Daily devotional, Nov 13, 2023 11.11 Deliveries

"Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress." 
Psalm 107:6

In a couple of days, most consumers who availed of the recent 11.11 online shopping promo will soon receive their package deliveries. Some bought something that they have been wanting to buy, some have already started shopping for Christmas presents for their family and friends, and then some bought something new for the sake of availing the huge discounts.

Anticipating package deliveries is one thing that surely brings joy to anyone. It is like getting a gift you choose for yourself at a time that you least expect it. But there is a more important delivery that we need. Something that we have to pray for every day of our lives, and we are assured of it as long as we abide to our one true King — Jesus Christ. 

As Christians, God promises to deliver us from the evil one — that is the attacks from the enemy that causes us to keep on sinning and falling back into waywardness. His deliverance is something we can truly count on. In 2 Samuel 22:2-3 King David praised the Lord and recounted the many times he delivered him from both his enemies and his own sinfulness:

"He said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me." 
(2 Samuel 22:2-3)

We are all familiar with this line in the Lord’s prayer: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” (Matthew 6:13) and we ask the Lord to carry us through the enemy’s scheme and our own sinfulness, by leading us to paths of righteousness. By redirecting our focus and attention to Jesus, our Good Shepherd could keep us from falling back into sin, addictions, idolatry, deep-seated anger plans of vengeance, as well as other strongholds of the enemy. As Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans said:

"But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." 
Romans 6:17-18

God’s deliverance can also be counted on when we face troubles for doing what is God’s will. In Psalm 34:4 King David testified to the Lord’s faithfulness as he carried him through and eased his worries as he escaped King Saul and faced the Philistines: “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

As we approach the season of shopping, gifting, and anticipating, let us not forget the one true reason why we celebrate. We celebrate because a Redeemer came to wash away our sins, and to deliver us from every spiritual attack as we try our best to walk in the paths of righteousness towards our eternal life with Him — the one and only Christ Jesus!

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 34 and 1 Peter 5:8-9 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Can you think of the times that the Lord has delivered you from trouble? What have you done to thank Him?

Conversation with the Lord:Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for leading us to paths of righteousness, and for promising to deliver us from the enemy and all our troubles. Please keep me close to you as you keep me from falling back into sin. Amen.

The post Daily devotional: 11.11 Deliveries appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Daily Devotional, Nov 11, 2023 Battle of the Brains

"For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything." 
1 John 3:20

One of the more popular Quiz shows in the 1990s is the Battle of the Brains. There, students representing their schools battle it out to be named most knowledgeable of all.

But who is the most knowledgeable of all? When it comes to omniscience, even the brain powers of all the smartest scientists, combined with those of the brightest historians cannot ever equal the all-knowing power of our Lord God Almighty. He knows everything, He sees everything, and we cannot hide anything from Him:

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33)

For those that abide with the Lord, His being omniscient is a source of comfort. In Psalm 139, King David wrote his amazement over this quality of the Lord:

“O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.” Psalm 139:1-4

How can we not rejoice over His knowledge about us, our thoughts, and our ways? He knows even the deepest desires of our hearts and He longs to prosper us. And so for him who abides, he can rest assure that if his longings are in His will, and stands to glorify His name and power, He will provide:

“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:23-24

But how can we have the confidence to ask? Like children, we know we can ask for a new toy or a treat when we have been obedient and good. It is the same with us Christians. Although we cannot do it through righteousness because we can never pass heaven’s standards without Jesus’ sacrifice, we will have the confidence to go the Lord if we are fellowshipping with Him:

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (John 14:21)

As for those who have yet to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, there is still hope. Know that He knows everything that is in your heart, and that He longs to bless you. As long as you seek His forgiveness and start abiding by Him, he can wash away all that guilt and renew you. In 1 Chronicles 28:9 He promises to reveal Himself to those who seek Him:

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.”

