God's Plan Unfolding

It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.

“Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.

But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!

“Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked.

“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.

Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.
(John 19:14-16)

All Jewish feasts have their preparation days in order for people to be ready mentally, spiritually, and physically. On these days, no regular work is done in order to focus totally on preparation. Jesus’ death occurred prior to the special Sabbath known as the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The children of Israel were to abstain from all leavened bread for seven days. To prevent any accidental consumption, they were to empty their homes of any leaven or leaven products.

Scripture includes strict instructions:
“‘These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times: The LORD’s Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the fifteenth day of that month the LORD’s Feast of Unleavened Bread begins; for seven days you must eat bread made without yeast. On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work.’”
(Leviticus 23:4-7)

“For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses. And whoever eats anything with yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel, whether he is an alien or native-born. Eat nothing made with yeast. Wherever you live, you must eat unleavened bread.” (Exodus 12:19-20)

Yeast in the Bible is symbolic of sin. The absence of yeast represents the picture that those who are under the safety of the shed blood of the Passover lamb are free from the corruption of sin before a holy God.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians:
Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast–as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.
(1 Corinthians 5:7-8)

It is important to note that Jesus died on the day the Israelites were to rid their lives of leaven (sin). This was the day they were to leave their wanderings behind them. The great God in Heaven allowed the perfect Lamb of God to take upon Him all the sin of the world so that those who would believe on Him would be safe under His shed blood:
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
(2 Corinthians 5:21)

Sadly, many of the Jews did not want Jesus to be their King. In our verses for today we find them raising their fierce, relentless, obstinate cry in a demand for death of Jesus. They shout to Pilate: “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” They want no part of Him. Only His blood will satisfy them and only His blood will fully satisfy God’s righteous requirement for the payment of their sin.

Had not our Lord been thus rejected, we would have been forever rejected by God. As Christ was made sin for us and crucified, in like manner we are to crucify the sin in our lives. Christ was put to death for our offences–the Righteous One for the unrighteous. He is our substitution. Our punishment was laid upon Him and by His wounds we are healed.

He has set us free! Paul tells us:
He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. (Romans 4:25)

This was a part of God’s plan! Isaiah clearly foretold of God’s amazing plan to redeem us to Himself:
Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. (Isaiah 53:10)

 

 

Take It to Heart

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
 

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (1 John 3:1)

Beth Yoe Devotionals

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LETTERS: My Weakness, His Strength

( Original Letter : June 22, 2003 )


To my dear friends in Christ;

Kamusta na kayong lahat diyan? It seems I’m having trouble receiving email traffic from the SFC Muntinlupa egroups, although Pearl confirmed that you received my previous “Letters”. Anyway, I always hope to receive individual emails from all of you – anything from chika-chika, to problems, and to old, plain and simple kamustahan. It would be a source of upliftment and encouragement for me, lalong-lalo na ngayong malayo ako sa inyo at sa iba ko pang mga loved ones.

Mahirap talaga ang buhay-Saudi. I don’t know where people got the notion that Saudi Boys are pa-easy-easy lang; marami at madaling makakuha ng pera; at puro good time. It’s completely the opposite here. But there are also light moments here that I would cherish.

One example is this incident when I went to Batah ( it’s like the Divisoria and Baclaran here in Riyadh, particularly in the Pinoy Market area, para mamasyal (nakaka-buryong naman kasi talaga!!! ). I was wearing this t-shirt that my father sent me. It was a t-shirt that he bought from Bangladesh, while he was working there. It has a very nice rubberized picture printed in the front with the word “Bangladesh” in clear, bold letters below the picture. Now, in Batah, most of the store vendors are Bangladeshi guys, and they were making a big deal of my wearing a t-shirt with “Bangladesh” printed on it. They were very surprised why a clearly Filipino guy would wear a t-shirt such as this. I was wondering why my t-shirt elicited such a reaction from them.

