A great question and a great answer

"27 Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” 28 Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19: 27 - 29)

Peter asked a question that many disciples of Jesus would be shy to ask today.  And Jesus did not hesitate to give a great answer.  There is no risk in answering the call to serve Jesus.  Genuine riches are assured those who answer the call in this world and eternal happiness in the life to come.  Look at how the apostles are honored today all over the world with liturgies and Churches names after them.

"God is not a human being who speaks falsely, nor a mortal, who feels regret. Is God one to speak and not act, to decree and not bring it to pass?" (Numbers 23: 19)

I have left an open door before you

I have left an open door before you

"I know your works (behold, I have left an open door before you, which no one can close). You have limited strength, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." (Revelation 3: 8)

Why include this scripture as part of the PL scriptures? The promise, "Behold, I have left an open door before you, which no one can close," appealed to me very much. I had seen the door of employment shut in my face in 1994. I had desperately waited in vain for another door to open. One day, I heard this elocution in the depth of my heart: "All you need is the Holy Spirit." It took probably a couple of years to realize fully the significance of this revelation. Gradually I came to realize that the Enterprise and SFJ may well be the open door.

I delight in the fact that he who opens the door is Jesus. Once He opens, nobody can close. I also like the part of Revelation 3: 8 that says, "I know your works." The thought that Jesus knows where I am and what I am doing is gratifying. Then He continues, "You have limited strength, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." O Lord, what can I say? It is truly difficult for me to appropriate Revelation 3:8 fully. All I can say at this point is that I desire everything you say in it. I know I have limited moral strength; I have limited physical strength; I have limited financial strength. I know I depend on you entirely for everything for everything, at every time and in every place. I want to keep your word and never  deny your name. I want you to have your eye of mercy on me every second. Thank you Jesus for the promise in Revelation 3: 8.

If God is for us

 "31 What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?" (Romans 8: 31 - 32)

This is an incredible logic.  To demonstrate his love and concern for you, God gave up his son, Jesus Christ.  Now, what can be more valuable than his son, Jesus?  In other words, God wants us to put his Son on one side of the scale and whatever desire or hope we have on the other side.  How does that tally?  The answer is clear.  In giving us his Son, Jesus, God has given us everything.

I know for certain that God is for me in the Enterprise.   I will fear nothing.  I trust his wisdom and power.  Every day, I am getting more and more ready to trust and to obey.

“Moses said to God, ‘Who am I to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ ‘I shall be with you.”  (Exodus 3: 11 – 12)

Who am I to do the work of God?  - I shall be with you.

If God is with me, then it is accomplished.  If God is with me in the Enterprise, then it is accomplished. 

And surely God is with me.

All things work for good

"28 We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.   29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  30 And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified." (Romans 8: 28 - 30)

If you obey God’s commandments, if you delight in the Lord and His ways, then you can say, “I love God.”  The promise in Romans 8: 28 – 30 is for you.  Put simply, the promise says, “You are fully insured. Have no fear of any circumstance.  Fear is useless.  What you need is trust.”

The doctrine of God’s Providence is one of the sweetest teachings in religion.  In the Christian Bible, we observe how Divine Providence works in the lives of those who love God.  Some examples are Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and David.  God planned all circumstances to work for good for them.  Apostle Paul exclaimed in amazement:   "12 I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. 13I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me." (Philippians 4: 12 - 13)

Seekfirst

"33But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness,* and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6: 33)

Matthew 6:33 is my key scripture par excellence.  This is the scripture that gave me my business name:  Seekfirstweb.  Seekfirstweb has today three domains, seekfirstweb.com, seekfirstweb.org and Seekfirstwb.net.  It has one Blog, Seekfirst Blog.  The idea went back to a journal entry in 1996.  I reproduce below this journal entry:

SeekFirst

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.”  (Matthew 6:33)

On the 1^st of November 1996, I confided the following to my journal:

[Yesterday at Mass, I made the resolution to attend daily Eucharist as from 11/01/96.  I regard this development as a big grace and I thank the Blessed Virgin Mary for it.  I see it as the first fruit of the October devotion.  My prayer to God is that since I am not capable of carrying out such a lofty resolution on my own, that he should provide me with all the physical and spiritual strength I need to carry it out.

I recall the miracle of my friend, Carrena who told me in 1992 that for over 10 years, he had attended Mass everyday without missing one day.  May God give me the same blessing not just for 10 years but for the rest of my life.

The October devotion was concluded yesterday with the Mass novena in the last 9 days and the extra Rosary during the month.  How do I feel now about my prayer request?  Very confident.  For one thing, I have come to know more about the Blessed Virgin Mary form the book of Fr. Francis Ripley, “Mary, Mother of the Church”, which I bought on October 25^th.  I came to realize as I never did before that it is God’s will that all graces come to us through Mary.  I also learned of the constant teaching of the Church articulated so well by many pontiffs that Mary is very powerful in her intercession on our behalf. 