Let us take heart in the Lord’s wisdom. That He knows what we need even before we ask Him. That He knows both our strengths and weaknesses, and He longs to comfort us and forgive us if we only ask Him. Let us trust His plans and surrender ours to Him so that we could live in the peace and contentment that only our Sovereign King can give. We may never know what the future has in store for us, but if we trust the author of our story, we can rest assured that the best plans are laid for us and all will be well.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 139 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Are you comforted at the thought that God knows everything? How can His omniscience help ease your fears and worries today?

Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for being the omniscient God that you are. For knowing everything about me, and how my life will unfold. Help me to fully trust in You so that I can finally rest my life in Your power and have the confidence to live my life according to your will and purpose. Amen. 

The post Daily devotional: Battle of the Brains appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Daily Devotional, November 8, 2023 Rescue 911

"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all." (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

One of the most watched shows in the 1990s was “Rescue 911” which was basically a documentary-drama television series that featured re-enactments of emergencies and corresponding responses of frontliners. It established 911 as a helpline especially for life-threatening emergencies.

As Christians, we can establish ourselves as a personal helpline to others. We can be someone else’s safe space where they could talk about their feelings without fear of being judged. In these times when depression is almost an epidemic, and suicide rates are skyrocketing, lending an ear to someone is tantamount to rescuing them from desperation. In his second letter to the Corinthian church the Apostle Paul reminded believers that just as they received comfort from the Lord, they too should extend the same to the weak and the ailing:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Listening is the best gift one can give to someone who is facing challenges, extreme sadness, and mourning. Allowing the person to speak his mind, and validating his hurts, is a huge help as he gets to unburden his feelings. Besides, no amount of assurance or advice can calm the heart of a grief-stricken person, so just staying with them to listen or simply just to provide company is enough. Romans 12:15 says: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

In the Old Testament, Job’s friends sat with him quietly after he lost everything including all his children, and all his possessions:  

"And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great." (Job 2:13)

In our daily lives, we encounter hurting people. Some due to unforeseen circumstances such as death in their family, a medical diagnosis, financial challenges, and relationship issues. We should be quick to assure these people in our lives that they can lean on someone, and that above all, there is a God that will deliver them from everything that they are facing. Psalm 34:18 says:

And in this busy world, where face to face connection is starting to become a less preferred way of connecting with others, we struggle to provide someone the emotional rescue he or she needs. What usually prevents us from being a helpline to others include:
1. Lack of time to spend with the grieving person because we too are busy with our own life and pursuits.
2. Degree of closeness with the depressed person.
3. Inability to notice the other person’s affliction either because the person is masking his troubles, or we are too preoccupied with our own lives.

When it comes to lack of time, we should realize that we can always make time. If someone would tell you that there is a great reward for spending a couple of hours of your day in a certain location, wouldn’t you make time for it? If your answer is yes, then indeed you have the time to spend with a grieving or depressed person. It is just that you have not considered such an endeavor to be worthy of a spot in your schedule. Let us remember that the Lord commands us to help one another with our troubles: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2)

Next, the degree of closeness that we have with a grieving person should not be a reason to not make ourselves available to hear him out or at least be there for him. Yes, we may just see them in church every Sunday, or he may not open up too much details of his sadness to you because you are not close friends, but assuring that person that you are ready to listen anytime, and that you are available to help out in whatever way you can is enough.

The last reason, which is inability to see through a person’s grief, is the saddest reason of all. How many times have we heard stories about people being in shock after learning that their loved one, or close friend, or acquaintance has committed suicide? Failing to see and act on the red flags of extreme depression can be traumatic, and so if we are more observant, and we focus less on ourselves, we will be more sensitive to others and their sufferings.

Lending an ear to someone in need of a shoulder to cry on is one way of bearing another person’s burden. It is one way of showing Christ-like love, and a golden opportunity to share the good news and peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us open our ears and heart, and share our precious time with others, so that we can comfort them as they face their sorrows.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: How can you be a helpline to others? Is there anyone in your circle or community that needs a listening ear?