Then it dawned on me. The Bangladeshi people are considered one of the cheapest and the lowest of the low in Saudi’s labor force – while the Pinoy is way up there on top of the ladder. They really look up to us Pinoys as “above” their class. No wonder their eyes bulged when they saw me wearing a t-shirt like that. It would have been different if they saw me with a t-shirt saying Chicago Bulls, Italy or even Cebu….. but Bangladesh…. a… a….

The Bangladesh people are not the only ones who look up to the Pinoy this way, but the other nationalities as well – Nepali; Pakistani; Indian; Sudanese; Thailanders; etc. Even the western nationals – the Brits and the Yanks – would choose a Pinoy over the other nationals any day. But you know what, we Pinoys tend to be rude and arrogant to other nationalities because of that – even to our own. Let’s face it – the Pinoy has many strengths, even rivaling what the rest of the world has to offer – but we also have flaws that tend to negate these strengths, pulling us all down – specially with regards to our kalokohans.

In a society where a man could not associate with a woman in public unless they’re married – Pinoys still find ways to have “dates” – irregardless of their date’s marital status, if you know what I mean. In a society where possession of liquor is punishable by law ( in the old days, it would be a death sentence) – Pinoys still have a way to make their own homemade brew, and make profits out of it. ( Not only liquor, but even drugs. ) In a society where gambling is prohibited – Pinoys flourish with Pusoy, Tong-its, Mahjong, the local version of huweteng, and I’ve heard even sabong. ( There’s a whole lot more, and this prompted me to write about it as a script which I submitted to Star Cinema. I’ll share that to you later on. )

These things tend to pull the Pinoy down. But those who perpetrate these things are even proud that they can get away with it – and alas, most Pinoys here would agree. Blame it on homesickness, they would say . Yeah, that word again – homesick.

I think I’ve written to you before how homesickness could really gnaw up to your bone marrow, for someone who’s away from their loved ones for a long time – just like me. But in these hours of weakness, in these moments of vulnerability, who do we turn to? Just like David, we turn to Him:

“ The Lord is my strength and my shield,
in him my heart trusts. ”
Psalm 28:7 RSV

For the Lord said :

“ God said I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. ”
Isaiah 41:10 RSV

And He Himself showed us the way :

“ For we do not have a High Priest who is unable
to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One
who has been tempted in every way, just as we are –
yet was without sin. ”
Hebrews 4:15 NIV

Paul was one of the greatest Apostles, although he was not one of the original Twelve. He was entrusted by God surpassing wisdom and knowledge never before revealed to man – and thus he was tasked with the ministry of bringing the Good News to the gentiles – to us. And yet, he did not boast of this greatness, nor let it get into his head. In fact, he himself said :

“ If I must boast, I will boast of the things
that shows my weakness. ”
2 Corinthians 11:30 NIV

Bible scholars say that Paul has some form of deformity in his body. Some say he may have been a hunchback and others speculate that he may have been a Stigmata ( having a wound identical to Christ – and it won’t heal ). And any of these things came upon him during his ministry to the gentiles. He himself chronicled this in his letter :

“ To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a THORN IN MY FLESH a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me, but He said to me, ‘My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s Power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong . ”
2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 NIV

“My Power is made perfect in WEAKNESS,” that’s what Jesus said to Paul – and the same applies to us. It’s during the time of weakness that we should rely more on Him – in fact we should rely everything on Him. The more we put our trust in Him, the more His power in us is made more evident.

Easily said than done, ‘di ba? In times of weakness, in times of loneliness, in times of brokenness – we tend to lose our trust in Him. We rely more on what we know we have – our own strength – and tend to lose whatever faith we got.

But if we learn to rely more on Him in everything – lalong-lalo na sa mga oras na walang-wala na talagang pag-asa or give-up ka na – we’ll soon discover that He really is true to His promises; that He really is our refuge and strength, a very present help ( take note of the word “present” meaning timing) in times of trouble ( Psalm 46:1). I know – I’ve experienced it first hand so many times. And taking Paul’ example :

“ I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength . ”
Philippians 4: 12-13 NIV

“ I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Wow! Strong words, strong implications – but these are not merely words, mind you.

