kung maiintindihan sila pag sila ay nagshare. Lalo na, if there are people willing to listen to them. People who love and care for them. Who will understand. Who will not judge. Who will keep a secret a secret.

Kaso nga lang, not everyone can do this.

Yung magshare ng problems nila.

And why not?

Kasi siguro feeling nila, hindi sila pakikinggan, hindi sila maiintindihan, at kung masyadong sensitibo ang kanilang dinadala, hindi sila tatanggapin. Even by their family. Even by their so called friends.

What’s one of the greatest fears of people?

E yung dahil sa isang lihim sa buhay, isang bagay sa iyong nakaraan o kahit in your present, e, people will be shocked, surprised, bewildered. At magiiba ang tingin nila sa iyo. Mag iiba ang pakitungo nila sayo.

Tapus, worst of all. Sige na nga kahit hindi ka na pakinggan. Sige na nga, kahit hindi ka na maunawaan. Sige na at kung hindi ka talaga matatanggap. Carry muna nga na nagbago ang pagtingin sa iyo. Pero sana naman, secret nalang. Secret mo yun e. Nagtiwala ka sa kanila e, kaya nga nagsabi ka na. Kaso nga lang, siguro alam niyo na ang next?

Yes, people have a hard time keeping a secret, specially kung hindi kanila.

Kahit pa sabihin nila, na wala silang sasabihan.

Kasi, minsan, it’s too much even for the people we speak to.  Some people, hindi nila kaya dalhin ang matagal na nating dinadala. Kaya para maka gaang gaan ang pakiramdam nila, e they will eventually make kwento to others. Goodbye Secret!

Kaya tuloy, some who risked, some who tried once, and got burned, even by their own family and so-called friends, nagka phobia na. Nag decide na sila, na last na yun. Na pag me problem sila, mas mabuti nalang na wala silang sasabihan. Na sasarilinin nalang nila.

Mapa bata, teenager, young adult, married people, at kahit mga senior citizens.

Maraming secretive people everywhere.

Maraming tao ang nagsa suffer in silence everyday, everywhere, anywhere on this planet.

They can be students, professionals, accomplished businessmen, politicians, and even religious leaders.

Kaya nga siguro pumatok yung version ni Gary V. ng kantang “Warrior Is Child”. Kasi maraming tao, ganun na ganun. Sabi nung kanta,

“Lately, I’ve been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight,
People say that I’m amazing, I’m strong beyond my years
But they don’t see inside of me, I’m hiding all the tears.


They don’t know that I come running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around,
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
‘Coz deep inside this armor, the warrior is a child.”

So you could be a Pastor, and no matter how difficult your problem is, e, you can’t share it, lalo na sa mga taong naglu look up to you for strength.

You could be a kuya, an ate, a mother or father, and you just have to be strong lagi, for the sake of your loved ones, kahit the truth is, gustong gusto mo ng bumigay.

Me sakit kang malubha, pero, you would rather keep it to yourself, kesa magworry ang mga tao sa buhay mo.

Financial problems na sobrang overwhelming. Utang left and right. Who wants anyone to know about that?

Or you are a simple person in love with someone, but you can’t tell anyone about it. The person doesn’t know na me crush ka sa kanya, in love ka sa kanya.

You’ve broken up with your lover, o kung hindi naman e, your relationship is not going very well, you have complicated problems, too complicated for your simple thinking friends.

The question will always be, will you tell anyone?

Who can you trust? Who do you tell?

Maraming tao in the world are suffering in silence.

Pero siguro, hindi man eto sapat, pero baka din makatulong, na malaman ng mga nagsa suffer in silence, na hindi sila nagiisa.

That they are not alone in this world.

That there are others like them.

Others who suffer. Who suffer in silence.

Sana pagdating ng araw, meron din tayong masasabihan.

Sana pagdating ng araw, makatagpo din tayo ng mga taong, pwede natin mapagkatiwalaan.

Pero just in case na wala pa, i am reminded, we are reminded, that we can give all our burdens to the Lord.

Pwedeng palakad lakad ka magisa all over the mall, and sometimes, pag ang bigat talaga ng problem, palakad lakad ka all over the city, while you are crying, while you are grieving, why don’t you just talk to the Lord, and cry out to him. Give him all your cares. Let him hear what no one else knows. Let him hear your voice cry out. Magsumbong ka sa kanya. Magsabi tayo sa kanya.

Minsan, parang nakakapraning, nakakabaliw, ang mga dinadala nating kabigatan.

Tapus, wala kapang masasabihin? Pano ka ba namang hindi mabubuwang.

Mamaya kung ano ano na ang nasasabi mo. Nagagawa mo. Naiisip mo. Na balang araw you will regret because it was bad for you pala.

Ako, paggalit na galit, tapus wala akong masabihan, bad habit ko yung shopping ng shopping. Gastos ng gastos. Kahit wala na ata akong pera. Very bad. Very foolish.

Anu pa ang mga kakaiba, at nare regret nating ginagawa, all because, we are suffering in silence?

We have the right to be angry. You have a right to be sad.

Wag mong sarilinin. Wag mong hayaan na masira ka ng iyong mga problema.

Mahirap kung sa mahirap.

Problems, pressures, and the pain that go with them, they come into our lives. Sometimes, nakakagulat how they are just here na. Parang yesterday lang, buo pa mundo mo, pero now, it’s all gone. Your world has fallen apart.

Some people are just dumbfounded. Litong lito, panu biglang nangyari ang nangyari.

And you ask yourself, what did you do wrong?

Did you deserve everything wrong that’s happening to you right now?

It hurts.

It’s painful.

At ang buhay, laging may dalawang mukha.

Habang ikaw ay lungkot na lungkot, ang iba naman, galak na galak.

Sa bawat pinapanganak sa isang ospital, in that same building, meron ding namamatay.

Life is not always easy.

For some people, just when they thought, everything was ok na, suddenly, the truth will be revealed, reality will hit them, and you just can’t do anything about them, right now.

So what can we do?

We who suffer in silence.

What can you do?

This may be expected, but, what else can we do? What should we always do, pag sobrang bigat, sobrang sakit, sobrang hirap dalhin ng buhay?

We run to the Lord.

We run to his arms.

Talk to him.

Magsumbong tayo sa kanya.

Let him love you.

Others may not.

You may feel na parang walang nagmamahal sayo.

Pero, subukan mo. Sa mga oras ng kabigatan, kalungkutan, kahirapan.

Subukan mo uli.

Just let Him love you.

PRAYER

Lord help me. I have no one to tell. You are the only one i truly trust. Help me Lord to forgive. Help me Lord to heal. Help me Lord to understand. Do not allow me to do anymore foolish things. Hold me by your hand. Rescue me from myself. Be my defender Lord. Be my strength. Be my one true friend. I cry it all to you. I cry them all to you. Please embrace me. Please embrace me. I offer to you my tears. I give you my heart. Help me Lord. Help me Lord. Please be my guide. I live, i will always live, for you.