Conversation with the Lord:  Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for allowing me tohelp out others weather their emotional storms. Empower me with a listening ear, and a sound mind so that I could provide a comforting presence to others, and mirror Your love to them. Amen.

The post Daily devotional: Rescue 911 appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Daily devotional, October 31, 2023 Glass Skin

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Proverbs 31:3

Korean Glass Skin is a beauty trend nowadays, much sought after by girls and women wanting to have flawless, poreless, and translucent-like skin. Dozens upon dozens of products are peddled in online and physical stores, promising the perfect complexion.

Unlike the people of today who seek and admire flawless and radiant skin, the Israelites back in the Old Testament suddenly got afraid of Moses when they saw his face shining. During that time, Moses just received the new tablets that contained the Ten Commandments from the Lord. When He was done talking to God, he descended from the mountain to the surprise of his people. “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God” (Exodus 34:29).  

Moses’ radiant face was not because of anything superficial. It was borne of his constant communication with God. Whenever he talked to the Lord, his face shone right after, but instead of taking pride in his radiant skin, he hid it with his veil.

As Christians, we can take a cue from Moses. If we want to really shine, we can, and this can be achieved not by using expensive skin products but by walking with God every single day. By communing with Him daily through quiet time, regular bible reading, joining bible study groups and weekly worship with fellow believers, we get to journey with Christ throughout our lifetime. We get to seek His wisdom in every decision that we make, and we get to live His perfect will and plan for our lives: “Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded,” (James 4:8).

And like Moses, we should stay humble. Sometimes, when we think we know much already about the bible and we are being a good Christian we tend to shove our righteousness in other people’s faces. We tend to look down on them when their lives are not shining as bright as ours. We should remember that our righteousness comes from the Lord and that we should remain humble no matter how good we think we are: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).

Our “shining face” should instead manifest on others in a meaningful and spiritual way, not just superficial through facial beauty and other admirable physical traits. We must bear fruits of the Holy Spirit that others could see and emulate. In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul encouraged everyone to serve in love and walk by the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law,” (Galatians 5:22-23).

There is nothing wrong trying to look good, but at the end of the day, our looks would not matter. As 1 Peter 3:3-4 says “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” Our beauty should be skin deep, and evident on others as we shine Jesus light on them.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Exodus 34:27-35 and Proverbs 31:10-31, to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: How do you ensure that your beauty is not just skin-deep?

Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for allowing us to seek you. Help us to remain faithful to walk with you through our life journey so that we can shine your light on others too. Amen. 

The post Daily devotional: Glass skin appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

August 01, 2023

DO YOU HAVE A ‘JESUS’ PLAYLIST?

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”

Psalm 100:2 

Back when we were still in the era of burning disks, we listed down favorite titles, and made a music CD out of it. During our parents’ time, favorite songs were recorded on a cassette and played over and over while they were doing something or just plain relaxing. Now, we have the luxury of just making a playlist — PLAYLISTS even for every mood and just listen to these titles whenever we feel like it.

Now, may I invite you to check your playlists and see if there is one for Jesus?   One of my recent favorite songs is “JESUS” by Chris Tomlin. It is not new, but it really touches my heart. Here’s an excerpt of the song: 

"Who walks on the waters | Who speaks to the sea | Who stands in the fire beside me | He roars like a lion| He bled as the Lamb | He carries my healing in His hands,
Jesus..."

Then there is Himig Heswita’s “Hesus ng Aking Buhay.” A part of it goes like this:

"Saan man ako bumaling | Ika'y naroon tumalikod man sayo | Dakilang pag-ibig mo sa akin tatawag | At magpapaalalang ako'y iyong ginigiliw | At siyang itatapat sa puso."