How can we learn to trust in Him? Know His Promises. And how do we do that? – by contemplating on His Word. You know, there are times when I really feel down. Even though I’ve just talked with Mommy Jing or Kenji on the phone, once you’ve been hit by homesickness, it really gets kind of lonely out here. What do I do? I gain strength through His Words. In this strict society where other religion is banned, I happen to accidentally ( if I could really term it an “accident” as this has been one of “mysterious ways” from God ) found a small booklet called “Daily Strength”. True to its title, His Words that is contained in this small booklet really sustains me, for, as the first Scripture reference in this book says :

“ That… by the encouragement of the Scriptures
we might have hope . ”
Romans 15:4 RSV

So, my brothers and sisters, learn to trust in Him. As the song goes, “…lean not on your own understanding”. In times of weakness – look to Him – and you’ll find strength – His Strength.

At the precise moment that I’m writing this letter, I was also communicating with Pearl ( thru SMS ) that you guys are there together with the Couples at the CFC Family Ministries Anniversary. Wow, I sure do hope I could be there with you so we could rock the place together. Anyway, I know that He, the Rock Himself, is there with you…. to give you STRENGTH in everything. See ya later!!!

Shalom,
Brod. Pete

“ I lift up my eyes to the hills,
from whence does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved,
He who keeps you will not slumber.”
Psalm 121:1-3 RSV



“Letters from my Sojourn”
© 2008 by Peter Allan Mariano

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LETTERS : Sacred Duty 3 : Service With Love

( Original Letter : March 10, 2003 )


To my dear friends in Christ;


Kamusta kayong lahat diyan?! (Welcome to everyone out there!) I hope you are all in good condition back there. I was so happy when I received emails from some of you, particularly Anna, Aleth and Jinky. Thanks for the birthday greetings guys! Saka na blow out pag balik ko! (I'll treat you all when I get back!) I also received one email that really warmed my heart. It was from Kosy, including a picture of his family – one big happy family! Malaking kabawasan sa pagka-homesick ko ang mga iyan (these things would really trim down my homesickness) , so thanks a lot. Pasensiya na (Forgive me) if I was not able to reply on time. Iisa lang kasi ang computer dito sa production line namin na may Internet access, so agawan kami. ‘Yung computer na gamit ko ay ibang access meron – access sa mga games, hehehe. ( We only have one computer available here in the production line which has an Internet access, so everyone is scrambling to use it. The computer that I am using has a different access - to games!)

Everybody here is talking about WAR. And believe me, there are even some supporters here of Mr. Saddam Hussein and Mr. Bin Laden. These are some of our Muslim brothers from other countries who are also working as expatriates here in KSA. Well, they are entitled to their own ideologies. But one thing is common – nobody in his right mind wants war. So, please help me in praying for an avertion to war, and a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Let’s pray to the Lord to touch the hearts and minds of the major players in this conflict, so they could all have a change of heart – from hate to LOVE.

“Love is all that matters...” goes the song playing in our computer’s CD player. Homesick kasi ‘yung kasama kong isa. ( My roommate here is homesick). He’s still single and misses his girlfriend... hehehe.... that’s why puro senti ang pinapatugtog. But that line from the song is one perfect description of love – it’s all that really matters. Even in our service to Him.

The following description of love from Paul sums it all. I urge you to memorize it, keep it in your hearts and minds, and live it up to its full extent. It is exactly what Paul himself describe as “... the most excellent way”.

