The Secret Of Prosperity And Success

How much do we love the Word of God or God himself, because the canonized Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning”? The Bible continues, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (referring to the Lord Jesus Christ [John 1:1 & 14]).

A story is told of an elderly woman in Scotland who was living in abject poverty. Some years earlier, her son left for the U.S.A. to work there, and since then had not returned to visit his mother. A good neighbor learned that the son found a work in the U.S.A. with a lucrative salary. This neighbor asked the mother, “Does your son ever help you financially?” The mother sadly answered, “No, but he sends me pieces of paper with different pictures which I kept”. She then brought out the papers which were actually paper money of the U.S. government in different denominations and pictures. The mother did not realize that those are actually bank notes which were legal tender in the U.S.A., yet the “innocent” mother did not know that she had plenty of U.S. dollars in her possession.

Usually Christians are keeping Bibles (the Word of God) in their shelves at home gathering dust, signifying that they are Christians. However, they never read their Bible but depend only on the preaching of their priests, pastors or ministers, delivered every Sunday mass. They don’t even listen carefully to the preaching. They are more particular on the ritual of standing or sitting down when the bell rings or in making the sign of the cross as fast as they can. No offense to those whose rituals include the sign of the cross. They fail to understand that of all the books in the world, the Bible is one that will not yield up its riches more precious than silver and gold except to the diligent and faithful and earnest learner of the Word of God. Of course, it is not enough that we read the Word, but we must do or implement it in our daily life. That is why as early as of the time of Joshua, God said:

“8. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8 NIV).

The aforequoted Word of God is the God-given formula for sure and lasting prosperity and success in life. There is no other formula known to man.

The treasures hidden in the canonized Bible are very great and beyond compare; but if we do not search for the treasures, we will never find them. If we don’t find these treasures, we cannot avail of or use them. We will remain materially and spiritually emaciated and poor. In the book of Psalms, the writer said: “I love thy commandments above gold: yea, above fine gold” (Ps. 119:127 KJV).

Wanting to be prosperous and successful? Read (even memorize your canonized Bible) and put into practice its commandments.

Smiling At The Storm

The lyric of a favorite action song among Sunday schoolers is: “With Christ in my vessel I can smile at the storm, smile at the storm… I shall not be moved.” Why and when can we smile at the storm? Only if Jesus Christ is with us. We can trust in God’s promise in his Word. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Deut. 31:6 KJV). This promise of the Lord God the Father was reiterated by His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our LORD and only Savior in Hebrews 13:5.

In the book of Psalms, the Bible says, “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper.” (Psalm 118:6-7 NIV). The Lord Jesus said, “The scriptures cannot be broken” (John 10:35). If God makes a promise, it shall be done 100%. We can trust in his promises as found in the canonized Bible, not just any bible. So whatever problems (or storms) in life, that comes our way, we will just cling to our faith in God, trusting that in the end, we shall be victorious in Jesus’ name. Thus, the Bible tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28 NIV). God has a noble purpose for us believers behind all things that happen.

The Bible tells a story about Jesus Christ and his disciples experiencing an actual storm. In the King James version, which theologians agree as a translation nearest to the Greek original of the New Testament, this is the story:

^22 “Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

²³ But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

²⁴ And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

²⁵ And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:22-25 KJV)

Notice that Jesus Christ was in the ship and as they traveled, he fell asleep signifying that he was truly human. Then there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and the ship was filled with water and was in danger of being shipwrecked. The disciples awoke Jesus telling him “Master, Master, we perish.” Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and the raging water; and the wind and the raging water ceased, and there was a calm, signifying that he is Lord over nature, or that he is also truly a divine being.

With Jesus Christ with us as we go on our life’s travel to eternity, when danger or misfortune afflicts us, we need only to call on God (Jesus Christ in person) by faith to save us from the danger confronting us, and we shall be delivered. That is how ALL powerful our God is. But we must BELIEVE and have Jesus Christ with us and we must have FULL faith in Him, even if it is as small as a mustard seed (the smallest seed in the world). He alone can provide deliverance from any and all storms of life or danger that will come along our way. “For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). What is impossible with men is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). What is needed? The Bible answers it. Jesus Christ asked his disciples. Where is your faith? We only need FAITH in God (Jesus Christ in person). Faith in the truth of his promise, “I’ll never leave you nor forsake you.” I will add: whatever happens, don’t forsake your faith in God. Call Him and Trust Him with all your heart.

