Week 3

DIAGNOSIS: The Patient has only 1 week to live.

What if you only have one week to live? What will you do?

MECHANICS? Simple.. Do what you need to do. The whole week is yours. Make the most out of it.

Text
PSALMS 90:12

its just one verse, but its a lot.
Be reminded always with this verse.

***

Frutty Fruits

1. Read Galatians 5:13-26
2. Draw 9 kinds of fruits and label each with fruits of the Spirit. Reflect. Pray




Paul, the author of Galatians used "fruits" to represent values that we inherit from the Holy Spirit. It reminded me of Adam and Eve's story during the time they both ate the fruit of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Do you think they have the connection? For me, yes.

When you read the first chapters of Genesis, you'll find there that God instructed Adam and Eve to eat ANY fruits except for the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Is it possible that the other trees bear fruits that when you eat them, you'll have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It sounds cartoon right? Its even funny to think about it. But could it be possible? If I will take it literally, Here's what I see:


(drawing will be scanned soon :) peace)

Lost and Found

1. Read Luke 15
2. Think of things that you’ve lost in the past and the acts you’ve made to find it.




I had a BIG experience during my senior high years. While walking with my friend along the sidewalk going to school, we saw a wall post about a grandfather who was confined under a well known hospital. The grandfather was really sick and under a delicate condition, with no family to claim him. He was technically lost when the hospital found him. My friend and I was really moved with the situation and we thought of a way on how to find the relatives of the grandfather. We took the post and reproduced more than 30 copies. Our classmates saw what we are doing, and they volunteered to post the notes around the city. The owner of the photocopying shop photocopied 20 for free to help us as well.

The next day, the hospital contacted us and informed us that the grandfather was claimed by his daughters. Unfortunately, they already found him dead. The hospital informed us the details of the wake.

The following day, we went to the wake, together with all my classmates who volunteered to help. We brought flowers for the grandfather. The family of the grandfather thanked us but also asked us to remove all the notes we posted in the city. They were not that friendly and we really felt their coldness.

The treatment of the family towards us doesn't really matter. What we know is that the experience changed us. Wherever grandpa is now, we know that he is happy. Although he is a complete stranger, he touched our lives and taught us how to love unconditionally. He taught us to live beyond what is expected from us and live with love and make the world a better place.

The lost crave for persons who could find them. The lost always desires for home. Probably, grandpa felt all these pains. He was away from his family, sick, tired, helpless. But God is good. He will always find the lost. He will be the very present help in times of need. He will always tap people to be seekers. He will find you. He is always willing to get out of heaven and look for you...and he already did.. He gave Jesus.

In Tears

1. Read John 11:17-37

2. Think of a time when you’ve cried for a person because something bad happened to him/her. What did you do after that? Reflect and Pray.



They used to call him "Big Drummer Boy". I call him "Bapang Boy". He is a drummer who could do exhibitions far beyond your imagination--he could play the drums blindfolded, backwards and all sorts of positions. He is a legend of the said instrument. He is the jester of the family. He is the brother of my mom. He is my dear uncle. He died so sudden.

Its unbelievable. He is the first death in my immediate family. Its hard for me, for us to accept.

Because we came from a Christian family, instead of crying it all out, we created an unforgettable wake for my dear uncle. The musical background of the clan suddenly emerged in all of us as we entertained the visitors to temporarily ease the pain of "goodbyes". Music became the soothing spirit which comforted each and everyone of us, for we know, next to God, Music is the life of my uncle.

"Jesus Wept", the shortest verse in the Holy Book but one of the most comforting. Jesus can feel what we are feeling. When we feel the pain of loss, he cries too. He is not just a God who is up there overseeing us, but He is also a God who feels what we feel.

Jesus to Me is..

1. Read Isaiah 9:1-7, Mark 8:27-30
2. Get a piece of paper and pen. Write your very own descriptions of Jesus based on your experiences.