“ If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”
1 Corinthians 13: 1-8 NIV

“ And now these three remain: FAITH; HOPE and LOVE. But the greatest of these is LOVE. ”
1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

That passage is not just a slum book description of love.. but it perfectly describes what our Sacred Duty to Him should embody – and that is Love. Why love? Why not faith or hope or joy? Simply because of this :

“ If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him, and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. GOD IS LOVE. Whoever lives in Love lives in God, and God in him. ”
1 John 4:16 NIV

Even if we can talk in multiple languages, and as Paul said, even the language of angels, but don’t have love – we’re just noise. Even if we have the wisdom of Solomon or can make miracles like the greatest faith healer in the world, but are hearts our devoid of love – then we are nothing. WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT LOVE. WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUT GOD. Nothing, Nada, Nil, Zero.... it is as if we were not even born, nor even exists.... nothing. This is more aptly applied to our Sacred Duty. Even if we are “successful” in our work (even for Him), but if we have done it without love, then it amounts to nothing. Even if we sacrifice everything, but there’s no love, it just goes to the recycle bin. Jesus himself said...

“ If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. ”
1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

I once read about a famous pastor/writer from one church who visited a congregation from a different church. I can’t remember the exact details but here is what I know. The pastor went with colleagues, who were eager to show off their “Bible Knowledge” to this congregation. They were greeted warmly by one minister, who mentioned something that didn’t quite agree to what the pastor and his team believed in their own church. But, the pastor didn’t say anything to refute the minister, to the dismay of his companions (eager na nga silang makipag-debate kasi e...). Later, when they asked him why he didn’t make dikdik to the minister, the pastor said that he could do just that, and quite easily, but where would LOVE be if he did just that? Tok! Tinamaan sila ng bato galing langit!

In my work here in Saudi, I handle people of different nationalities, which have a culture, and a level of common sense, very much different from our own. At first, I was easily frustrated, kasi talaga namang #!@&$!?!!!! ang mga taong ito. At one point, one Bangladeshi guy, who is considered the worst case here and who everyone would love to get rid of, really got to my nerves because of his foolishness and irresponsibility, that I issued a directive slapping him with a severe punishment. Management told me that I just say the word and they would kick him back to where he came from. I almost did it... but then I realized... why should I? And then I asked myself WWJD ( What Would Jesus Do?). So, I talked to him, and gave him another chance. He’s been improving ever since, hopefully it would continue. And he told me one time that during his Salah, or the prayers the Muslim people do, he would always pray for me.

Sometimes in our service to Him, we do things this way or that because our own human nature tells us it’s the right thing to do. Yes, I mentioned before that we should do our Sacred Duty with excellence, but if it’s done out of the context of love, then it would be better off if we did nothing at all. Do the following scenarios look familiar :

a) Sure, you delivered that talk with ease and precision and everybody was laughing and clapping their hands – but later you would say how boring and nakaka-antok the next speaker is;

b) Sure, you did a very inspiring sharing that made everyone really cry, even the bato-bato – but later on would remark how the next sharer is just making paikot-ikot and probably was not saying the truth;

c) Sure, you did an excellent number in the cluster assembly or a leadership conference where everyone was dancing and singing their hearts out – but later would remark how the next music ministry makes two much sabit in the way they play or how sintunado their lead singer is.... and so on... and so on.... and not only at our Service to Him, but in others as well.

I remember the story shared by Dondi Nakar, head of our music ministry from the previous community that I attended to. ( I was also part of the music ministry, but this incident happened before I joined ). Now, the group was really good, I mean they are really excellent, and could rival any professional group in terms of musicality, showmanship, technical know-how, equipment and what-have-you. But one time, one religious leader, who also trains music ministry groups, while listening to them perform commented that they were the worst music ministry she has ever heard! Why? Ang galing-galing naman nila a?! (There were really very good?!) It was because they were playing for themselves and not for Him. It was because the music has gone to their heads, and not to lead worship. It was because they were playing to gain praises from the people, and not because it was an outpouring of His Love in their hearts. The group later realized that.... and they had a renewal of their hearts and minds. Now, that same religious leader would listen to them and say – you’re the best there is. And I still believe so!