I started the devotion this October asking for one favor and one favor only:  the total success of the Enterprise.  In the concrete, I seek for the following graces:

·         A burning zeal to see the will of God accomplished in my life with regard to the Enterprise.

·         To seek God’s will and not mine in every detail of the Enterprise.

·         Faith that is firm, unwavering and constant that God is for me and with me in this project and therefore success is guaranteed.

·         Patience to wait for God’s time, realizing that everything that happens takes place when God chooses.

·         Wisdom to know what to do and when in every step in this project. 

·         Humility to totally depend on God for everything vis-à-vis the Enterprise.

I have sought for these graces through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  I believe I will get everything I asked for and more.

I feel deeply encouraged by the grace for the daily Eucharist.  To me it is like “seeking first the kingdom of God and all that he requires of me” and then challenging God to fulfill his promise to supply all my needs.

Today marks two weeks since the commencement of the Enterprise.  Looking back at everything that has happened so far, I thank God that I am benefitting from the preparation I made.  I am following my scripts closely.  Considering how things have gone so far, it appears as if the Holy Spirit is in a hurry to establish for me his priority in the Enterprise.  The thrust and emphasis of my effort have been spiritual development.  Although I have spent time thinking of money and security, these thoughts are clearly secondary.

With the blessing of the daily Eucharist, I know for certain that I am heading in the right direction.  God will fulfill his word to me at the right time.  “All other things shall be mine without the asking.  For the Father knows that I need them.  And indeed, for this reason, he has placed me here.”  This is my belief.  Praise the Lord.  Alleluia!]

It has been 10 years since I wrote the above reflection.  Reading this again today in 2006, I marvel at God’s faithfulness.

Today, September 12, 2011, I reread this journal entry with great emotion.  Matthew 6:33 is still my key scripture.  I am growing in seeing that this scripture contains everything I need in life.  If I believe what I read and teach what I believe and practice what I teach, all will be well with me.  Help me Jesus.

Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all

5 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? 27Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? 28Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. 29But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. 30 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ 32All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. 34Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil." (Matthew 6: 25- 34)

The above passage contains what I call crème de la crème of the teaching of Jesus.  We see here the core of his message on Divine Providence.  Philosophers say that the universal application of divine providence in creation is one of the proofs of the existence of God.  Why then do we worry and fret about health, family concerns, money, job, tools, food and the future?  Do we not believe Jesus when He says that “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all”?  Perhaps faith is the core issue.  We can help ourselves by praying:  “Lord, strengthen my faith.”  We can also move from prayer to action by seeking first the kingdom of God and His justice in everything and then challenge God to keep His promise.   I am trying to do this in my life today.   I experience pleasant surprises every day.

God or Mammon

“No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6: 24)

God demands a full and whole-hearted service. This idea is in all the pages of scripture. Partial and divided heart in the service of God is rebuked. It is amazing how many people believe that they can serve God and money at the same time. Their policy is to get the best of both worlds. At the root of this behavior is lack of faith.

Elijah asked the Israelites: “How long will you straddle the issue? If the LORD is God, follow him; if Baal, follow him.” This is the heart of the matter. Who do we serve? The Lord or Baal? Jesus said that it is impossible to serve God and mammon.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, That there may be food in my house. Put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, And see if I do not open the floodgates of heaven for you, and pour down upon you blessing without measure!" (Malachi 3: 10)

God owns everything. 

“Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation.  Through your goodness I have this gift to offer, the fruit of the earth and the work of my hands.  let it become for me like the bread of life.”  This is a paraphrase of the Offertory prayer.  It teaches us that the gifts we bring to the altar come from God.  God gives the inspiration and the power to act.  We can never outdo God in generosity.

Even if the fig tree does not blossom

"For though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit appears on the vine, Though the yield of the olive fails and the terraces produce no nourishment, Though the flocks disappear from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the LORD and exult in my saving God. GOD, my Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet swift as those of deer and enables me to tread upon the heights" (Habakkuk 3: 17 - 19)

When I came across the above scripture 16 years ago, I understood immediately what it means.  I was awe-struck by the lofty thought.  Often our relationship with God is predicated by what God provides.  But here is a man who says that whether God provides or not, he will always worship and love Him.  O how I wish this attitude is mine.  I still find myself elated when things go well and anxious when they don’t.

I found similar scriptures to Habakkuk 3: 17 – 19 and had even blogged on it as shown below:

“If our God, the one we serve, is able to save us from the burning fiery furnace and from your power, Your Majesty, he will save us; and even if  he does not, then you must know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your god or worship the statue you have set up.”  (Daniel 3:17 – 18)

A good paraphrase of the above scripture which I like is this:  “If we live, we live; if we perish, we perish.”