I love the theatre. I love the backstage, the rehearsals, the performances and everything about it. Being an enthusiast of the said art, my life became more lively, artistic and colorful. Theatre somehow became the theme of my life.

Because of that, I regard Jesus as my Overall Director.

He is my Producer. He created me to become part of a big play entitled "His Story". He gave me the right skills for the right part. There are times that I fail to do the part he is asking me to do, but He is the type of the director that never gives up on His little actors.

He is also the Scriptwriter of my life. He knows everything about me. He created all the scenes in my life-the path to take, people to meet, or even food to eat.

But most importantly, He is the BIG STAR of the show. I am just an extra, a dot in the scene, a mere passer-by in the Big Scene.

Jesus manifests himself to us in stuffs we love to do. If you are a businessman, Jesus will be your CEO. If you are a traveler, Jesus will be your Pilot. If you are an athlete, Jesus will be your Coach.

Ready for Battle

...to be posted soon...

For July 12-18

* I acknowledge Princess Belle for this awesome ideas:

July 12

Ready for Battle

Verse: Ephesians 6:10-20

Take Action: Think of the things that you need to prepare for the whole week. Wear a cap, an apron (if possible) and a belt while reflecting on the text.

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July 13

Jesus to me is…

Verse: Isaiah 9:1-7, Mark 8:27-30

Take Action: Get a piece of paper and pen. Write your very own descriptions of Jesus based on your experiences.

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July 14

In Tears

Verse: John 11:17-37

Action: Think of a time when you’ve cried for a person because something bad happened to him/her. What did you do after that? Reflect and Pray.

***

July 15: I am a Carpenter

Verse: Luke 6:46-49

Action: Get a piece of paper, cardboard and toothpicks. Tusk 4 toothpicks vertically in the paper and cardboard. Have it then blown by a fan. Reflect after.

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July 16

Frutty Fruits

Verse: Galatians 5:13-26

Take Action: Draw 9 kinds of fruits and label each with the fruits of the Spirit. Reflect and pray

***

July 17

Lost and Found

Verse: Luke 15

Action: Think of three things that you’ve lost in the past and the acts you’ve made to find it.

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July 18

Valentines in July

Verse: 1Cor 13:1-13

Take Action: Make a heart shape. Cut it into two vertical identical size. On the right side, indicate the name of the person that you wanted to pray for. On the left side, indicate the name of the person you wished he/she prayed for you.

***

Christmas Everyday

to be posted soon

Flush Em!

1. Read Matthew 6, Luke 12:22-34
2. Write all your worries in a piece of toilet paper. Flush it after writing. Forget the worries. Reflect.



This Devotion in Action really felt good! I wanted to post what I have written in the toilet paper, but I realized that it will make the activity ineffective. I must forget all those worries. They were all flushed down in the toilet and wherever that paper is now, well, it must be rotting together with the...you know what.

I believe thats what God wants for us.. to flush all those worries down. He wants us to focus on him--not on our worries. He is always there for us and He will supply all our needs. Why worry?

It reminded me of a personal experience I had recently. I need to pay for a financial obligation which cost for about 20 thousand pesos. I worried where I'll get the payment especially the deadline is soon coming. The amount is big and my savings are not enough. Then I received a chat message from my previous employer asking me to get my last pay. Its been three months since I left that company and I anticipated that I will not receive something from them. I expected that I'll just be receiving the prorated 13th month pay, costing to like more or less 3 thousand. I replied and asked how much will I be receiving. She replied "30 thousand". I cant really believe it, but thats how God works.

Worrying is limiting God. Let us stop worrying and start praying.

Candlelight

1. Read Luke 8:16-18 and Luke 11:33-36
2. Close all your lights. Light a candle. Read the text. Reflect.




Candlelight scenes are but the most romantic especially during dates. What if, you're on a candlelight date BUT without candles? It doesn't make sense at all right? Its the same thing as lighting a candle and putting it under a bed. Its either you will not maximize the light or you'll burn your house down.