Going Through The Storms Of Life

The storms happen once in a while, but sometimes one after another in succession. These real storms are devastating both in the physical and material world and so with spiritual storms. No one wants a storm, but we have no choice, it will come to us one day and in any day. It comes often when we least expect it.

We must remember always that it is written, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1 KJV). There is no exception to this Scriptural truth! This is an exception to the adage, “In every rule there is an exception”. If you have not yet experienced any trouble or storm of life, wait till one comes your path. This is what I have learned by experience. “Experience is the best teacher.” The Answer? Christ (God) is the answer. Don’t forsake your faith in God, when spiritual storms will cross your path. Trust in God that behind the clouds the sun is still shining.

The foregoing considerations as background, we have to be prepared always, so that when the storm in our life strikes us, we can endure, come what may, like in the case of Job of Bible times. To recall, Job’s storm caused the loss of his ten children; the loss of his wealth and treasures on earth; caused him indescribable pain and discomfort due to the boils that afflicted him from the crown of his head to the sole of his feet. The situation for Job was terrible and beyond description in words. Yet, the Bible tells us: “This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned (avoided) evil” (Job 1:1).

Why did God allow the sufferings of Job? Simple: To test the faith of Job in God.

The wife of Job was not symphathetic to the deplorable situation of Job. On the contrary, she said to him, “Are you still holding on to your integrity (faith in God)? Curse God and die!”. How pathetic for Job. His own wife instead of encouraging him, unwittingly expressed her wish for Job to die! (Job 2:9 NIV), rather than see him suffer.

The reaction of Job to the storm of his life and his patience toward his wife’s attitude is worth emulating. He said, “you are talking like a foolish woman, shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10 NIV). The Bible tells us, “Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart.

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised!”

Imagine the faith of Job in God, that in spite of his misfortune and physical sufferings, he showed patience and still praised the LORD! And the Bible concludes this chapter in the life of Job by saying: “In all this, Job did not sin by charging (or blaming) God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:20-22 NIV). In the end, the Bible tells us, “The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first; His material wealth doubled. He had also seven sons and three daughters… Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job’s daughters… After this (tragedy). Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. And so he died, old and full of years” (Job 42:12-16 NIV).

Do we see the picture of Job? Despite his misfortune and physical and emotional sufferings without equal in human experience, he still worshipped God, and his faith in God remained steadfast and the same. This merited the inclusion of his unique story in the Bible for inspiration of, and for all generations to emulate.

Thus, the Bible on the Chapter on faith says: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Heb. 11:6 NIV).

God knows what is happening and what is being done to our life from day to day and moment by moment. He had promised, “I’ll never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). So, don’t lose faith or hope, no matter what happens to us during the storms of life. Instead, continue to earnestly seek God, for whatever He promised as reward for the faithful to the end shall be fulfilled in our lives. The best is yet to come!

Children Are Heritage From The Lord God

 This is a sequel to my last article published in our July 19, 2014 issue.

Looking back half a century ago, I worked very hard leaving no stone unturned in my studies, especially in my quest to become a lawyer, hoping that a fulfillment of my dream will make me successful and joyful, as I have observed from my lawyer-boss, the late Atty. Leopoldo M. Abellera, the classmate in the University of the Philippines College of Law of our late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, and who was awarded the accolade “Lawyer of the Year” in Davao City. Pres. Marcos graduated at the top of his class and passed the bar exam in 1939, the year I was born, as number one, obtaining the highest recorded general average up to this day of 98%.

My boss, out of his diligence and industry, toiling day and night, was able to build a lucrative law practice; organize the Rizal Memorial Colleges in Davao City, one of the leading school of learning specially in law education during those yesteryears, and where I graduated my law degree as valedictorian in 1962.