“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.”  (Matthew 26: 39)  Again, we can paraphrase Christ’s sentiments thus:  “If I live, I live; if I die, I die.”

“For though the fig tree blossom not | nor fruit be on the vines, |Though the yield of the olive fail| and the terraces produce no nourishment, | Though the flock disappear from the fold | and there be no heard in the stalls, | Yet will I rejoice in the Lord |and exult in my saving God. (Habakkuk 3: 17 – 18)  Prophet Habakkuk’s word can me summarized with - “If we live, we live; if we perish, we perish.”

“If you make my word your home |you will indeed be my disciples; | you will come to know the truth, | and the truth will make you free.”  (John 8: 31 – 32) 

When we are faithful to the teachings of Jesus, we will have the faith and courage to appropriate the above scriptures.  We will know that God is faithful come what may.

“For if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.”  (Romans 14:8)

I know well the plans I have in mind for you

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope." (Jeremiah 29: 11)

In the early years of the return of the Prodigal, the above scripture meant so much to me.  I read and reread this promise.  I devoured all the commentaries I could find on it.  It was as if these words were spoken personally to me.  After 15 years of living these plans, I am more sober when I reflect on the meaning of this promise for my life.  For one thing I discovered that the accomplishment of this plan is not like a quick surgical operation.   Did you note that Jeremiah speaks of “Plans” and not “Plan.”  That’s right.  God has rolling plans for our lives.  A series of interconnected plans spanning from childhood to old age.  When we deviate from this plan, there is a correction.  Very much like the GPS that helps you to get from one point to another and corrects you if you make a wrong turn. 

God’s plans for my welfare are complete.  They encompass the following:  Pardon, Peace, Power, Purpose, Protection and Provision.  I call these the 6 P’s of God’s promises.  How do we enter into these promises?  God prepares for every individual a grand strategy.  I call mine the 7-Way plan made up of these items:  Prayer, Word of God, Eucharist, Penance, Examen, Ministry and Spiritual Reading.  By employing these strategies, not only are we able to enjoy the 6 P’s but we grow at the same time in the 7 fruits of: Faith, Patience, Wisdom, Humility, Courage, Peace and Contentment.  With all these going for us, we feel adequate to fight and win our daily spiritual warfare in these war zones:  Health, Family, Money, Job, Tools, Food and Future.

Perhaps the best way to see these plans at work is to observe them one day at a time.  David in the Psalms say, “In the morning, I pray and then I wait.”  Early in the morning, David prays for God’s favor for the entire day.  Then he watches to see how his prayer is answered.  One day at a time, he observes how faithful God is.

Continual Guidance3

"Then the LORD will guide you always and satisfy your thirst in parched places, will give strength to your bones And you shall be like a watered garden, like a flowing spring whose waters never fail" (Isaiah 58: 11)

Every day I yearn and pray for continual guidance.  Yet, this is already promised in the PL scriptures as seen from Isaiah 58: 11.  Why don’t I believe this?   I focus on circumstances and not on the word of God.  As I walk on the water, all is well as far as there is no turbulence in the sea and as I focus on Jesus.   Once the sea gets furious, I tend to glance about me and when I do so, I take my eyes off Jesus.  I become panicky and start to sink. 

The Enterprise is a journey to the PL.  It is also a journey through the desert where there are many parched places.  The bones would be weary.  Isaiah 58: 11 promises that the Lord will provide continual guidance, protection and provision. 

Lord I believe.  Help my unbelief!

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With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation

"On that day, you will say: I give you thanks, O LORD; though you have been angry with me, your anger has abated, and you have consoled me. God indeed is my salvation; I am confident and unafraid. For the LORD is my strength and my might, and he has been my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation. And you will say on that day: give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; Among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. Sing praise to the LORD for he has done glorious things; let this be known throughout all the earth. .Shout with exultation, City of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!" (Isaiah 12: 1-6)

This is one of my earliest PL scriptures. It was given to me in 1995 by a man of God. He said to me, “I was inspired to give you this scripture.” At the time, I was not familiar with the idea that certain scriptures represent word of knowledge for the individual. Wnen I read Isaiah 12, liked the message and appropriated it. The fact that in 2011 I still remember this word of knowledge is a sign to me that this scripture has a particular significance for my life.

What I like most about Isaiah 12 is verse 3 which promises that “With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation”

What are the fountains of salvation for me?