Let’s do the same brothers and sisters, let’s put LOVE in everything that we do. Let’s put God, who is Love, in the center of everything that we perform. Because it truly is, as Paul puts it, the most excellent way – it’s the only way.

I hope and I pray that each and everyone of you receive his/her RHEMA, or the personal message of God for you, through this letter of mine. May he help you perform your Sacred Duty, full of His presence, full of His Love. And if you received something from this, share it also to others who might need it – just pray to the Lord to inspire you and tell you who it should be. And may the Lord bless you at all times, and help you grow and mature as true Sons and Daughters of the Living God. This I ask and pray in Jesus’ mighty and powerful Name.........


Shalom,
Brod. Pete


“Letters from my Sojourn”
© 2008 by Peter Allan C. Mariano


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LETTERS: Failure - So What?

( Original Letter : February 16, 2003 )


To my dear friends in Christ;


Greetings my friends! What a JOY it is for me to write for you once more. May you all be in good condition and away from sickness of any form. At the time this letter was written, there was still the looming threat of the possible US-Iraq war. I hope that you all have been praying for us here, praying for peace to avert war.

The Eid Holidays have just concluded. This is what’s considered as the New Year’s celebration here by the Muslim people, and during this period, many are going on the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah, their Holy City. One thing I noticed though with those going on Hajj: before they leave, they would greet everybody and ask forgiveness for all their shortcomings, and failures, real or imagined, from everyone.

Speaking of Failures, the Lord inspired me to write something about this critical topic for you. I know that this would be a good guide for those who are suffering from the setbacks caused by failures that they encountered in their lives. I know…. because I experienced them myself first hand.

I heard a lot of stories, both from RP and from other countries, about people being so depressed because of their failures that they would lose all motivation to go on with their lives. Others would even go the extremes and would eventually commit suicide ( some would even take others with them before they kill themselves. ) Failure in business; failure in their political career; failure in marriage; failure in their love life… the list would go endless. Likewise, you and I have undoubtedly experienced failure one time or another in our lives. But what has been our response to failure? Did we just give up, wither and die like the rest of them? Or did we pick ourselves up from the ashes and start afresh?

Failure is not the end of all things, nor is it the indication that your world had just ceased to exist. It should give us the motivation to go on with our lives and strive to be better. Have you ever pondered on these things when you experienced failure? ….maybe it’s the way we do things that caused us to fail…. maybe, it’s our perspective in life… maybe the Lord is trying to get our attention or trying to tell us something… maybe He’s trying to correct what we’re doing and put us in the right path – because He loves us.

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son.”
Hebrews 12: 5b-6 NIV

I view failure as a signal from the Lord that, ooops, I’m straying from the path – okay… regroup!!! It’s painful actually, most of the time, but what we gain after the experience would be more than what we bargained for, or even deserve. We become stronger, wiser, braver, etc and etc. Mary Tyler Moore puts it beautifully :

“You can’t be brave if you’ve only had wonderful things happen to you. ”
Mary Tyler Moore

And yes, the Bible explains this as clear as the day :

“Our father disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. ”
Hebrews 12: 10-11 NIV

There are a lot of instances in the Bible where people failed, but got up and started anew, then finally made it big. Take Peter for example ( the Apostle… not me… hehehe ), he was overly zealous in saying to Jesus that he would die, while others would flee, before anyone could take Jesus away. But what happened? He disowned Jesus! Three times!!! ( see Luke 22: 59-62 ). Wala na siyang mukhang maihaharap pa kay Jesus no’n, after what he has done. But when Mary Magdalene, together with James’ mother and Salome, went to the tomb of Jesus where He was laid after His death, they got this message from an angel :

“But when they looked up, they saw that the stone which was very large, had been rolled away. They entered the tomb, then they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. ‘Don’t be alarmed’ he said ‘You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples, AND PETER, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.’ ”
Mark 16: 4-7 NIV

Take note of this passage… “But go… tell His disciples AND PETER.”!!! Special mention pa siya. The others only ran away, but he denied Jesus three times… but he was mentioned specifically by the Angel. Now, how’s that for someone who failed miserably.