Singing to the Lord is an act of worship, so we can feel free to blast praise or church music in our homes every morning, in the car (especially in the middle of a stressful traffic jam), and whenever we want to just praise Him and listen to His words. Let us teach it to our children and let them get accustomed to listening to it as part of their day. If we can sing funny songs, sad songs, and even meaningless songs, why cannot we sing songs that offer praises to our one True God? These songs after all are not just meant to be sung in Church.  

When Apostle Paul and Silas were imprisoned, they sang songs and spiritual hymns instead of falling into despair because of their situation. And it is during those times that the Lord rescued them: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” ACTS 16:25-26

Are you happy today? Sing a song of thanksgiving. Are you in despair? Sing a song of praise. Whatever situation you are in, worship Him, and sincerely seek Him, and things will fall into place in His good time.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to read 1 Chronicles 16:23-31 so we could dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: When was the last time you sang for the Lord outside the Church? Would you like to include singing songs of praise to Him in your daily routine?

Conversation with the Lord:  Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for the wonderful opportunities you give us to seek You and Your words. Thank you for giving us selection upon selection of praise songs we can sing to you to celebrate your goodness. Inspire us to shun the world’s negativity and instead turn to everything that is good and beautiful and pleasing to you, including singing wonderful praise songs that proclaim your never-ending grace and mercy. Amen.

Thank you for stopping by and till next post!

The post Daily Devotional: Do you have a Jesus Playlist? appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

Hello mommies! I am embarking today on an ambitious new series of mini daily devotionals intended for us mothers. I am no expert when it comes to faith, but I would like to take you with me in my journey to the Lord’s heart.

Our daily (Monday to Saturday) devotionals are easy-to-read, with complimentary bible verses that could help us live out our role as the ILAW NG TAHANAN, just as how the Lord intends us to be. As the “Light of our Homes,” we can also be a “Light of the World” as we shine Jesus’ light on our respective families. Matthew 5:16 says “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

We can only share our light though if we are shining brightly and plugged in to the one true source of light in this world — JESUS! So let’s unplug ourselves from our worldly cares, and take a couple of minutes to get connected and intimate to the ONE who will make us shine our brightest.

Today’s devotional

For our pilot devotional, I invite you to meditate on PSALM 119:105 which says “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

As they say, motherhood does not come with a manual. We, mothers do it with much experimentation, trial and error, and sometimes one mistake after another. Not  all moms have the luxury of a support system who can help out during challenges like caring for the baby, sick kids, logistical and scheduling nightmare especially for working parents, and making difficult and even painful decisions for the family, etc.

Through all these challenges though, let us take heart in knowing that there is one book that could help us navigate through all of the messes, stresses and heartaches that come with being a mom. Reading the bible daily, and holding on to God’s promises tether us moms to the most stable foundation we could ever find. For everything in this world changes, relationships are not forever, moments are fleeting, and resources and situations can change at a snap of a finger. But the Lord will stand by us forever. Let us use His words as a lamp for our feet, and a light to our paths.

Here are some concrete bible passages that guide us our motherhood journey:

Hebrews 12:11

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Proverbs 31:26-28

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

1 Peter 5:2-3

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to read Proverbs Chapter 31 so we could dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: How can I use the above-mentioned bible passages in the current challenges that I face as a mother?

Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, allow me to follow your gentleness and humility as I go through the rigors of everyday parenting. Inspire me with your words with the help of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thank you for stopping by and till next post!

A happy homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

The post Daily Mini Devotional: Light of the home, light of the world appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.

For individuals who have yet to start a bible reading routine, spending time with the scriptures may seem daunting or intimidating. It’s common to feel at a loss as to how to start. For us moms, creating a bible reading routine, and sticking to it can be intimidating too, and challenging especially  since everyone at home relies on us for almost everything.

So, granting that you have already set aside a time for this, how then would you start? Of course it is best to have a bible that will not be too hard to read and understand. If the bible is too small then our eyes could strain reading and highlighting the Written Word. It is best to get at least an NIV or ESV edition bible that is easier to understand compared to the King James Version which contains old English phrases such as thou, hath, beseech etc.

