The 12th - Dedication Day

        As they say time flies, it was the 12th talk of the "Christian Life Program" held at sis Jane's beach house in Tag Ibo, Iligan City. We had a flower and beach attire theme since we were on the beach just like the sample picture shown below. Hehe! ;p

          Earlier today there were twelve participants who were able to see it through the end. Twelve who dedicated themselves to be in the community. After the many Sundays that they spent with the SFC St. Michael's Chapter, they are now finally one of us. They are officially Singles for Christ members! This is how God works. Simply amazing!

The gospel today was taken from Luke 10:1-12, 17-20.

"Pray the Lord to send out laborers into his harvest"

1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come. 2 And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace be to this house!' 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; 9 heal the sick in it and say to them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 11 `Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' 12 I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" 18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

        Being able to organize and run the program is no joke. It is hard work. I'm sure you'd agree with me on that one. (That is why I honor my brothers and sisters in Christ for a job well done! You know who you are.) 

         Nowadays, no one would commit to work for free. Only very few people would be willing to commit their time and effort in doing something for others, especially to strangers. It requires a servant's heart. I believe that whatever it is that drives a person to do mission work, no matter how big or small it may be, is divine intervention. When we do good to others, when we do good things, small things without expecting anything in return, we become selfless. A genuine service to others, is a genuine love for them. It is divine intervention. Why? Simply because human as we are, we naturally are selfish. We more often than not think of "how will it benefit me?" or in other words, "what's in it for me?" That is why being able to offer free service is God's work in us. He is changing us, molding us, to be the best person that he wants us to be. He wants us to be more like Jesus everyday. Sometimes we just won't notice but "change" is happening to us each day. Just as long as, we stay connected to Him. We are assured of a bright, beautiful future. There is no reason why He will not grant our sincerest prayers. After all, He is a Great God! He is calling all of us to be His laborer. All we need to do is say "YES!" and He will do the rest.

"May we stand on solid ground to be His faithful servants to bring in more harvest. May we never get tired of doing more for others. May we set our eyes on the prize more than the riches this world can offer. There is no other work that will fill us with so much joy and fulfillment than His work done through us. May our work please Him and honor His mighty name forever. Amen."