I experienced the same thing in my walk with the Lord. Three times He called me to serve Him. Three times I responded…. but all three failed, one way or the other. First was in college…. in a religious group for students there at UST. Next was at ELIM Community, where I started serving in the Music Ministry and as part of the Art Committee. The last one was when I served as head of the Singles For Christ Unit in Amkor/Anam. Everything was going well, until I got a “good” job wherein I earned dollars while staying in the Philippines. Paldo tayo noon, mga kaibigan! But even though I gained a lot back then materially, I lost touch with the SFC Group, which was my ministry. Then I slowly went back to my old ways – goodtime dito, goodtime doon – paldo nga kasi e, ang daming pera. Then my relationship with Mommy Jing got strained…. and we went farther apart as I went deeper and deeper into the pit. So, what did the Lord do? He took away my job, plain and simple. I lost the job, and had no stable income for more than a year, and was up to my neck in debts.

But when I look back through those days of struggle, I knew that the Lord was with me all the way. Kinalabit Niya ako, mabuti naman at lumingon ako. I got my life back on track. I got a new job and slowly recovered in that aspect. Mommy Jing and I grew stronger in our relationship – and were rewarded with Kenji!!! And my relationship with Him has been growing ever since.

I experienced failure big time, but the Lord never let me go. He helped me get up, and offered me another opportunity to serve Him anew – this time with CFC and SFC of Muntinlupa… o ‘di ba? Just like Peter, my tokayo, in the Gospel. The Lord, after His resurrection, asked Peter three times “Simon, do you truly love me more than these?” and he replied three times also “Yes Lord, you know that I love you.” (see John 21:15-17). His previous failures have been vindicated by the Lord, and he was restored to His graces. That was His personal calling for me too, when He told me to go back to him --- Peter, feed my lambs…. and I responded…. and won’t ever back down, never again!

So, my brothers and sisters, don’t lose heart whenever you experience failure. Ask yourselves the questions I outlined to you earlier. And remember these words of Paul, and you would find yourself in the right track :

“But whatever was to my profit, I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.. ”
Philippians 3: 7-8 NIV

I hope that you received something from what I just shared with you. It would be a great joy for me if I could hear some response from the rest of you, as what I felt when I received emails from the others. I urge you to share these letters to the other SFC’s or other members from your own community (ask me if you need a copy of the previous ones) who don’t have access to the internet. Print them, give it to them, and/or read them during your household or prayer meetings – they could make a good discussion topic if you want to.

Continue to pray for me and for the situation in the Middle East. Please pray for my three friends : Kuya Efren; Kuya Muloy and Kuya Tony; who are still stranded here in KSA awaiting the result of their complaint against their employer from the Saudi Labor courts. Also, please pray for the soul of our Uncle Boy, who recently passed away. I always pray for you back there. I hope you do the same for me too. May the Lord bless you all and keep you, and may He provide you with everything you need, in Jesus’ Name.

Failure doesn’t mean you are a failure; it means you have not succeeded.
Failure doesn’t mean you accomplished nothing; it means you have learned something.
Failure doesn’t mean that you have been a fool; it means you had a lot of faith.
Failure doesn’t mean you’ve been disgraced; it means you were willing to try.
Failure doesn’t mean you don’t have it; it means you have to do
something in a different way.
Failure doesn’t mean you are inferior; it means you are not perfect.
Failure doesn’t mean you’ve wasted your life; it means you have
a reason to start afresh.
Failure doesn’t mean you should give up; it means you must try harder.
Failure doesn’t mean you’ll never make it; it means it will take
a little longer.
-- unknown --

Shalom,
Brod. Pete


“Letters from my Sojourn”
© 2008 by Peter Allan C. Mariano

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“ He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.”
Psalm 103:10-12 RSV