The Holy Spirit
The Eucharist
The Blessed Sacrament

I draw water from these fountains on a daily basis. These are by no means the only fountains I have direct and constant access to. I also draw water from the fountains of:

Prayer
Word of God
Penance
Examen
Ministry
Spiritual Reading

I wonder whether this is why the promise alludes to “fountains of salvation” and not just “fountain of salvation.” There are many fountains but there is also a hierarchy of fountains. In Ephesians 6, St. Paul talks of putting on the full armor. The warfare we are engaged in is not with flesh and blood. We contend with evil and powerful spirits. If you are not fully armored, you will fall even before the battle gets under way. So, if the Lord offers me to drink from the “fountains of salvation,” that is exactly what I do.

Forget not all His gifts

"Bless the LORD, my soul; and do not forget all his gifts, Who pardons all your sins, and heals all your ills, Who redeems your life from the pit, a and crowns you with mercy and compassion, Who fills your days with good things, so your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." (Psalm 103: 2-5)

O My God, how can I forget all your gifts?  Every day I thank you that the Holy Spirit reminds me constantly of these gifts.  Your favors are always before my eyes.  I remembered the years when I was laid low by sickness.  You stretched out your hand and healed me.  Not only did you heal me but you gave me your Son Jesus as my Doctor.  I will never exchange Him for all the world’s best doctors.  Father, what I cherish continually about your gift of health is this:  You removed the fear of sickness from me.  Thank you for these gifts Holy Father.

Generous Father, your favors extended to all areas of my life.  When I was thrown into the pit by my former company, laid low by sickness and reduced to abject poverty, you redeemed my life from the pit.  You threw open the door of the Enterprise for me and crowned me with mercy and compassion and fill my days with good things.

Ya, you have renewed my youth and purpose like the eagle’s.  For all these benefits dear Father, I will continually sing your praises. Amen!

The gift and the call

"In your love you led the people you redeemed; in your strength you guided them to your holy dwelling." (Exodus 15: 13)

This is one of the PL scriptures. The message to me is clear. God redeemed me from the harsh slavery in Egypt. In His almighty and powerful providence, he led and guided me to the Sanctuary. Praise be God.

"For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11: 29)

You are my only good

"Keep me safe, O God; in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, you are my Lord, you are my only good. As for the holy ones who are in the land, they are noble, in whom is all my delight. They multiply their sorrows who court other gods. Blood libations to them I will not pour out, nor will I take their names upon my lips. LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you have made my destiny secure. Pleasant places were measured out for me; fair to me indeed is my inheritance. I bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart exhorts me. I keep the LORD always before me; with him at my right hand, I shall never be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure, For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor let your devout one see the pit. You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever"

This is one of my favorite Psalms. Below are some of my favorite phrases in this Psalm:

• You are my Lord.
• You are my only good.
• They multiply their sorrows who court other gods.
• Nor will I take their names upon my lips.
• Lord, my allotted portion and my cup.
• You have made my destiny secure.
• Pleasant places were measured out for me.
• Fair to me indeed is my inheritance.
• I bless the Lord who counsels me.
• Even at night my heart exhorts me.
• I keep the Lord always before me.
• With the Lord at my right hand, I shall never be shaken.
• You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence.

Psalm 16 is a very special Psalm filled with sweet promises.

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

Why is it so difficult to trust in the Lord with all our heart when we see His providence everywhere and at all times?  This is a problem that baffles me.  I see God’s providence working in my life every day.  I recognize His providential actions thank the Lord for them.  Then the next moment, I am anxious and fearful of circumstances.  Peter was walking towards Jesus on the water.  He was doing very well until he took his gaze off Jesus and focused it on the raging storms.  Then he began to sink.  Whenever I take my eyes off Jesus and focus it on the prevailing circumstances, the result is fear, worry or doubt.

How can I have my gaze focused on Jesus at all times in every circumstance?  I believe the answer to this is constant prayer.  Prayer shows our dependence on God.  When we pray, we are saying:  “Lord help me in this situation.  I cannot make it without you.”  Proverbs 3: 5-6 says that if we make this a habit in all our ways, we are assured that the Lord will make straight our paths.  

The battle is not yours

"and he said: “Pay attention, all of Judah, inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat! The LORD says to you: Do not fear or be dismayed at the sight of this vast multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. You will not have to fight in this encounter. Take your places, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD; he will be with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not fear or be dismayed. Tomorrow go out to meet them, and the LORD will be with you.”

What a sublime promise!  Each person is confronted with challenges in one or more of these areas:

Health

Family

Money

Job

Tools

Food

Future

They form constant source of worry.  What if we are to surrender each and all of the above to God and pray thus:  “Lord, you promise that the battle is not mine but yours.  I surrender the present health crisis to you to fight for me as your word promises.  Thank you Lord.”  Then after the prayer, you stand firm and watch to see the salvation of the Lord.  

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