As the Secretary-Stenographer-Typist of my late boss, I observed that he was very diligent in the practice of his profession. He would be in his office usually at 7:30 A.M., will break for lunch at a little past 12:00 noon, back to office again 1:30 P.M., and go home normally beyond office hours in the evening, especially if he had to prepare briefs and other pleadings to be filed in court, as there are deadline for filing of pleadings in his numerous cases. He became my “idol”, so to speak, that when I became a lawyer, I tried to follow his footsteps, believing then, as I did not know the Scriptures, that is the way to be successful in life!

In Psalm 27, authored by King Solomon, the wisest of all men that no one is wiser before and after him, the Bible tells us:

“Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

¹ Unless the Lord builds the house,
    its builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchmen stand guard in vain.
² In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
    for he grants sleep to those he loves.

³ Sons are a heritage from the Lord,
    children a reward from him.
⁴ Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are sons born in one’s youth.
⁵ Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their enemies in the gate.”

I will focus on what the Bible says, “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, - children a reward from him” (vs. 3 NIV). In the King James version (KJV) which theologians say is a translation nearest to the Hebrew original in which the Old Testament was written, this is how the verse is expressed: “Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD; and the fruit of the womb is his reward”.

In the book of proverbs, authored by Solomon, this is what the wise King said: “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Prov. 22:6 NIV). In KJV it is expressed this way: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

I was privileged to head the Thompson Christian School in Davao City as its President and Chairman of the Board for several years, which was established way back in 1959. All our four children are alumni of this modest Christian School. Susan became a lawyer garnering the 9^th place in the 1991 bar exam; Bienvenido, Jr. garnered the 12^th place in the Mechanical Engineering Board Exam and who also became a lawyer, graduating as cum laude from the Ateneo De Davao Law School; Neil, an Electrical Engineer and who became likewise a lawyer with a grade of 86% in the bar examination; and Vilma a Registered Nurse (R.N.), with postgraduate course in Nursing in the U.S.A., as Nurse Practitioner (NP), who is now working in a hospital at California, U.S.A. The NP is significant because the NPs could prescribe medicines to patients like Doctors of Medicine (MD). In the U.S.A. by the way, unlike in the Philippines, no one can buy even a Cortal (tablet for headache) unless there is a prescription by a physician or NP.

The first one to respond, among our children, during my family’s misfortune of being a fire victim last early dawn of July 6, 2014, was our daughter Susan who occupies the basement of our burned house. Perhaps noticing my agony, physical and emotional suffering at the moment, she brought me without delay to the Davao Doctors Hospital, only a few meters, away from our home. Praise God, after three hours in the emergency room, the medical result was, I did not suffer a heart attack, so I was released. The second to respond was our son Neil. He gave me several underwear. The third one to respond was my Junior who is in Chicago, U.S.A. He promised to bring to the Philippines in August what I lost in the fire which were my usual blood pressure monitor gadget, and much more. The last but not the least was our daughter Vilma who sent immediately $2,000 to meet our immediate needs and who purposely came home to the Philippines from U.S.A. bringing with her two pairs of shoes for me, and my usual vitamins from U.S.A. to keep me healthy and strong.

Lest I be misunderstood, I relate these incidents not to brag, for I have been devastatingly humbled already, but rather to demonstrate the truth of Psalm 127 that children are a heritage and reward from the Lord. “Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:5).

Heritage is likened to an inheritance. When someone inherits something, it is a blessing - from the LORD God. We feel very good and are joyful. In my case except for the sentimental value of the properties that were burned, the immediate response of our children and my associates in the law office, friends in Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship, from the Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the automatic response of our Pastor in seeing me in the hospital and the short prayer, were more than enough Christian gesture to make me joyful in spite of the misfortune that I suffered.

Though I suffered devastation both material and physical as well as emotional beyond description in words, yet I am joyful because our children responded immediately to our immediate needs. Being trained in the way they should go, they have responded properly in our time of need. Praise God for children, when properly trained in the ways of the Lord, they are God-given and great blessing, help and inspiration to move on in time of our need.