As I pondered the verse while reflecting on the devotion in action by lighting candles, I realized that one light can make a change. I lighted three, it lit the whole room. We, together with the Light of the World, we can make a change. All it takes is to let God's light shine on us, and light the world in return. We are here to make the world a better place, and its up to us on how we'll utilize it-- are we going to hide under our beds or stand up in front of the world and proclaim God's greatness?

Sorry!

1. Read Matthew 18:15-35
2. Option 1- Write an open letter asking for forgiveness to people who you have hurt. Option 2- Write a private letter to persons you have hurt. Send it to them. Make peace with them.


One thing I remember about this devotion in action is the song we used to sing during our Children's choir. "Forgive, forgive, forgive one another, this is what we should do. Forgive, forgive, forgive one another even as God has forgiven you". I dont know if I typed the lyrics correctly, but the essence is the same.

FORGIVE. One difficult word to handle, but its an obligation we must never ever take for granted. If you have read the text mentioned above, the consequences for not FORGIVING is severe:

Servant A owed money to the king and it was his due date. Servant A cannot pay. Servant A asked for forgiveness. The king forgave. Servant A went home.

Servant B approached Servant A. Servant B owed money to Servant A. It was long overdue. Servant B asked forgiveness to Servant A, but Servant A forced Servant B to pay. The King heard what happened. He sent his guards to Servant A, asked them to torture him, until the day he could pay his debts.

Poor Servant A.

One way or another, we are Servant A. Hard to forgive. Yes it is hard. I understand. But when you feel that forgiving is hard, always remember that God has forgiven us million times, how could we not forgive others as well?

Blind!

1. Read John 9
2. Blindfold your eyes while reflecting.

Before I started this devotion in action, one of my royal sibling shared to me a scary experience while having his duty at a certain hospital. He saw a little ghost playing in the operating room. It was said that the ghost was a patient in the hospital years and years ago who experienced negligence from the doctors. This experience triggered my brother's scary nightmares about the devil trying to choke him. He asked special prayers for this.

After that, I entered my room, read the text and placed the blindfold around my head covering my eyes. I cant help but to remember the story of my brother. Something in me felt really anxious that time. But I prayed and optimized the experience. It was a relief. But the fact that I am in a room, with blinded eyes really scares me. I heard some normal noises which freaked me out. I was uncomfortable. But I continued to talk to God. He never failed to give me relief.

As I pondered the activity, I realized that life without Jesus is the same thing as with blindfold in our eyes--scary, unpredictable, uncomfortable, sad and dark. We were once there, but because of the Great King's love for us, he is ever more willing to "get a soil, spit on it and wipe it on our blinded eyes" (read John 9 to relate)

To God be the Glory!

Small But Terrible

1. Read Matthew 13:31-35

2. Aquire or pick one small object that made you smile for the day. It could be anything, a piece of rock, a pen, a picture, etc. Reflect. Pray

As soon as I woke up this day, I readily looked for a small object that will definitely make me smile. Pillow? No. The Bar of soap in the bathroom? I don’t think so. My cellphone? Definitely not.

I went to the office, having that same goal. I stayed there for 9 hours in front of the computer screen. Could it be the mouse? No. The post-it note? Nah! The keyboard? No. No. No.

I suddenly forgot this goal for I was rudely interrupted by a kid in the office. He is really naughty and hyperactive. He wanted to play with me. He did sorts of irritating things which definitely bothered me. But his desire to play with me is something, as if he is desperate for a playmate. At the back of my mind, I wasn’t really that irritated. Something in me wanted to be that kid-Worry-free, hyper, and crazy! I want to be like him. I just want to run around, break free from the pressures of work and irritate people (haha). Being a Kid is a magical experience.