Start reading the bible

You do not need to buy a very expensive bible if you do not have the means yet. You can check out second hand bookstores though like Booksale which sells bibles that are slightly used and have bigger fonts. Other stores where you can buy bibles apart from bookstores are religious stores like St. Paul’s and OMF Lit. Most of these stores have branches in major malls. While you are in the Catholic or Christian bookstore, choose a devotional or ask about a bible reading guide to help you with your new quest

It is also best to have a small journal and a highlighter and of course a pen and a couple of bookmarks to use.

How to begin your bible reading journey

My favorite preacher says you should give yourself the grace to read the easier parts of the bible first before delving deeper into the techy-ish contents of the scripture. If you are new to the habit, he said you can be like a child eating fish — starting with the fleshy parts first like the four gospels (books of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John) before going to the other books that are a bit harder to digest.

If you have been listening to your priest or your pastor then for sure you can pick up a book that you like and read a chapter or two each day. When I was really, really new at seriously reading the bible, I find myself dedicating a lot of time reading the Epistles of St. Paul (example: Colossians, Thessalonians etc.), and then in the Old Testament I found myself delighting over the Book of Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.

Do you start from page 1?

Our parish priest does not advise first timers to read the bible from page one until the end. He says using a devotional could be helpful since it provides an inspirational story and a bible passage that could help you start reading the bible. The Catholic Church also has a liturgical guide on the mass readings for the day, you as a new reader can use this as a guide on what to read during your daily bible time. I’ve written about this in a past post here.

Christian bookstores on the other hand offer free pamphlets that provide a bible reading schedule for a whole year. Take advantage of this and use it as a guide. There are also bible reading plans like this that are available online or downloadable as an app. But being the old school person that I am, I choose hardcopy stuff any day

What to do before and after reading the bible

It is best to have your prayer time or quiet time before reading the bible. It does not only prepare you for reading the scripture, it could also help you discern answers to the questions, prayers and concerns you have lifted up to the Lord.

While reading the bible, try to highlight verses that stand out to you. Copy it in your journal if you like. If you have questions about the reading you can jot it down in your journal too and find answers either from your parish priest, pastor, or bible study group leader the next time you get to see them. You may also write down your gratitude points and prayer requests in your journal.

So to sum up, here is a brief guide:

1. Choose a bible with a font size that you can easily read, and a translation you can easily understand.
2. Have other materials that could help you in your journey: A devotional book, a liturgical guide or bible reading pamphlet (free in Christian Bookstores like OMF Lit).
3. Prepare other tools you will need like a pen, a highlighter, and a notebook dedicated for your bible time.
4. Designate a quiet and mess-free bible reading space in your home: Your study table, dining table, coffee table, garden, or wherever you are not going to be distracted and be comfortable at the same time.5. Choose how you will daily approach bible reading: Per book that interests you, per devotional message and suggested reading, or by following a scripture or bible reading guide. What is important is you stick with this and grow in delighting the word.
6. Note passages that stand out to you — you may want to copy them in your notebook, or memorize them or put them on a post it and paste it anywhere visible in your home.7. Jot down questions you may have and ask your priest, pastor or bible study leader for the answers the next time you get to see them.
8. Before starting your bible reading time, it is best to start with a quiet time or prayer with God. Seek His guidance as you try to understand His words.
9. More importantly, live a life consistent to what you have read

Thank you for stopping by and till next post! Leaving you with this bible passage that highlights the joys of regularly reading the Lord’s words:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness'”

2 Timothy 3:16

A happy homemaker is a Happy Pinay Mommy!

https://happypinaymommy.com/2023/07/17/healthy-budget-ulam-recipe-ideas-for-the-week/

The post How busy moms can start reading the bible appeared first on Happy Pinay Mommy.