After office, I have decided to get back to my goal in looking for a small object that will make me smile for the day. I planned a nature walk at the park anticipating that I will see a product of nature. I don’t want to go alone so I asked my little nephew to join me. Well, this nephew of mine was really a pet peeve, but I have no choice…I need a companion. While walking and just looking at my nephew who kept on talking (note: Im wearing my earphones and still, I can hear him talk), I realized that the kid has this same magic like that of the kid in the office. He taught me the same thing-- enjoy life regardless of what people might think of you.

As soon as we arrived at the park, I saw a heavenly scene. I saw bunch of kids playing in the play ground. Some of them were biking. Some were running. Some were petting their dogs. Some play pretend. I sat down there to rest and enjoyed the scene. My nephew sat next to me. I saw the kids played as if it was their last. Their happiness is contagious. Regretfully, I forgot my cam at home.

As I've reflected, I realized that I was looking for the "little thing that made you smile" at the wrong places. The kid in the office, my nephew, the kids in the park-- small but terrible. They taught me lessons--priceless lessons-regardless of how small they are.

Bread Talk

1. Read: John 6:25-29
2. Buy a Bread, a Cracker, or a Cookie. Read on the text. Meditate on it. Pray. Delight in the bread as it symbolizes the Bread of Life.


Today was the first day of the "Devotion in Action" and we started it with the topic about Bread. I posted a status on one social networking Site and I wrote: "Bread Talk". One of my friends commented about it and she related it to the bread house "BREAD TALK". She love the store and so am I. The said store was definitely a hot spot on malls because of its delicious and unique choices of bread. The experience also was new for it is a "self-service" bread shop.

Bread is one of the "common" and "basic" foods of man. Filipinos have Pandesal. Mexicans have Tortilla. Canadians have Bagels. Jewish have Unleavened Bread. Germans have pretzels. Americans have tasty bread. But I realized that no matter what race we are, we need the Bread of Life.
Let us leave the "bad" bread that cannot satisfy and crave for the Bread that gives life. Only the Bread of Life can satisfy our hungry souls.

Introduction

I call it DEVO whenever I talk to the Great King and read His words. Some call it QT or quiet time. Some call it Date with God. Some call it prayer time, time alone with God, meditation, reflection, and so on. Whatever you call it, this "thing" lead us closer to the Great King, lead us to a much higher peace, higher place and higher pace. Out intimacy to our King increases, worries decreases, doubts diminishes.

I realized that Devotion is not limited to reading the Holy Book and saying a prayer. Devotion is like worship--it is a lifestyle. We could always add fun to our devotions. God created "fun" and therefore we need to use it. Im not saying that you'll get rid of Prayer and the reading of the Holy Book, but we could twist the process a little bit. For example, instead of the usual Read-Pray process, you could go out for a prayer walk, experience the wonderful creation of God. Or we could read a verse, memorize it and make a hymn out of it. Or meditate on a verse, call a friend and share what you have learned. Or get a glass of water, drink it while listening to your favorite inspirational music and just smile. Here's more:

Ø Open your Facebook account, compliment 5 random people and say that the Great King loves them.
Ø Have a text brigade and send power verses!
Ø Make a poem for the Great King
Ø Read the first few chapters of Genesis in a park
Ø Stargaze and appreciate our God-given universe
Ø Watch ants collect foods--learn about hard work
Ø Have a Disco with your favorite Inspirational Songs
Ø Get your church's Hymnal, look for an unknown song (there are thousands of songs in a hymnal) and meditate on it. Some hymns have verses on them, try looking it up in the Holy Book


… the possibilities are endless.

But again, let me emphasize that READING the HOLY BOOK and PRAYING is very important. The abovementioned ideas are just ways on how to be creative and are just statements that DEVO can be fun.


The Great King loves variety. He made me different from you, and he made you different from me. It’s the same thing with our time with Him- He wants us to be creative, step out of our old ways, and to just have fun while serving Him.

How would you spend your time with him today?